Numbers 7 51

Numbers 7:51 kjv

One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

Numbers 7:51 nkjv

one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb in its first year, as a burnt offering;

Numbers 7:51 niv

one young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering;

Numbers 7:51 esv

one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;

Numbers 7:51 nlt

He brought a young bull, a ram, and a one-year-old male lamb for a burnt offering,

Numbers 7 verses

Numbers 7 51 Meaning

Numbers 7:51 meticulously records the specific contribution made by Abidan, the son of Gideoni, who served as the prince (leader) of the tribe of Benjamin. This offering occurred on the ninth day of the twelve-day dedication ceremony for the Tabernacle and its altar. This detail underscores God's meticulous instructions for worship and the faithful, organized adherence of Israel's leadership in fulfilling their divinely assigned roles in establishing the central place of worship for the newly formed nation.

Numbers 7 51 Context

This verse is part of Numbers chapter 7, which meticulously details the dedication of the Tabernacle following its completion and anointing. After receiving explicit divine instructions, Moses recorded the offerings brought by each of the twelve tribal leaders. This process occurred over twelve consecutive days, with each leader bringing the exact same set of valuable gifts: one silver charger, one silver bowl, one gold spoon, a specific bullock, a ram, a lamb for burnt offerings, a goat for a sin offering, and two oxen, five rams, five he goats, and five lambs for peace offerings. Numbers 7:51 specifically marks the contribution from Abidan of Benjamin on the ninth day of this solemn ceremony.

The historical context places this event in the wilderness period, shortly after the Exodus from Egypt and the establishment of the covenant at Mount Sinai. The Tabernacle served as God's mobile dwelling place among His people, symbolizing His presence and providing the designated site for worship, sacrifice, and divine communication. The detailed recording of each offering highlights the immense importance God placed on the precise execution of His commands concerning worship and the active participation of all tribal units, through their leaders, in the establishment of His dwelling place. This also reflects the structured and organized nature of the newly formed nation under divine law, a stark contrast to chaotic pagan rituals.

Numbers 7 51 Word analysis

• On the ninth day: This specifies the precise timing of the offering within the twelve-day dedication period. It highlights God's demand for order, scheduled worship, and a clear record of events. The progression of days emphasizes completeness and sustained devotion.
• Abidan (אֲבִידָן, 'Avidan'): The personal name meaning "My father is judge" or "Father of judgment." In a patriarchal society, the name could convey parental authority or a reliance on divine justice. It signifies the individual representative of his tribe.
• the son of Gideoni (גִּדְעֹנִי, Gidoniy): A patronymic, linking Abidan to his father's lineage. "Gideoni" likely means "feller" or "hewer," perhaps suggesting strength or military prowess within the family line. This confirms his identity and hereditary standing, lending legitimacy to his leadership role as prescribed in the patriarchal system.
• prince (נָשִׂיא, nasi): This term designates a tribal chief or leader. A 'nasi' was "one lifted up" or "an exalted one," implying someone holding authority and responsibility within their tribe. They served as divinely appointed representatives and played crucial roles in both civil and religious matters of the community, as seen in their function during the census and their presentation of these dedication gifts. Their elevated status ensured the entire tribe was officially represented.
• of the children of Benjamin: Identifies the specific tribal affiliation of Abidan. "Children of Benjamin" (B'nei Binyamin) refers to the descendants of Benjamin, Jacob's youngest son, whose name means "son of my right hand" (often associated with strength and favor). Benjamin's tribe was strategically located later, bordering Judah. Their inclusion in this precise dedication highlights the equal importance of each of the twelve tribes in God's covenant with Israel.
• offered: The verb implies bringing forth a gift or presentation, especially in a sacred or religious context. In this instance, it is a deliberate act of worship and dedication, part of a set of prescribed items for the Tabernacle's inauguration. It emphasizes their obedient participation and generous provision.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "On the ninth day Abidan... offered": This phrase highlights the precise record-keeping nature of God's interaction with His people. Every detail, down to the specific day and person, is meticulously documented. It underscores the concept of divine order and the accountability of those participating in sacred duties. It also signifies that worship and contribution should not be arbitrary but ordered and accounted for.
• "Abidan the son of Gideoni, prince of the children of Benjamin": This full title underscores Abidan's identity, lineage, and official position. It authenticates his right to represent the entire tribe of Benjamin in this crucial act of national worship. It demonstrates the importance of established authority and tribal unity within the Mosaic system, reinforcing the idea that this offering was not a private act but a corporate one on behalf of his people.

Numbers 7 51 Bonus section

The repetitive nature of Numbers 7 often strikes modern readers as tedious. However, within the ancient Near Eastern context, such detailed lists served several vital functions: as legal documentation, as a historical record of significant national events, and as a powerful demonstration of the collective and unanimous commitment of the entire nation to their God and His newly established Tabernacle. This thorough recording validates each tribe's participation, confirming their acceptance of and adherence to the Mosaic covenant. Furthermore, the symmetry in the offerings, rather than variety, points to a singular standard of worship and the unifying presence of God among all twelve distinct tribes, ensuring no tribe felt marginalized. This account laid a foundational blueprint for communal worship and organized spiritual life within Israel.

Numbers 7 51 Commentary

Numbers 7:51, though seemingly a simple record of a leader's name and tribe on a specific day, embodies profound theological truths. It is a snapshot within an extended account demonstrating God's meticulousness, the structured nature of His covenant relationship with Israel, and the communal aspect of worship. The repetition in this chapter (each prince offering identical gifts) is not redundant but emphasizes the completeness of the dedication, the equal standing of all tribes before God, and the unified commitment of the nation. It highlights that God values not only the act of giving but also the order, obedience, and identity of those who give. This verse reminds us that true worship is not chaotic but conducted according to divine guidelines, with every part playing its intended role in God's grand design for His dwelling place and His people. It points to a God who cares about every detail of the offerings brought to Him and about the people bringing them.

• Example for practical usage: Just as Abidan, as a recognized leader, brought a prescribed offering on behalf of his tribe, so too in a Christian context, leaders within the church are called to steward resources and guide congregants in contributing to the mission of God, ensuring generosity and order in acts of worship and service.