Numbers 7 50

Numbers 7:50 kjv

One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

Numbers 7:50 nkjv

one gold pan of ten shekels, full of incense;

Numbers 7:50 niv

one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense;

Numbers 7:50 esv

one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of incense;

Numbers 7:50 nlt

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

Numbers 7 verses

Numbers 7 50 Meaning

Numbers 7:50 details a specific part of the offerings brought by the leader of the tribe of Manasseh during the dedication of the tabernacle. It describes a single golden dish, weighing ten shekels, and filled with incense. This verse, part of a repetitive account of offerings from twelve tribal leaders, signifies the uniform and consecrated contributions made to establish the tabernacle's operational worship, underscoring the sacredness of the space and the objects used within it for communion with God.

Numbers 7 50 Context

Numbers chapter 7 describes the comprehensive dedication of the Tabernacle and its associated articles, which Moses completed on the first day of the first month of the second year after the Exodus (Num 7:1). Following the anointing of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, the tribal leaders of Israel, starting with Nahshon from Judah on day one, presented offerings over twelve successive days. Each leader brought an identical set of valuable gifts: wagons and oxen for transport of the Tabernacle components, and specific items for priestly service. Numbers 7:50 specifically records part of the offerings from Gamaliel, son of Pedahzur, the leader of the tribe of Manasseh, whose offering was made on the eighth day. The uniformity of the gifts from all twelve tribes (e.g., this golden dish full of incense) emphasizes the unity of the nation in worship, their communal commitment to God's dwelling among them, and the systematic provision for its holy functions. This was a critical moment for establishing the pattern of Israelite worship centered around the Tabernacle as God's prescribed dwelling place.

Numbers 7 50 Word analysis

• one (אֶחָד - echad): This emphasizes singularity. Each tribal leader brought one of these dishes, indicating that each contribution was complete and distinct, yet identical to the others. It speaks to both the individual responsibility and the collective unity of the tribes in worship. Echad implies unique perfection for each, despite being a recurring item.
• golden (זָהָב - zahav): "Gold" in the Bible signifies purity, preciousness, durability, royalty, and divinity. Gold was extensively used in the Tabernacle's most holy components, reinforcing its sacredness and the glory of the God worshipped there. This choice of material underscored the high value placed on worship and the holiness of the offering.
• dish (כַף - kaph): Literally "palm" or "hand," here contextually refers to a small pan or censer, shaped perhaps like a hand, used for burning or holding incense. The kaph was specifically for a sacred purpose within the Tabernacle, unlike common dishes.
• of ten (עֲשָׂרָה - asarah): "Ten" often represents completeness or order in the Bible (e.g., Ten Commandments). Here, it refers to the weight, suggesting a precise, divinely ordained quantity, not arbitrary.
• shekels (שֶׁקֶל - sheqel): A unit of weight, not a coin, in ancient Israel. A "shekel of the sanctuary" was the standard. The precise weight specified here signifies exactness and obedience to God's standard, illustrating that the Lord demands not just valuable offerings, but ones that adhere to His divine specifications. It prevents subjective valuation and underscores the objective value set by God.
• full (מְלֵאָה - mele'ah): Indicates abundance, completeness, and sufficiency. The dish was not partially filled, but fully laden, representing a wholehearted and complete offering.
• of incense (קְטֹרֶת - qetoreth): Refers to the consecrated aromatic gum-resins burned in the Tabernacle. Incense primarily symbolized the prayers of God's people ascending to Him (Psa 141:2, Rev 5:8, Rev 8:3-4). It was also crucial for making atonement (Num 16:47-48) and consecrating holy spaces (Exod 30:36). This specific, divinely prescribed "holy incense" (Exod 30:34-38) underscored the distinct and holy nature of Israelite worship. Its unauthorized use was severely punished, highlighting its sanctity (Lev 10:1-2).

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "one golden dish": This phrase emphasizes both the unity and the purity of the offering. "One" signifies uniformity across all tribes' contributions. "Golden" elevates the object to sacred status, aligning with the divine presence in the Tabernacle. It speaks of the excellence expected in service to the Lord.
• "of ten shekels": This precise weight denotes meticulous adherence to God's instructions. It reflects God's demand for order, accuracy, and intentionality in worship, in contrast to arbitrary pagan offerings. It highlights the measured, perfect design of God's sanctuary.
• "full of incense": This phrase speaks to the spiritual essence of the offering. "Full" indicates generosity and wholeheartedness. "Incense" is a powerful symbol of ascending prayers and worship, pointing to the essential purpose of the Tabernacle as a place for God's people to commune with Him. It connects the physical gift to its profound spiritual meaning: the worship and intercession of Israel before their God.

Numbers 7 50 Bonus section

The repetitive listing of the same items from each tribal leader in Numbers 7 might seem tedious to a modern reader. However, its theological significance is immense. The repetition serves several crucial purposes:

• Divine Precision and Obedience: It underscores that God's instructions for the Tabernacle and its services were to be followed exactly. There was no room for individual variation or interpretation regarding the core items for the sanctuary's dedication. This teaches the importance of strict adherence to God's word in worship.
• Unity in Worship: By bringing identical offerings, each tribe, despite their unique heritage and size, affirmed their common identity as God's chosen people and their shared commitment to His covenant. It visualized the idea that all Israel, as one body, came before the Lord.
• Completeness of Dedication: The offerings for all twelve tribes ensured that every aspect of the Tabernacle and its priesthood was provided for and consecrated. This ritual completion symbolized the full establishment of God's dwelling place among His people.
• Valuation of the Tabernacle Service: The consistent high value and specificity of each item (like the golden dish) highlight the preciousness and solemnity of worshipping God and serving Him in His holy habitation. It teaches that nothing less than our best and most precise offering is fitting for Him.

Numbers 7 50 Commentary

Numbers 7:50, while seemingly a simple descriptive line in a long list of identical offerings, is profound in its concise representation of several key spiritual truths. The golden dish itself signifies the intrinsic value and sacred nature of all that is presented to the Almighty; it is of the highest earthly quality for the Holiest being. Its precise weight, ten shekels, speaks to God's order, expectation of obedience to divine standards, and the value He places on careful, deliberate worship rather than casual contribution. This teaches that true worship is not arbitrary but conducted according to divine prescription, requiring diligence and integrity in all things offered to Him. Finally, being full of incense points directly to the purpose of worship—prayer, praise, and intercession. As the aroma of incense rose, so too did the prayers and devotion of the people. This specific detail foreshadows Christ, who as our Great High Priest (Heb 4:14-16) offers up the perfect incense of His intercession and has provided access to God's very presence, making all our imperfect, but faithful, "incense" acceptable. The identical nature of this specific gift across all twelve tribes reinforces the unity and common purpose of God's people in corporate worship.