Numbers 7 23

Numbers 7:23 kjv

And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Nethaneel the son of Zuar.

Numbers 7:23 nkjv

and as the sacrifice of peace offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs in their first year. This was the offering of Nethanel the son of Zuar.

Numbers 7:23 niv

and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs a year old to be sacrificed as a fellowship offering. This was the offering of Nethanel son of Zuar.

Numbers 7:23 esv

and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Nethanel the son of Zuar.

Numbers 7:23 nlt

For a peace offering he brought two bulls, five rams, five male goats, and five one-year-old male lambs. This was the offering brought by Nethanel son of Zuar.

Numbers 7 verses

Numbers 7 23 Meaning

Numbers 7:23 details specific components of the grain offering presented by Nahshon, the leader of the tribe of Judah, for the dedication of the Tabernacle. It describes "one silver bowl weighing one hundred and thirty shekels" and "one silver basin weighing seventy shekels," both filled with the finest quality flour meticulously mixed with oil. These items represented a substantial material contribution, offered precisely according to the sacred standard of the "shekel of the sanctuary," signifying Israel's adherence to God's exact requirements for worship and their dedication of their best to the Lord.

Numbers 7 23 Context

Numbers chapter 7 details the comprehensive dedication of the newly constructed Tabernacle. After its erection and anointing as commanded by the Lord, each of the twelve tribal leaders presents a uniform, significant offering over successive days. Verse 23 specifically describes part of the offering of Nahshon, the leader of Judah, on the first day. This verse is structurally identical to the descriptions of offerings presented by all subsequent tribal leaders (Num 7:29, 35, 41, 47, 53, 59, 65, 71, 77, 83). The repetition emphasizes the unified obedience, equal contribution, and shared worship from all tribes toward the one God and His dwelling place. Historically, this event took place in the wilderness of Sinai, following the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt and receiving the Law. It signifies the establishment of Yahweh as the central focus of their national and spiritual life, with meticulous attention paid to divine instructions for sacred space and worship.

Numbers 7 23 Word analysis

• one silver bowl (קַעֲרַת כֶּסֶף - qaʿăraṯ keseph):
  • Qaʿarah (קַעֲרָה): A bowl or platter, likely a deeper vessel, perhaps for mixing the flour and oil, or serving. The specific shape suggests its practical use in ritual.
  • Keseph (כֶּסֶף): Silver, a precious metal indicating significant value, purity, and honor given to God. It was a common medium for monetary exchange and valuable items in the ancient Near East.
• weighing one hundred and thirty shekels:
  • Mishqal (מִשְׁקַל): Weight. This precision highlights the exactness required in divine worship and indicates a substantial amount of silver, demonstrating lavish generosity and the wealth of the tribe dedicated to God.
  • One shekel typically approximated 11-13 grams. Thus, 130 shekels would be about 1.4-1.7 kilograms of silver.
• one silver basin (מִזְרָק אֶחָד כֶּסֶף - mizraq echad keseph):
  • Mizraq (מִזְרָק): A basin or bowl, typically a broader, shallower vessel than a qaʿarah. In sacrificial contexts, these were often used for collecting or sprinkling blood (though here for grain), suggesting a role in the sacred presentation. Its distinct name from 'bowl' implies a specific, perhaps different, ritual function.
• weighing seventy shekels: Another specific weight, indicative of a different volume or purpose for this particular vessel, still valuable and precisely measured. Approximately 0.77-0.91 kilograms of silver.
• according to the shekel of the sanctuary (בְּשֶׁקֶל הַקֹּדֶשׁ - bəšeqel haqōḏeš):
  • Shekel HaQodesh (שֶׁקֶל הַקֹּדֶשׁ): The "holy shekel" or "standard sanctuary shekel." This critical phrase refers to an authoritative, unchanging standard of weight maintained within the Tabernacle (or Temple). It underscored integrity, honesty, and divine purity in all transactions related to sacred things. It contrasted with variable, often fraudulent, commercial weights outside the sanctuary, establishing God's demand for unblemished truthfulness in offerings. This standard emphasized divine order and justice in a world often marked by deception in trade.
• both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil (שְׁנֵיהֶם מְלֵאִים סֹלֶת בְּלוּלָה בַּשֶּׁמֶן - šenêhem mĕlêʾîm sōleṯ bĕlûlāh baššemen):
  • Meleʾim (מְלֵאִים): "Full." The vessels were not partially filled, but completely, signifying wholeness and abundant generosity in the offering.
  • Soleth (סֹלֶת): "Fine flour," the choicest, most refined flour available, symbolizing the absolute best and most valuable part of one's harvest given to God. It signifies quality and devotion.
  • Belulah baššemen (בְּלוּלָה בַּשֶּׁמֶן): "Mixed with oil." Oil (shemen) in the Old Testament is often associated with anointing, consecration, purification, gladness, and sustenance. Its presence in grain offerings often signified an act of setting apart, gladness, or a representation of the anointing Spirit in broader biblical theology. The mixing suggests complete integration, indicating a wholehearted and infused offering.
• as a grain offering (מִנְחָה - minchah):
  • Minchah (מִנְחָה): This is a non-bloody offering, typically from produce of the land. It acknowledged God's sovereignty, generosity as provider, and covenant fellowship. While sometimes part of a sin offering, here in a dedicatory context, it primarily represents thanksgiving, praise, and a covenant tribute or freewill offering of sustenance and devotion. It underscores dependence on God for life's necessities.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "one silver bowl weighing one hundred and thirty shekels, one silver basin weighing seventy shekels": These two distinct vessels, with precise and different weights, highlight the varied yet specific instruments required for Tabernacle worship. They demonstrate the tribal leader's willingness to provide valuable, meticulously measured assets for God's service, distinguishing functions within sacred ritual.
• "according to the shekel of the sanctuary": This phrase functions as a divine seal of approval, ensuring the integrity and authenticity of the offering. It reflects God's unchanging standard for righteousness and fairness, counteracting any human tendency towards deceit or approximation in matters of worship. It's a statement against commercial dishonesty permeating pagan cultures.
• "both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering": This entire phrase encapsulates the substance and purpose of the offering. "Full" denotes complete devotion. "Fine flour mixed with oil" points to the best resources provided and perhaps the anointing or blessing associated with the offering, signifying a consecrated and life-giving sacrifice. Its classification as a "grain offering" situates it within the system of prescribed worship acts, emphasizing reliance on God's provision.

Numbers 7 23 Bonus Section

• Symbolism of Silver: In various parts of the Bible, silver is associated with redemption and atonement. For example, the half-shekel temple tax was specifically paid in "sanctuary shekels" of silver for atonement (Exo 30:11-16). While not directly an atonement offering here, its substantial use in these vessels for worship resonates with a theme of value and redemption associated with divine service.
• The Repetitive Nature: The verbatim repetition of Numbers 7:23 (and its surrounding context of the silver, gold, and animal offerings) for all twelve tribes (verses 17, 23, 29, 35, 41, 47, 53, 59, 65, 71, 77, 83) is a unique literary feature. It emphasizes unity in purpose, equality among the tribes (despite their diverse identities and sizes), and strict adherence to divine command. It suggests that obedience, even in its precise detail, is beautiful in God's eyes and worth recounting fully.
• Value of the Offering: The total silver from all twelve tribes amounted to 2,400 shekels in plates and bowls, plus the two wagons and twelve oxen. This signifies an enormous corporate wealth dedicated to the Lord, demonstrating Israel's commitment to covenant and God's abundant blessing upon them that enabled such generosity.
• Beyond Material Sacrifice: While a physical offering, the text subtly points to the spiritual devotion behind it. The fullness of the vessels ("full of fine flour") can symbolize the fullness of the heart offered to God, not just a portion. This anticipates New Testament teaching where spiritual sacrifices are offered from a willing heart.

Numbers 7 23 Commentary

Numbers 7:23 is not merely a dry record of materials but a snapshot of profound theological and spiritual truths within Israel's worship. The meticulous detail concerning weight, material, quality, and measurement standard reveals God's expectation of absolute excellence and integrity in offerings. The "silver bowl" and "silver basin" represent precious and consecrated instruments for worship, reflecting the high value placed on the Tabernacle's service. The use of the "shekel of the sanctuary" underscores the divine standard for righteousness and truth, a polemic against the corrupt commercial practices common in the ancient world; it signified that God’s measure for true worship was immutable and beyond human manipulation. "Fine flour mixed with oil" represents giving God the best, signifying the consecration, gladness, and abundance God desires from His people. As a "grain offering," it highlights dependency on God's provision and expresses gratitude for His sustenance, a bloodless act of devotion acknowledging His sovereignty. Ultimately, this verse, repeated twelve times, teaches that true worship involves unity, precision, costly giving, and a deep reverence for God’s perfect standards.

Practical examples:

• Giving Our Best: Just as "fine flour" was offered, believers are called to give their best in time, talent, and resources for God's kingdom, not merely what is convenient or leftover (Rom 12:1).
• Integrity in Service: The "shekel of the sanctuary" emphasizes the necessity of integrity and honesty in all aspects of our service and stewardship before God, reflecting His perfect character (Prov 11:1).
• Spirit-Filled Dedication: The "oil mixed with fine flour" can metaphorically represent our spiritual offerings (service, worship) being empowered and permeated by the Holy Spirit (Eph 5:2; 1 Pet 2:5).