Numbers 7 36

Numbers 7:36 kjv

On the fifth day Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai, prince of the children of Simeon, did offer:

Numbers 7:36 nkjv

On the fifth day Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai, leader of the children of Simeon, presented an offering.

Numbers 7:36 niv

On the fifth day Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai, the leader of the people of Simeon, brought his offering.

Numbers 7:36 esv

On the fifth day Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai, the chief of the people of Simeon:

Numbers 7:36 nlt

On the fifth day Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai, leader of the tribe of Simeon, presented his offering.

Numbers 7 verses

Numbers 7 36 Meaning

Numbers 7:36 details the offering brought by Elizur, the prince of the tribe of Reuben, on the fifth day of the twelve-day dedication ceremony for the newly constructed Tabernacle. It signifies the active and structured participation of each tribal leader in establishing a communal worship life focused on God's dwelling place. The offering was a required and comprehensive set of items, demonstrating the obedience, dedication, and unity of the Israelites as they sought to honor the Lord and sanctify His sanctuary according to His commands.

Numbers 7 36 Context

Numbers chapter 7 details the dedication of the Tabernacle by the twelve tribes of Israel, following its completion and the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests (Exod 40; Lev 8-9). This chapter describes twelve identical offerings, each presented by a different tribal prince on successive days. These offerings were distinct from the initial collective offering of six covered carts and twelve oxen given for the Levites' service (Num 7:1-9). The daily offerings, including Elizur's, comprised a silver plate, a silver basin, a gold pan, a young bull, a ram, a male lamb (for burnt offering), a male goat (for sin offering), and two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs (for peace offerings). The purpose was to sanctify the altar and underscore each tribe's commitment to the established system of worship in the presence of God among them, prior to their continued journey through the wilderness.

Numbers 7 36 Word analysis

• On the fifth day:
  • Signifies order and sequential participation in a meticulously planned divine ceremony. Each day highlighted a distinct tribal contribution.
  • This demonstrates divine providence and detailed instructions for Israel's structured worship.
• Elizur: (אֱלִיצוּר, ’Ěliytṣūr)
  • Meaning: "My God is a Rock" or "God is my Rock."
  • Significance: His name itself is a declaration of faith, common among Israelite leaders. It underscores trust in God's steadfastness and power, setting an example for his tribe and linking individual identity with divine character.
• the son of Shedeur: (שְׁדֵיאוּר, Shᵉḏeʼûr)
  • Meaning: "Light of the Almighty" or "Almighty is Light."
  • Significance: Continues the theme of divine attributes in personal names, often reflecting the hope or circumstances of the parents. This lineage reinforces the identity and background of the prince.
• prince: (נָשִׂיא, nasi)
  • Meaning: Leader, chief, or exalted one. In the context of the tribal system, a nasi was a respected head representing his clan or tribe.
  • Significance: Elizur acted as the designated representative of the entire tribe of Reuben. His offering was not merely personal but a corporate act of worship and commitment on behalf of all the "children of Reuben." This highlights the importance of leadership in religious duties and community responsibility.
• of the children of Reuben:
  • Refers to the tribe descended from Reuben, Jacob's firstborn son.
  • Significance: While Reuben lost his birthright due to his actions (Gen 35:22; 49:3-4), his tribe still holds a prominent position by being the firstborn tribe mentioned here and participating fully in the Tabernacle dedication. Their participation signifies that despite past failures or loss of status, all of Israel's tribes, as covenant people, were required to dedicate themselves to Yahweh.
• offered: (נָשָׂא, nasa)
  • Meaning: "Lifted up," "bore," "presented." Implies bringing something forward as a gift or tribute.
  • Significance: This word emphasizes the voluntary yet dutiful act of presenting a gift to God, specifically an act of worship or propitiation. It is not coerced, but a solemn and intentional presentation.
• his offering: (קָרְבָּן, qorban)
  • Meaning: A gift or something "brought near" to God; a sacrifice or oblation.
  • Significance: A generic term encompassing the specified array of sacrificial animals and meal offerings. The singular term here denotes the entire collective presentation for the dedication of the altar. It points to a formal act of worship in accordance with God's law for the newly consecrated sanctuary.

Numbers 7 36 Bonus section

The pervasive repetition of identical offerings across the twelve days in Numbers 7 serves several crucial purposes beyond mere reporting. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the unity and equality of all tribes before God; no single tribe or offering was considered superior or more accepted than another. All were equally vital to the comprehensive dedication. Secondly, this repetition highlights the precision and strict adherence to divine command required for Israelite worship. There was no room for individual variation in the foundational act of dedication. Lastly, the cumulative weight and value of these twelve offerings (summarized in Num 7:84-88) illustrate the magnificent generosity and corporate devotion of the entire nation in honoring God's presence among them, setting a precedent for communal sacrifice and service.

Numbers 7 36 Commentary

Numbers 7:36, within the grand dedication narrative, emphasizes the methodical and orderly worship of God established through the Tabernacle. It showcases the uniformity of divine command and the equal commitment expected from all tribal leaders, each presenting an identical, substantial offering on behalf of their people. Despite Reuben's historical loss of preeminence, his prince's participation underscores God's inclusion of all covenant tribes in worship. The specific, detailed offerings reveal Israel's obedience to God's exact prescriptions for holiness and atonement. It represents a profound corporate act of acknowledging God's dwelling among them, ensuring ritual purity and setting a standard for their journey. Practically, it exemplifies dedicated leadership, communal responsibility in worship, and the beauty of order in spiritual matters.