Numbers 7 32

Numbers 7:32 kjv

One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

Numbers 7:32 nkjv

one gold pan of ten shekels, full of incense;

Numbers 7:32 niv

one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense;

Numbers 7:32 esv

one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of incense;

Numbers 7:32 nlt

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

Numbers 7 verses

Numbers 7 32 Meaning

Numbers 7:32 describes a specific component of the dedication offerings brought by the tribal leaders for the newly erected tabernacle. This verse details the offering of Gamaliel, son of Pedahzur, the leader of the tribe of Manasseh on the seventh day. It specifies a gold pan weighing ten shekels, completely full of incense. This element represents a precious, specific, and abundant offering dedicated to God, signifying an act of worship, purity, and prayer, consistent with the sacred rituals prescribed for the wilderness tabernacle.

Numbers 7 32 Context

Numbers chapter 7 provides an extensive and highly detailed account of the offerings presented by the leaders of each of the twelve tribes of Israel for the dedication of the tabernacle. Following its construction and anointing, and the anointing of the altar and all its articles (Num 7:1), these offerings mark the official inauguration of Israel's central place of worship. Each day for twelve days, a different tribal leader brings an identical set of valuable gifts, demonstrating tribal unity in their devotion to God. Numbers 7:32 specifically describes the contribution made on the seventh day by Gamaliel, son of Pedahzur, who represented the tribe of Manasseh. The meticulous detailing of each item and its precise measurement emphasizes the holy and orderly nature of Israelite worship, highlighting obedience to God's precise instructions for His dwelling place among His people in the wilderness.

Numbers 7 32 Word analysis

• One (Hebrew: אֶחָד - echad): Emphasizes a singular, prescribed item. It is not an arbitrary number but part of a specific inventory requested for the tabernacle's dedication, demonstrating uniformity across all tribal offerings. This 'one' highlights that each tribal leader offered the same type of specific pan, emphasizing a standard and shared act of worship.

• gold (Hebrew: זָהָב - zahav): This precious metal is extensively used throughout the tabernacle's construction and furnishings (Ex 25-28, 30). Its purity, incorruptibility, and high value symbolize God's holiness, His divine nature, and the immense worth placed upon His presence. Its use in worship implements signifies that only the most excellent and consecrated materials were suitable for serving the Lord.

• pan (Hebrew: כַּף - kaph): Literally means "palm of the hand," but contextually refers to a dish, bowl, or spoon, often translated as "censer" or "cup." Here, it denotes a specialized container used specifically for sacred purposes, designed to hold the holy incense. Its presence signifies the means by which a pleasing aroma is presented to God.

• of ten shekels (Hebrew: עֲשֶׂרֶת שְׁקָלִים - asereth shkalim): "Shekel" was a standard unit of weight (and later currency) in the ancient Near East. The specification of "ten shekels" provides an exact measurement of the pan's weight, indicating its substantial value and adherence to divine prescription. The number "ten" often symbolizes completeness or totality in biblical contexts (e.g., Ten Commandments, tithe), here signifying a full, complete measure of a valuable item for God.

• full (Hebrew: מְלֵאָה - mele'ah): Signifies not just containing, but completely filled to the brim. This denotes generosity, abundance, and wholeheartedness in the offering. It's not a token gesture but a full measure of what is commanded, illustrating devotion that holds nothing back.

• incense (Hebrew: קְטֹרֶת - qetoreth): This refers to a specific, carefully prepared aromatic spice mixture prescribed exclusively for use in the tabernacle (Ex 30:34-38), distinct from ordinary perfumes. It was burned on the golden altar of incense, producing a fragrant smoke. Biblically, incense symbolizes:

  • Prayer: As its smoke ascended to God, it became a visual metaphor for the ascent of the saints' prayers (Psa 141:2; Rev 5:8, 8:3-4).
  • God's Presence/Pleasure: Its sweet aroma was "a pleasing aroma to the Lord" (Lev 2:2, 9), signifying God's acceptance and delight in His people's worship.
  • Atonement/Intercession: In instances like Aaron's use of incense to make atonement and stop the plague (Num 16:46-47), it reveals its role in mediating God's mercy.
  • Holiness: Its strict prohibition for common use underscored its sacredness and the seriousness of approaching God.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "One gold pan of ten shekels": This phrase emphasizes the exceptional value and the specific nature of the vessel itself. It highlights that the container was not merely functional but inherently valuable and precisely weighted, demonstrating that every aspect of worship, down to the vessel holding the offering, must reflect dedication and be set apart as sacred.
  • "full of incense": This combination underscores the ultimate purpose and spiritual significance of the offering. The precious container's purpose is to carry a specific, consecrated offering – the holy incense. This signifies that true worship involves not only valuable possessions but also spiritual substance and wholehearted devotion, culminating in symbolic prayer ascending to God.

Numbers 7 32 Bonus section

• The repetition of this identical offering by all twelve tribes (Num 7:14, 20, 26, 32, 38, 44, 50, 56, 62, 68, 74, 80) serves to underscore the unity of Israel in their worship and obedience to God, despite their tribal distinctions. Each tribe participated equally and exactly in the tabernacle's dedication, demonstrating their collective commitment to the covenant.
• The fact that these are the first offerings for the newly dedicated Tabernacle emphasizes the priority of worship and consecrated service immediately upon the establishment of God's dwelling place among them.
• The use of a "pan" (kaph) for incense is often associated with a "censer," highlighting the priestly role of mediation and offering on behalf of the people. This links the material offering directly to a vital ritualistic act of approaching God.
• The offering of incense has prophetic implications. It is carried forward into heavenly visions in the New Testament (Revelation), where the prayers of the saints are presented to God like "golden bowls full of incense." This shows the enduring spiritual significance of prayer ascending to God as a pleasing aroma, mirroring the tabernacle practice.

Numbers 7 32 Commentary

Numbers 7:32, though a small part of a larger, highly repetitive chapter, carries significant weight in its meticulous detail. It reiterates that Gamaliel, leader of Manasseh, brought the same specified offerings as the leaders of the six tribes before him and those who would follow. The precise description of "one gold pan of ten shekels, full of incense" highlights several core tenets of Israelite worship and, by extension, biblical theology: Purity, Value, Specificity, Abundance, and Spiritual Significance. The gold signifies the unparalleled purity and worth of God and what is due to Him. The specific weight and quantity reflect God's exacting nature and the requirement for precise obedience in worship, rejecting any casual or half-hearted approach. Most profoundly, the "full of incense" component points to prayer, intercession, and God's desire for a pleasing "aroma" of worship and sincere devotion. This entire setup foreshadows Christ's perfect offering, the ultimate "fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" (Eph 5:2), and establishes a pattern where material gifts are intertwined with spiritual acts. It served as a reminder to the Israelites then, and to believers now, that genuine worship is deliberate, sacrificial, and wholly given to the Lord, reflecting His holiness and deserving of our finest.