Numbers 7 35

Numbers 7:35 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 Elizur the son of Shedeur.

Numbers 7:35 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 Elizur the son of Shedeur.

Numbers 7:35 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 Elizur son of Shedeur.

Numbers 7:35 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 Elizur the son of Shedeur.

Numbers 7:35 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 Elizur son of Shedeur.

Numbers 7 verses

Numbers 7 35 Meaning

This verse details a specific portion of the dedication offerings given by Elizur, the son of Shedeur, prince of the tribe of Reuben, for the newly erected Tabernacle. It specifically enumerates the animals contributed as a "sacrifice of peace offerings": two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, and five he-lambs of the first year. This precisely prescribed list reflects the uniformity, order, and complete commitment required in the worship and service of God, symbolizing fellowship and well-being with Him.

Numbers 7 35 Context

Numbers chapter 7 provides a detailed, day-by-day account of the offerings brought by the twelve tribal leaders for the dedication of the Tabernacle and its altar, following its completion and consecration (Ex 40). This protracted and repetitive narrative emphasizes the unified, costly, and orderly nature of Israel's worship, underscoring the obedience and generosity expected from God's people. Each leader presents identical contributions, ranging from carts and oxen for transporting the Tabernacle elements to a specific array of animals for burnt, grain, sin, and peace offerings. Verse 35 specifically details the peace offering presented on the fourth day by Elizur, prince of the tribe of Reuben. This offering was particularly significant as it symbolized fellowship and communion between God and His people, often involving a shared meal, signifying the re-establishment or continuation of their covenant relationship.

Numbers 7 35 Word analysis

• And for the sacrifice (וּלְזֶבַח - u-lezevach): "And for the slaughter/sacrifice of." Zevach (זֶבַח) refers to a ritual slaughter, distinguishing itself from ‘olah (burnt offering) by implying a shared meal. It signifies a dedicated presentation, acknowledging God's rightful claim and involving communion.

• of peace offerings (שְׁלָמִים - shelamim): Plural of shelem (שֶׁלֶם), derived from shalom (שָׁלוֹם), meaning "peace, completeness, well-being, wholeness, harmony." These offerings represent a fellowship or communion with God, often given as thanksgiving (Todah), a vow (Neder), or a freewill offering (Nedabah). Unlike sin offerings, shelamim are not primarily for atonement but for celebrating a restored or ongoing relationship.

• two oxen: Oxen were highly valuable, representing wealth, strength, and utility. Offering two indicates a significant contribution. They were large animals, suitable for a feast involving many participants as the peace offering allowed portions for the offerer and priests.

• five rams, five he goats, and five he lambs of the first year: The number "five" is repeatedly emphasized, appearing three times. In biblical numerology, five often symbolizes grace, divine power, or completeness concerning divine action. The inclusion of rams, he-goats, and young lambs shows adherence to specific animal classifications for different sacrificial aspects. "Of the first year" (בְּנֵי שָׁנָה - b'nei shanah) implies animals in their prime, without blemish, symbolizing purity and a choice sacrifice, highlighting the reverence for God (Ex 12:5).

• this was the offering (זֶה קָרְבַּן - zeh qorban): "This was the gift/presented item." Qorban (קָרְבַּן) is a general term for an offering, something brought near to God, emphasizing the act of bringing a dedicated gift as a means of approach to the divine (Lev 1:2). It underscores intentionality in worship.

• of Elizur the son of Shedeur (אֱלִיצוּר בֶּן שְׁדֵיאור - Elizur ben Shedeur): Elizur means "My God is a rock" or "God is my strength," while Shedeur means "Almighty is light." Elizur was the appointed leader (Nasi') of the tribe of Reuben (Num 1:5), emphasizing his representative capacity. His full name highlights personal accountability and identification with the sacred act, symbolizing his tribe's participation.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "And for the sacrifice of peace offerings": This phrase establishes the purpose and nature of the contribution—it's not for cleansing or sin primarily, but for expressing fellowship and receiving God's shalom. This type of sacrifice fostered communion and provided a communal meal, symbolizing joy and harmony in God's presence.
  • "two oxen, five rams, five he goats, and five he lambs of the first year": This precise enumeration of specific animals and quantities demonstrates divine prescription, uniformity among tribal leaders, and the value placed on obedience and excellence in worship. It contrasts with pagan worship, which might be chaotic or less ordered, highlighting the methodical and sacred nature of Israelite rites. The repetition of "five" signifies an abundant, divinely ordained supply for communal sharing and rejoicing.
  • "this was the offering of Elizur the son of Shedeur": This declaration underscores the personal responsibility of the tribal prince and by extension, his entire tribe, in participating in the Tabernacle's dedication. It affirms the exact fulfillment of God's command and emphasizes the importance of each individual or group bringing their appointed part in the corporate worship of God.

Numbers 7 35 Bonus section

• The Repetition of Num 7: The extended repetition of nearly identical offerings from each of the twelve tribal princes in Numbers 7 serves several critical theological and literary purposes: it emphasizes the absolute unity of the tribes in their devotion and obedience; it underscores the exhaustive and costly nature of dedicated worship; it highlights the divine requirement for specific, non-arbitrary sacrifices; and it demonstrates God's perfect memory and recognition of each individual contribution to His house. It’s not a literary flaw, but a deliberate emphasis.
• The Role of Peace Offerings: While burnt offerings (olah) emphasized atonement and sin offerings (chattat) covered purification, the peace offerings were uniquely tied to aspects of joy, thanksgiving, and fulfilled vows. They provided a context for a holy meal shared before God, demonstrating intimate fellowship and the goodness of the relationship between God and His people, celebrating God's provision and presence.
• Significance of "First Year": The specific detail that the lambs must be "of the first year" underscores the demand for young, vibrant, and unblemished animals. This requirement signifies purity, peak vitality, and costly sacrifice, pointing to the perfection required for sacred offerings and foreshadowing the spotless Lamb of God.
• Symbolism of Numbers: The constant "five" in the list of smaller animals might reflect the grace of God in the provision for the covenant community. Two oxen imply a full and balanced contribution for the oxen required. These numbers convey specific meanings beyond mere quantity within the biblical numerical framework.

Numbers 7 35 Commentary

Numbers 7:35 is part of a repetitive yet profound narrative highlighting Israel's meticulous obedience in dedicating the Tabernacle. Elizur's "peace offering" (חֶם shelamim) was not just a donation, but a precise act of worship intended to foster fellowship with God and fellow Israelites. The carefully enumerated animals—two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, and five he-lambs of the first year—symbolize the value placed on quality, completeness, and obedience to divine instruction. This act reflects the costly nature of worship and the structured order God required. The shared aspect of peace offerings further emphasizes the unity and communion established through these rituals. Ultimately, these offerings foreshadow the true and final "peace" accomplished through Jesus Christ, whose single perfect sacrifice brings eternal reconciliation and unbroken fellowship with God, surpassing all former animal sacrifices (Heb 9:11-14).