Numbers 7 84

Numbers 7:84 kjv

This was the dedication of the altar, in the day when it was anointed, by the princes of Israel: twelve chargers of silver, twelve silver bowls, twelve spoons of gold:

Numbers 7:84 nkjv

This was the dedication offering for the altar from the leaders of Israel, when it was anointed: twelve silver platters, twelve silver bowls, and twelve gold pans.

Numbers 7:84 niv

These were the offerings of the Israelite leaders for the dedication of the altar when it was anointed: twelve silver plates, twelve silver sprinkling bowls and twelve gold dishes.

Numbers 7:84 esv

This was the dedication offering for the altar on the day when it was anointed, from the chiefs of Israel: twelve silver plates, twelve silver basins, twelve golden dishes,

Numbers 7:84 nlt

So this was the dedication offering brought by the leaders of Israel at the time the altar was anointed: twelve silver platters, twelve silver basins, and twelve gold incense containers.

Numbers 7 verses

Numbers 7 84 Meaning

Numbers 7:84 summarizes the aggregate of the dedication offerings presented by the leaders of Israel for the altar after its anointing. It details the quantity and type of precious vessels – twelve silver plates, twelve silver basins, and twelve gold dishes – gifted by the twelve tribal leaders, emphasizing their collective contribution to the consecrated worship space.

Numbers 7 84 Context

Numbers 7:84 serves as a summary statement at the conclusion of an exceptionally long and detailed chapter. This chapter describes the offerings brought by the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel for the dedication of the Tabernacle and its various components, specifically focusing on the altar. The previous chapters (Num 1-6) deal with the census, the organization of the camp, the duties of the Levites, and various laws of ritual purity. Critically, before chapter 7 begins, the Tabernacle has already been completed, erected, and consecrated with anointing oil by Moses (Ex 40:1-33; Lev 8:10-11), and Aaron and his sons have been consecrated as priests (Lev 8:12-36). Thus, the offerings described in Numbers 7 are the response of the community, through its leaders, to God's established dwelling among them. The lengthy, repetitive format (describing identical offerings for each of the twelve days) underscores the unity, complete obedience, and systematic nature of worship desired by God. This specific verse (7:84) provides a cumulative total of the costlier cultic items donated for the altar's service by the leadership, setting it apart from other types of offerings, such as grains or animals mentioned elsewhere in the chapter.

Numbers 7 84 Word analysis

• This was: A transitional phrase, marking the commencement of a concluding summary or summation of the preceding, extensively detailed record of tribal offerings. It bridges the specific accounts with the overall aggregate.
• the dedication offering: From the Hebrew חֲנֻכַּת (khanukkat), meaning 'inauguration,' 'consecration,' or 'dedication.' This term signifies the official ceremony of setting apart something sacred for divine use. It emphasizes that these offerings were specifically for the sacred initiation of the altar into service for YHWH, marking its holy purpose. The same root is found in the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah, Jn 10:22).
• for the altar: From the Hebrew הַמִּזְבֵּחַ (hammizbeakh), meaning 'the place of sacrifice,' literally 'the slaughter-place.' The altar was the central point of Israelite worship, representing access to God, atonement for sin, and communion with Him through offerings. The focus on the altar signifies the importance of sacrificial worship in Israel's covenant relationship with God.
• from the leaders of Israel: From the Hebrew נְשִׂיאֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל (nesi'ei Yisra'el), meaning 'princes' or 'tribal heads of Israel.' These were the chosen representatives of the twelve tribes, emphasizing that the offerings came not from individuals but from the collective body of God's people, unified through their appointed leadership. Their participation highlighted shared responsibility and unity in worship.
• when it was anointed: From the Hebrew בְּהַמָּשַׁח (b'hamashakh), meaning 'when it was rubbed/smeared with oil' or 'by anointing.' Anointing with oil consecrated objects or persons for sacred service, signifying divine appointment, purification, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. In this context, it confirms the altar had already undergone ritual sanctification, making it fit for these dedication offerings. This act precedes the offerings, establishing the altar's holiness and readiness for use.
• twelve silver plates: These were likely large serving dishes (קְעָרֹת, qa'arot) for food offerings, possibly representing communion and the sustenance from God. The number twelve explicitly links each item to one of the twelve tribes, reinforcing the unity and complete participation. Silver, a precious metal, symbolizes purity and value.
• twelve silver basins: These (מִזְרָקִים, mizraqim) were vessels for collecting or sprinkling blood (used in sacrificial rites) or liquids. They were crucial for the ritual functions of the altar, representing atonement and the cleansing power of the sacrifices. Again, the number twelve underscores tribal representation.
• and twelve gold dishes: These (כַּפּוֹת, kappot) were smaller vessels, often described as pans or bowls for incense, oil, or coals, used in the immediate vicinity of the altar or within the Tabernacle. Gold, the most precious metal, symbolizes divine glory, permanence, and utmost reverence, reserved for the holiest elements of worship.

Words-group analysis:

• "This was the dedication offering... when it was anointed": This phrase succinctly summarizes the overarching theme of Numbers 7 – the sacred inauguration of the Tabernacle and altar, authorized by divine anointing, underscoring meticulous adherence to God's commands for proper worship.
• "from the leaders of Israel... twelve silver plates, twelve silver basins, and twelve gold dishes": This entire grouping emphasizes the unity and communal participation of all Israel through their representatives. The identical nature and quantity of the gifts highlight an ordered, prescribed worship where every tribe contributed equally and perfectly to God's glory, contrasting with potentially spontaneous or competitive pagan offerings. The generosity of leadership is evident in these precious metals.

Numbers 7 84 Bonus section

The extensive detail and repetition in Numbers chapter 7, which culminates in verse 84, serve a critical didactic purpose beyond simply listing gifts. It teaches the principle of thoroughness and complete obedience in approaching God's holy dwelling. In an ancient world prone to chaotic, individualistic, or polytheistic religious expressions, this precise, unified, and divinely mandated dedication to a single altar (YHWH's altar) constituted a clear polemic. It stressed that true worship is not arbitrary but divinely ordained, requiring the entire community's unified, obedient, and generous participation for proper functioning. The sheer quantity and value of the offerings reflect not only the wealth God had bestowed upon Israel but also their heartfelt response of devotion, acknowledging His dwelling among them.

Numbers 7 84 Commentary

Numbers 7:84 functions as a concluding summary, aggregating the most significant of the specific items offered during the grand dedication of the Tabernacle altar. This verse highlights the collective generosity, unity, and obedience of the Israelites, channeled through their tribal leaders. The dedication was not a haphazard affair but a meticulously organized act of worship, demonstrating Israel's readiness to live in covenant with God in the space He had ordained. The items themselves – silver plates, basins, and gold dishes – were costly, practical cultic implements, vital for the ongoing sacrificial service at the altar. Their uniform number of twelve symbolizes the complete and unified commitment of all twelve tribes to YHWH’s prescribed worship. This emphasis on precious materials and exact quantities foreshadows the beauty and orderliness of heavenly worship and subtly points towards the ultimate sacrifice and dedication of Christ, who, as the "anointed one," provided the true altar and the perfect offering for all time, making access to God possible for His unified people (Heb 13:10, Eph 4:4-6).