Numbers 7 38

Numbers 7:38 kjv

One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

Numbers 7:38 nkjv

one gold pan of ten shekels, full of incense;

Numbers 7:38 niv

one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense;

Numbers 7:38 esv

one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of incense;

Numbers 7:38 nlt

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

Numbers 7 verses

Numbers 7 38 Meaning

Numbers 7:38 states that on the seventh day of the dedication of the Tabernacle, Pagiel, son of Ocran, who was the prince of the tribe of Asher, brought his prescribed offerings. This verse is part of a detailed account in Numbers chapter 7, which meticulously records the contributions of each tribal leader for the Tabernacle's inauguration. It emphasizes the orderly and comprehensive participation of all twelve tribes in establishing Israel's worship, with each leader presenting the exact same set of gifts.

Numbers 7 38 Context

Numbers chapter 7 details the dedication of the Tabernacle and its altar after its completion and anointing. Moses had just consecrated the Tabernacle and its furnishings (Num 7:1). This chapter describes the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel bringing identical offerings for the sanctuary's service. The gifts include wagons and oxen for transport, followed by a series of precise liturgical offerings (silver dishes, bowls, gold pans, animals for burnt offerings, sin offerings, and peace offerings) given daily, one tribe per day. Numbers 7:38 specifically details the seventh day's offering by Pagiel of Asher, following the same exact pattern as the preceding six days and those to follow. This prolonged, meticulous record emphasizes the completeness, order, and unanimous participation in worship according to God's precise instructions, highlighting the central importance of the Tabernacle to Israel's life.

Numbers 7 38 Word analysis

• On the seventh day: The Hebrew is "bayyom hashvi'i" (בַּיּוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי). The number "seven" (שֶׁבַע - sheva) is deeply significant in biblical thought, symbolizing completeness, perfection, and holiness, often associated with divine work or covenant. This choice of day for Asher's offering, being precisely the seventh in a series of twelve, emphasizes the ongoing, systematic nature of the dedication process, fitting within a divine numerical pattern.
• Pagiel: The Hebrew is "Pag'iyel" (פַּגְעִיאֵל). This is a personal name, meaning "Encounter of God," or "God has met/arranged." This name carries a spiritual significance, suggesting a divine encounter or arrangement in his life, and fittingly, he is involved in an act of communal worship with God.
• the son of Ocran: "Ben 'Okran" (בֶּן־עָכְרָן). This specifies his lineage, providing clear identification and establishing his place within the tribal structure. "Ocran" ('Okran - עָכְרָן) may mean "troubler" or "disturber," though the direct meaning of the father's name does not seem to carry specific theological weight in this context, it confirms his family identity.
• prince: The Hebrew is "nasi'" (נָשִׂיא). This term refers to a chieftain, leader, or head of a tribe. It signifies his authorized representative role for the tribe of Asher. The "nasi'" was not merely an influential figure but divinely appointed and recognized as a legitimate spokesperson and leader for their respective clan or tribe, underscoring the ordered hierarchy of Israel.
• of the children of Asher: "B'nei Asher" (בְּנֵי אָשֵׁר). "Children of Asher" denotes the entire tribe descending from Asher, one of Jacob's sons. The name "Asher" (אָשֵׁר - 'Asher) means "happy" or "blessed," from Leah's exclamation in Gen 30:13 when Zilpah bore him, "Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed." This signifies the tribe's identity and connection to its foundational patriarch.
• offered: The Hebrew is "qirev" (קִרֵּב), a Hiphil form of the root "qarab" (קָרַב), which means "to draw near," "to bring near," or "to present an offering." This verb emphasizes the act of approaching God with a gift. It signifies an intentional and authorized act of worship, involving the bringing of specific items into the consecrated space, underscoring the active participation in covenant relationship.

Words-group analysis

• Pagiel the son of Ocran, prince of the children of Asher: This entire phrase highlights the individual's specific identity and representative capacity. It indicates that the offerings were not haphazard or individualistic but came through the divinely ordained leadership structure. Each tribal offering, though identical in substance, was distinct in its presenter and the tribe it represented, symbolizing corporate unity in diverse identity before God. The emphasis on specific leadership is a subtle polemic against disorganized worship or attempts by unauthorized individuals to offer sacrifices.

Numbers 7 38 Bonus section

The repetitive nature of the offering records in Numbers 7, including the specific details for each tribal prince (Num 7:12-83), is not merely redundant. Instead, it serves a crucial rhetorical and theological purpose. This divine repetition emphasizes:

1. Completeness: Ensuring no tribe or day of dedication was overlooked, stressing thorough obedience.
2. Unity in Diversity: Although each prince came from a different tribe, their offerings were precisely identical, signifying their shared commitment to the Lord and a unified national identity under one God and one Law. This subtly challenged any notion of tribal superiority or unique privilege in God's eyes regarding basic worship.
3. Divine Order: The specific daily schedule for offerings reinforces the order and structure God expects in approaching Him. It wasn't an arbitrary decision by Moses or the princes but a divinely guided, methodical process.
4. Literary Fulfillment: The meticulous listing confirms that the commands concerning the Tabernacle and its service were faithfully executed, highlighting Israel's obedience to God's detailed instructions after significant wilderness struggles. This stands as a testament to their early covenant faithfulness following Sinai.

Numbers 7 38 Commentary

Numbers 7:38 encapsulates a critical moment in Israel's early worship, showcasing the meticulous obedience of the tribal leaders in contributing to the newly consecrated Tabernacle. The identical nature of all the offerings brought by each prince, including Pagiel of Asher, underscores profound theological points: God's impartiality towards His people, the unity of Israel despite tribal distinctions, and the consistent nature of an acceptable offering. This structured presentation highlights the importance of order in divine service and leadership responsibility in corporate worship. It demonstrates that worship is a communal endeavor, where each part contributes equally and consistently to the whole, according to God's precise stipulations.

Examples for practical usage:

• Unity in Worship: Just as each tribe, represented by its prince, offered the same gifts, modern congregations, though diverse in gifting, unite around core biblical worship.
• Faithful Giving: The precision and consistency of these offerings encourage Christians to give cheerfully and consistently towards the Lord's work, honoring His instructions.
• Leadership Responsibility: The "prince" model shows leaders have a key role in facilitating and embodying faithful corporate worship.