Numbers 7 63

Numbers 7:63 kjv

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

Numbers 7:63 nkjv

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

Numbers 7:63 niv

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

Numbers 7:63 esv

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

Numbers 7:63 nlt

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

Numbers 7 verses

Numbers 7 63 Meaning

Numbers 7:63 describes the specific contribution brought by Ahira, son of Enan, the leader of the tribe of Naphtali, on the tenth day of the dedication ceremony of the Tabernacle. It details a generous offering comprising a silver plate weighing one hundred and thirty shekels and a silver bowl of seventy shekels, both measured precisely according to the standard "shekel of the sanctuary." These vessels were filled with fine flour mixed with oil, designated as a grain offering. This verse is part of a repetitive record across Numbers 7, showcasing the identical, valuable, and consistent offerings from each tribal leader to consecrate the newly erected Tabernacle.

Numbers 7 63 Context

Numbers chapter 7 details the elaborate dedication ceremony of the newly completed Tabernacle and its altar. Following the instructions for the Tabernacle's construction and anointing (Exodus 40), each of the twelve tribal leaders brings identical offerings over twelve consecutive days. These gifts are not for atonement but for the operational needs and glory of the sanctuary, demonstrating Israel’s unified devotion and support for God's dwelling among them. The consistency of these extensive offerings underscores the spiritual equality of the tribes before God and their obedience to divine directives, as well as the substantial resources dedicated to the service of the Most High.

Numbers 7 63 Word analysis

• his offering (קָרְבָּנוֹ, qorbano): Derived from the Hebrew root qarab, meaning "to draw near." An offering, a "qorban," is something brought near to God, symbolizing an act of worship, devotion, and communion. This highlights the intentional bringing of resources into God's presence.
• was one silver plate (קַעֲרַת־כֶּסֶף אַחַת, qa'arat-kesef aḥat): A "qa'arah" is a deep dish or bowl. "Kesef" means silver, a valuable and precious metal in ancient times, signifying the richness and high quality of the gift presented to the Lord. The specific quantity ("one") contributes to the detailed and orderly nature of the offerings.
• weighing a hundred and thirty shekels (שְׁלֹשִׁים וּמֵאָה שֶׁקֶל, sheloshim ume'ah sheqel): A shekel was a unit of weight, not a coin, in ancient Israel. 130 shekels of silver was a substantial weight (approximately 3.25 lbs or 1.47 kg based on a common shekel weight), indicating a very generous and significant offering from the leader on behalf of his tribe.
• one silver bowl (מִזְרָק אֶחָד כֶּסֶף, mizraq eḥad kesef): A "mizraq" refers to a sprinkling basin or bowl, typically used for collecting or applying liquids, especially blood in sacrificial rituals, or sometimes water/wine. Its inclusion suggests vessels necessary for various sanctuary rites, not just dry offerings. It's distinct from the `qa'arah`.
• of seventy shekels (שִׁבְעִים שֶׁקֶל, shiv'im sheqel): Another considerable weight of silver (approximately 1.75 lbs or 0.79 kg). The specific and exact weights prescribed (130 and 70) underscore meticulous adherence to divine instruction and the uniformity required of each leader.
• both according to the shekel of the sanctuary (בְּשֶׁקֶל הַקֹּדֶשׁ, besheqel haqqodesh): This critical phrase ensures accuracy and divine standard. The "shekel of the sanctuary" was the sacred, authoritative weight standard kept at the Tabernacle/Temple (Ex 30:13, 24). It signifies honesty, integrity, and strict adherence to God's unchangeable standards in matters of worship and commerce. It prevents false weights or diluted offerings, emphasizing that God requires precision and truthfulness in all aspects, especially worship.
• full of fine flour (מְלֵאָה סֹלֶת, mele'ah solet): "Solet" refers to the finest grade of flour, made from ground wheat, symbolizing purity, high quality, and the best available produce. Being "full" means a generous, abundant measure, not a meager or partial offering. This flour would serve as a core component of the grain offering.
• mixed with oil (בְלוּלָה בַשֶּׁמֶן, belulah bashemen): "Belulah" means mixed or mingled. Oil, usually olive oil, was a precious commodity used for anointing, illumination, and as a food staple. In offerings, oil often symbolizes the Holy Spirit, blessing, or consecration. Its inclusion signified a rich, consecrated offering to the Lord, essential for the grain offering as per Mosaic Law (Lev 2:1).
• for a grain offering (לְמִנְחָה, leminḥah): The "minḥah" (grain offering or meal offering) was a voluntary, bloodless offering, typically accompanying burnt offerings or offered independently. It symbolized dedication of one's livelihood, dependence on God for sustenance, gratitude for provisions, and recognition of God's sovereign care. Unlike sin offerings, it often signified peace and worship in good standing with God.

• Word Group Analysis:
  • "one silver plate... one silver bowl": The pairing of these specific vessels (qa'arah and mizraq) indicates a full complement of necessary utensils for diverse aspects of temple service, covering both solid and liquid offerings, suggesting completeness in dedication.
  • "weighing... shekels... shekel of the sanctuary": The repeated emphasis on specific weights and the sacred standard (shekel of the sanctuary) underscores the Israelite understanding of precise adherence to divine instruction. It means there was no cutting corners or approximation when dealing with God's service. This speaks to divine order and human responsibility.
  • "full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering": This entire phrase meticulously details the content and purpose of the offering. "Full" indicates generosity, "fine flour" and "oil" signify quality and preciousness, and "grain offering" identifies its type, highlighting the daily dependence on God's provision and the gratitude for sustenance. This collective detail exemplifies Israel's understanding that God deserves the best, prepared according to His prescribed standards.

Numbers 7 63 Bonus section

The repetitive nature of Numbers chapter 7, where the identical offering of each tribal leader is recorded in full, often causes readers to skip sections. However, this repetition itself holds profound theological significance. It powerfully emphasizes the unity of the twelve tribes in their worship, despite their individual identities and territories. It demonstrates that God's requirements are the same for all His people, from the least to the greatest leader, highlighting impartiality and equality before Him. The exhaustive enumeration also underscores the great value placed by God on these voluntary gifts, showing that every act of obedience and worship, even when consistent across many individuals, is noticed and recorded in His presence. This long and detailed account signifies the deep spiritual and material commitment involved in establishing the presence of God's sanctuary among His people, setting a standard for devotion and meticulous obedience.

Numbers 7 63 Commentary

Numbers 7:63 meticulously describes the tenth tribal leader’s contribution to the Tabernacle's dedication, reinforcing the collective and uniform generosity displayed by all. The precision in specifying quantities of precious silver and the composition of the grain offering (finest flour, oil) speaks volumes about the seriousness and reverence of the act. The inclusion of "the shekel of the sanctuary" highlights God’s demand for integrity and truth in worship; it ensures consistency and accountability, contrasting sharply with potentially fraudulent practices. This offering, though without blood, was vital, representing the consecration of sustenance, livelihood, and material blessings to God, underscoring gratitude and reliance. It emphasizes that acceptable worship is not only about grand sacrifices but also about diligent adherence to God's exact commands in seemingly small details. This dedication served to inaugurate regular Tabernacle worship and signifies the beginning of Israel's journey as a consecrated nation under God's explicit guidance.

• Practical usage: This verse reminds believers to approach their contributions to God's work, whether time, talent, or treasure, with precision, generosity, and the highest quality, ensuring it meets divine standards and is not offered grudgingly or in hypocrisy.