Numbers 7 37

Numbers 7:37 kjv

His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

Numbers 7:37 nkjv

His offering was one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering;

Numbers 7:37 niv

His offering was one silver plate weighing a hundred and thirty shekels and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with the finest flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering;

Numbers 7:37 esv

his offering was one silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering;

Numbers 7:37 nlt

His offering consisted of a silver platter weighing 3 1?4 pounds and a silver basin weighing 1 3?4 pounds (as measured by the weight of the sanctuary shekel). These were both filled with grain offerings of choice flour moistened with olive oil.

Numbers 7 verses

Numbers 7 37 Meaning

This verse details the specific offerings presented by Elisur, prince of Reuben, during the twelve-day dedication of the Tabernacle. It describes a single sin offering, which purifies from defilement, alongside multiple peace or fellowship offerings that symbolize communion, gratitude, and a reconciled relationship with God. The varied animals—oxen, rams, male goats, and year-old lambs—reflect a bountiful and holistic act of worship, demonstrating the leader's generous devotion and Israel's fidelity to their covenant with God.

Numbers 7 37 Context

Numbers chapter 7 recounts the specific offerings brought by each of the twelve tribal princes for the dedication of the Tabernacle. This occurs immediately after the Tabernacle's completion, erection, and the consecration of the Levitical priests (Num 7:1-9, drawing on Ex 40 and Lev 8-9). Each prince brought an identical set of gifts over twelve consecutive days, demonstrating national unity and shared commitment to the worship of God. Verse 37 specifically details the offerings presented by Elisur, son of Shedeur, the leader of the tribe of Reuben, on the fourth day. The repetition of these extensive and precise offerings underscores divine instruction, the Israelites' faithful obedience, and the generosity extended in devotion to God's dwelling place.

Numbers 7 37 Word analysis

• one male goat (שְׂעִיר-עִזִּים אֶחָד - se'ir-izzim echad):
  • Se'ir-izzim refers to a young, hairy male goat.
  • Echad means "one," indicating a single animal for a singular purpose.
  • Represents specific, necessary animal for atonement and cleansing of ritual impurity.
• for a sin offering (לְחַטָּאת - lechatta't):
  • Chatta't denotes "sin" and the "sin offering" itself.
  • Ritual act of purification for unintentional transgressions or defilements. Essential for maintaining holiness before God.
• and two oxen (וּשְׁנַיִם בָּקָר - u'shenayim baqar):
  • U'shenayim is "and two," marking a separate significant offering.
  • Baqar are cattle or oxen, substantial and valuable animals. Their inclusion signifies significant devotion and generosity.
• for a peace offering (לְשַׁלָּמִים - leshal'lamim):
  • Shelamim derives from shalom (peace, wholeness, completeness).
  • This offering symbolizes fellowship, reconciliation, gratitude, or fulfilled vows, fostering a harmonious relationship and shared meal with God.
• five rams (חֲמִשָּׁה אֵילִים - chamishshah eilim):
  • Chamishshah means "five," indicating an ample quantity, more than a bare minimum.
  • Eilim are mature male sheep, robust and valuable sacrificial animals.
• five male goats (חֲמִשָּׁה עַתּוּדִים - chamishshah attudim):
  • Attudim refers to fully grown male goats, distinguished from younger se'ir-izzim.
  • "Five" reinforces the theme of abundance and generosity in this portion.
• and five male lambs (וַחֲמִשָּׁה כְּבָשִׂים - vachamishshah kevasim):
  • Kevasim denotes young lambs.
  • The consistent use of "five" across different animal types underscores fullness and bountiful provision.
• a year old (בְּנֵי-שָׁנָה - b'nei-shanah):
  • Literally "sons of a year." This specific age denotes animals in their prime, without blemish, and perfectly fit for sacrifice to God.
• for a sacrifice of fellowship offering (לְזֶבַח הַשְּׁלָמִים - leze'vach hashelamim):
  • Zevach is a general term for an animal sacrifice.
  • Hashelamim emphasizes these particular animals as forming the larger portion of the peace/fellowship offerings. This highlights the extensive nature of the communal celebration.
• This was the offering (זֶה קָרְבַּן - zeh qorban):
  • Zeh is "this," specifically identifying the previously listed items.
  • Qorban (from qarab, "to draw near") is a general term for any gift presented to God, symbolizing the worshiper's desire to approach the Divine.
• of Elisur son of Shedeur (אֱלִיצוּר בֶּן-שְׁדֵיאוּר - Elitzur ben-Shedeiur):
  • Identifies the specific tribal leader, Elisur (meaning "My God is a rock/strength"), from the tribe of Reuben, and his father Shedeur (meaning "Almighty is light"). Personalization ensures tribal accountability and recognition for the unified worship.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "one male goat for a sin offering": This specific part of the offering directly addresses the need for atonement and purification. The singleness of the animal signifies that while multiple offerings were brought, each type had a distinct, singular purpose within the worship context. It was crucial for sanctifying the worshipers and the sacred space from any ritual impurity or unintentional sin that might prevent God's holy presence.
• "and two oxen for a peace offering": This substantial gift underscores the intent of deep reconciliation and communion. Two large animals for a peace offering suggest a robust desire for God's presence and an overflowing expression of gratitude and covenant faithfulness, initiating the communal aspect of the dedicatory sacrifice.
• "five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old for a sacrifice of fellowship offering": This substantial group of fifteen additional animals (five of each type, all prime, year-old) indicates overflowing generosity and underscores the comprehensive nature of the fellowship offering. This multitude speaks to a fervent desire for profound, joyful communion with God and demonstrates a commitment that went beyond minimum requirements. It points to a communal feast and a rich experience of God's shalom within the community.
• "This was the offering of Elisur son of Shedeur": This concluding statement personalizes the offering. Each tribal leader is named and his offering recorded, highlighting individual obedience and tribal responsibility. While the offerings were identical, this detail reinforces that the act of worship was a conscious, willing participation by each segment of the nation, reinforcing the unity of Israel in their dedication to God's Tabernacle.

Numbers 7 37 Bonus section

The meticulous recording of each tribal leader's identical offering throughout Numbers chapter 7 emphasizes the unity and equity among the tribes in their devotion to the LORD. It reflects God's ordered nature and His desire for corporate worship to be conducted with precision and intention. The sheer scale of the combined offerings over the twelve days, summarized in Num 7:88, underscores the immense cost and effort willingly expended by the community to honor God and support His Tabernacle. This act of national dedication established the Tabernacle as the central place of worship and the locus of God's presence, signifying a deep commitment to the covenant. The "five" of each type of animal in the fellowship offering also subtly suggests themes of grace and divine favor in their abundant expression of fellowship with God.

Numbers 7 37 Commentary

Numbers 7:37, within the broader context of chapter 7, vividly portrays Israel's dedication of the newly consecrated Tabernacle. The careful inclusion of a "sin offering," even amidst celebration, serves as a poignant reminder that sin and defilement necessitate atonement for humanity to dwell with a holy God. This offering paved the way for acceptable communion. The numerous "peace offerings"—the two oxen and the fifteen additional animals for fellowship—signify not only gratitude and thanksgiving but primarily emphasize communion (shalom). These sacrifices culminated in a shared sacred meal, symbolizing harmonious fellowship with God and unity within the community of Israel. The meticulous specification of animals by type and age ("a year old") underscores the divine demand for perfection and Israel's obedience in giving their very best to God, not just out of duty but out of devotion. This uniform generosity across all tribal leaders exemplified the unity of God's people in corporate worship and their collective commitment to God's dwelling presence among them, setting a pattern for corporate support and dedication to divine institutions under the Old Covenant.

• Practical usage:
  • The sin offering points us to constantly recognize our need for Christ's atoning sacrifice (Heb 9:26).
  • The peace offering invites us to continually seek deep fellowship with God and fellow believers, cherishing moments of communion and shared spiritual nourishment (1 Jn 1:7).
  • The structured, unified nature of these offerings encourages believers today to participate faithfully and generously in corporate worship and service, giving our "best" as a united body in Christ.