Numbers 7 47

Numbers 7:47 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 Eliasaph the son of Deuel.

Numbers 7:47 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 Eliasaph the son of Deuel.

Numbers 7:47 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 Eliasaph son of Deuel.

Numbers 7:47 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 Eliasaph the son of Deuel.

Numbers 7:47 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 Eliasaph son of Deuel.

Numbers 7 verses

Numbers 7 47 Meaning

Numbers 7:47 describes the specific contribution brought by the leader of the tribe of Dan, Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai, as part of the dedication ceremony for the Tabernacle. This verse details two silver vessels—a plate weighing one hundred and thirty shekels and a bowl of seventy shekels—along with their contents of fine flour mixed with oil, intended for a grain offering. The mention of "the shekel of the sanctuary" emphasizes the divine standard of measurement and the high value and precision required in worship. The precise detailing of each tribal leader's offering highlights their individual participation while reinforcing the collective obedience and unity in worshipping God with the highest quality of materials.

Numbers 7 47 Context

Numbers chapter 7 details the dedication of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, which had just been completed (Numbers 7:1). For twelve consecutive days, beginning on the day the Tabernacle was set up, each of the twelve tribal leaders (heads of the families of Israel) presented identical offerings. These elaborate offerings included costly materials like silver plates, silver bowls, gold dishes, animals for various sacrifices (burnt offerings, grain offerings, sin offerings, peace offerings), and sacrificial incense. The entire chapter, though repetitive, underscores the orderly, complete, and unified worship initiated by each tribe, signifying their full commitment and participation in the newly established covenant relationship with God at the heart of their camp. Verse 47 specifically details the offering of Ahiezer, leader of the tribe of Dan. This specific list of items was intended for the daily service and ceremonial use within the Tabernacle.

Numbers 7 47 Word analysis

• one: This recurring word throughout Numbers 7 (e.g., v. 45, 46, 48) emphasizes that each leader presented the same individual set of offerings. It highlights a principle of uniformity and equality in worship before God among the tribes, despite their distinct identities.
• silver plate: Hebrew: qə‘ārāh (קערה). A flat, shallow dish, perhaps like a charger or tray. Silver signifies purity, redemption (cf. Exod 30:16), and often denotes a precious but secondary material to gold (gold often representing deity or royalty, silver purity/redemption). The sheer weight of 130 shekels makes this an extremely valuable and substantial item.
• weighing a hundred and thirty shekels: This precise measurement indicates meticulous accounting and high value. A "shekel of the sanctuary" was a fixed standard of weight, heavier than a common shekel (approximately 11.4 grams common vs. 17.1 grams sanctuary). Thus, 130 shekels would represent about 2.22 kilograms (4.9 pounds) of silver—a substantial and costly offering. This highlights the value Israel placed on offerings to God, giving from their best and with precision.
• one silver bowl: Hebrew: mizrāq (מזרק). This refers to a large basin or bowl, typically used for sprinkling blood or holding liquids in priestly rituals (cf. Exod 27:3, Num 4:14 for sanctuary vessels). The distinction from "plate" suggests different ceremonial functions within the Tabernacle.
• of seventy shekels: While still very substantial, this weight is less than that of the plate (70 shekels = approx. 1.2 kg or 2.6 pounds of silver). The differing weights for the two silver vessels suggests their specific functions or perhaps the overall proportion intended by God.
• according to the shekel of the sanctuary: Hebrew: sheqel haqqodesh (שֶׁקֶל הַקֹּדֶשׁ). This phrase is crucial. It designates a specific, sacred, and divinely sanctioned standard of weight (Exod 30:13). Its inclusion here underlines that all temple measurements and offerings must adhere to God’s fixed, uncorrupted standards, ensuring integrity, preventing fraud (Deut 25:13-16), and reflecting divine order and holiness in all matters pertaining to His worship. It reinforces that divine affairs operate by a standard higher than human commerce.
• both of them: This refers to the silver plate and the silver bowl, emphasizing that they are offered together as a unified set for the grain offering.
• full of fine flour: Hebrew: solet (סֹלֶת). This specifies the finest quality of flour, sieved multiple times. In offerings, solet always denoted the very best, untainted, and most valuable part of the grain. It symbolizes purity, excellence, and the devotion of offering the firstfruits and the choicest of one's produce to God (Lev 2:1).
• mixed with oil: Oil in the Old Testament is often a symbol of consecration, anointing, light, and the presence of the Holy Spirit (e.g., anointing priests, kings, the Tabernacle). In the grain offering, it signified richness, dedication, and vital nourishment. The mixing suggests intimate incorporation and a consecrated presentation.
• for a grain offering: Hebrew: minchah (מנחה). This refers to a non-bloody offering made from agricultural produce (typically flour, oil, and frankincense, sometimes baked). Unlike burnt or sin offerings which focus on atonement, the minchah was typically a freewill offering expressing thanksgiving, devotion, honor, and allegiance to God. It represented the work of human hands, blessed by God, now given back to Him.

• "one silver plate weighing a hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels": This pair of valuable vessels, specifically silver, underlines the opulence and generosity of the offerings for the Tabernacle. It wasn't just about functionality; it was about honoring God with precious materials, signifying the supreme value of His presence among His people.
• "according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering": This phrase highlights the interconnected themes of precision, quality, and purpose. The offerings had to be exact (sanctuary shekel), of the highest grade (fine flour, mixed with oil), and presented for their intended sacred use (grain offering), reinforcing that God desires our best, offered with integrity and according to His divine specifications.

Numbers 7 47 Bonus section

The repetitive nature of Numbers chapter 7, where the identical offering is described for each of the twelve tribes (220 verses describing the same thing 12 times!), serves a crucial purpose beyond simply recording tribal contributions. This repetition underlines:

• Divine Order and Unity: It stresses the harmony and unified obedience of the entire nation, with each tribe having equal access and importance in presenting offerings to God. No tribe was singled out for a different or "superior" offering, ensuring equality before the Lord.
• Thoroughness and Emphasis: The sheer volume of detail highlights the momentous occasion of the Tabernacle's dedication, demonstrating the seriousness and precision with which God's dwelling place was consecrated. It was not a hasty affair but a well-orchestrated, consecrated effort.
• Instruction for Future Generations: The detailed record provides a pattern and precedent for future offerings and sacred practices, teaching future generations about the exactness and quality required in worship.
• Richness of Detail: For students of the Bible, this "tedious" detail is a treasure trove, confirming the precise nature of the Levitical law, the value system, and the practical implementation of worship in ancient Israel. The monetary and material value of these offerings was immense, indicating the collective wealth and sacrifice of the people towards their faith.

Numbers 7 47 Commentary

Numbers 7:47, typical of the meticulous record-keeping in this chapter, describes a specific portion of the dedication offering from a tribal leader. Far from being merely a mundane inventory, this verse carries profound theological weight. The silver plate and bowl, together weighing a significant amount of costly metal according to a precise sacred standard ("shekel of the sanctuary"), along with the highest quality of flour and oil, speak to the unreserved devotion and generosity required in approaching God. This offering of material wealth, produce, and adherence to exact standards emphasizes the Israelites' acknowledgment of God's holiness and worthiness to receive the very best. It signifies a collective act of covenant affirmation, recognizing God's authority over all aspects of life, including economic transactions and religious rituals. While these Old Covenant sacrifices prefigured Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice (Heb 10:1-14), they continually teach believers about presenting themselves and their resources wholly and faithfully to God as a pleasing spiritual offering (Rom 12:1). The emphasis on quality and integrity serves as an enduring call for sincerity and excellence in all forms of worship and service.