Numbers 7 20

Numbers 7:20 kjv

One spoon of gold of ten shekels, full of incense:

Numbers 7:20 nkjv

one gold pan of ten shekels, full of incense;

Numbers 7:20 niv

one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense;

Numbers 7:20 esv

one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of incense;

Numbers 7:20 nlt

He also brought a gold container weighing four ounces, which was filled with incense.

Numbers 7 verses

Numbers 7 20 Meaning

Numbers 7:20 details a specific part of the second day's dedication offering for the newly erected Tabernacle, presented by Nethanel, the son of Zuar, leader of the tribe of Issachar. The verse describes "one golden dish of ten shekels full of incense." This offering, consistent across all tribal leaders' daily presentations (with variations in some components), highlights the precise and abundant provision for the worship of Yahweh. It specifically pertains to the items associated with the sacred altar of incense, symbolizing purity, value, and the ascending prayers or communion with God.

Numbers 7 20 Context

Numbers chapter 7 provides a detailed account of the offerings brought by each of the twelve tribal leaders for the dedication of the Tabernacle, following its completion and anointing as described in Numbers 7:1. This extensive chapter showcases Israel's collective participation in establishing the divinely ordained worship system. Each day, for twelve consecutive days, a different leader presents an identical set of elaborate gifts, except for the sacrificial animals, which vary by tribe for their individual burnt, sin, and peace offerings. Numbers 7:20 is specifically part of the offering of Nethanel, the leader of Issachar, on the second day, following Nahshon's offering on the first day. The historical context is a pivotal moment in Israel's journey from Sinai, transitioning from receiving instructions to implementing the commands regarding God's dwelling place among them, signifying obedience and devotion to the covenant. The meticulous details underscore God's precision in worship requirements and the people's costly yet willing response.

Numbers 7 20 Word analysis

• One (אֶחָד - echad): Denotes singularity and uniqueness. In this context, it emphasizes the specific, singular nature of each item designated for God's service. It is not just "a dish" but "one" distinct and specific dish, highlighting the ordered and precise nature of the Tabernacle offerings, and by extension, all aspects of God's worship.
• golden (זָהָב - zahab): Gold symbolizes purity, divine glory, permanence, and immense value. As an incorruptible metal, its use in the Tabernacle's most sacred articles underscores their holy purpose and God's intrinsic holiness. All items dedicated to God, particularly those in His immediate presence, had to reflect this untainted, invaluable nature. This gold was likely provided by the people through freewill offerings (Exod 35:22).
• dish (כַּף - kaph): The Hebrew kaph literally means "palm" or "hand," and by extension, refers to a palm-shaped utensil, such as a bowl, pan, or spoon used for scooping or holding. In the context of incense, it signifies a vessel specifically designed for handling sacred substances in ritual worship. The choice of "dish" (ESV, NIV) or "spoon" (KJV) reflects the particular implement used for presenting or burning the incense.
• of ten shekels (עֲשָׂרָה שְׁקָלִים - asarâ shəqalim): Refers to the weight and thus the value of the golden dish itself, without the incense. A "shekel" was a standard unit of weight (and currency) in the ancient Near East, often specifically referring to the "shekel of the sanctuary" (Exod 30:13, Lev 27:25), which was heavier than common shekels. This precise measurement reinforces the exactness and preciousness demanded for Tabernacle service, emphasizing that nothing was arbitrarily done or of low value in God's presence.
• full (מְלֵאָה - məle'ah): Indicates abundance and completeness. The dish was not half-filled or sparingly supplied, but "full" of incense. This signifies the overflowing generosity required in offerings to God and implies an earnestness and completeness in worship, holding nothing back.
• incense (קְטֹרֶת - qetoret): This refers to the special blend of sweet spices prescribed by God (Exod 30:34-38), burned on the golden altar of incense. It produced a fragrant smoke symbolizing the prayers of the saints ascending to God (Psa 141:2, Rev 5:8, Rev 8:3-4) and creating a sweet aroma pleasing to Him. It was sacred, reserved solely for Yahweh's worship, with severe penalties for unauthorized use or replication (Exod 30:37-38).

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "One golden dish": Highlights the unity, singularity, and the highly precious, pure nature of the vessels used in divine service. The gold underscores that everything connected to God's dwelling place was of the highest value and integrity, reflecting His glory.
• "of ten shekels": Emphasizes precise measurement and quantifiable value. This detail, specified for the vessel itself, reinforces the costly commitment required for the Tabernacle service and God's precise instruction in all matters of worship. It speaks to order, divine standard, and worth.
• "full of incense": Connects the precious vessel with its sacred purpose: holding an abundant quantity of qetoret. This full measure of incense symbolizes unreserved and fervent prayer, worship, and devotion offered continuously to God, pleasing to Him as a sweet aroma. The completeness implies sincerity and wholeness in offering spiritual devotion.

Numbers 7 20 Bonus section

The repetitive nature of the offerings throughout Numbers chapter 7, where each leader brings the exact same specified items, reinforces God's consistent standard for worship and highlights the unity of the tribes in their devotion despite their individual leadership. Each gift, though physically costly, represents a spiritual truth: the gold signifies divine presence and value (akin to Christ's purity), while the incense points to prayer and acceptable spiritual devotion (as offered by Christ and His Church). The Tabernacle dedication through these offerings prefigures Christ's perfect offering and ministry (Heb 9), and also establishes a pattern for the church as a spiritual house offering spiritual sacrifices pleasing to God through Him (1 Pet 2:5). This kaph of incense can be seen as a shadow of the fullness of intercession made available to believers through the New Covenant.

Numbers 7 20 Commentary

Numbers 7:20 is not just a detailed inventory of items; it reveals profound truths about God, worship, and the Israelites' relationship with Him. The precise description of "one golden dish of ten shekels full of incense" reflects God's meticulousness regarding His worship. The use of pure gold speaks to the divine purity and immense value of all things dedicated to Yahweh. The "ten shekels" highlight the costly nature and strict measurements commanded for sacred articles, indicating that offerings to God must not be casual but carefully considered and weighty in value. The "full" amount of "incense," with its symbolic link to prayer, points to the unreserved, continuous, and abundant intercession and worship expected from God's people. This offering, though brought by one tribal leader, echoes the collective devotion of the entire community, all contributing identical vessels, signifying unity in their approach to God through costly, pure, and Spirit-filled worship, pleasing as a sweet aroma.