Numbers 7 87

Numbers 7:87 kjv

All the oxen for the burnt offering were twelve bullocks, the rams twelve, the lambs of the first year twelve, with their meat offering: and the kids of the goats for sin offering twelve.

Numbers 7:87 nkjv

All the oxen for the burnt offering were twelve young bulls, the rams twelve, the male lambs in their first year twelve, with their grain offering, and the kids of the goats as a sin offering twelve.

Numbers 7:87 niv

The total number of animals for the burnt offering came to twelve young bulls, twelve rams and twelve male lambs a year old, together with their grain offering. Twelve male goats were used for the sin offering.

Numbers 7:87 esv

all the cattle for the burnt offering twelve bulls, twelve rams, twelve male lambs a year old, with their grain offering; and twelve male goats for a sin offering;

Numbers 7:87 nlt

Twelve young bulls, twelve rams, and twelve one-year-old male lambs were donated for the burnt offerings, along with their prescribed grain offerings. Twelve male goats were brought for the sin offerings.

Numbers 7 verses

Numbers 7 87 Meaning

Numbers 7:87 is a concluding verse that summarizes the collective animal sacrifices contributed by the twelve tribal princes for the dedication of the Tabernacle. Specifically, it tallies the total animals offered as burnt offerings and sin offerings over the twelve days of dedication. The verse states that there were a total of twelve bulls, twelve rams, and twelve male lambs a year old (along with their accompanying grain offerings) for the burnt offering, and twelve male goats for the sin offering. This summarizes the identical contributions from each of the twelve tribal leaders (one of each animal type per prince) detailed individually in the preceding verses.

Numbers 7 87 Context

Numbers chapter 7 details the grand dedication ceremonies for the Tabernacle after its completion, construction, and anointing, as outlined in Exodus. From Numbers 7:1, the chapter describes a precise and elaborate ritual spanning twelve days. On each day, one of the tribal princes (heads of the tribes of Israel) came forward to present a dedicated set of offerings for the Tabernacle's service. Numbers 7:10-83 meticulously lists the identical gifts from each individual prince, showcasing their unity and obedience to God's instructions. Verse 87, along with verses 84-88, serves as a summary, compiling the total quantity of these gifts for all twelve tribes combined, specifying the type and number of animals dedicated for burnt offerings, grain offerings, and sin offerings, underscoring the cumulative devotion and immense scope of the national dedication to God and His dwelling place.

Numbers 7 87 Word analysis

• All: The Hebrew word for "all" (kol) emphasizes the cumulative nature of the offerings, indicating that this is the sum total from every one of the twelve tribal princes who participated. It highlights completeness and collective action.
• the oxen: The Hebrew ha-baqar (הַבָּקָר) refers generally to cattle or bovine animals. Here, it acts as a comprehensive category for the specific types of cattle listed subsequently (bulls) designated for sacrifice.
• for the burnt offering: Hebrew la-olah (לָעֹלָה). The olah (עֹלָה), derived from the root alah (עָלָה) meaning "to ascend," signifies a whole burnt offering. This sacrifice was entirely consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication, surrender, and atonement for general sins. It was an offering of sweet aroma to God, representing total devotion and worship.
• were twelve bulls: Hebrew sh'neim-asar parim (שְׁנֵים־עָשָׂר פָּרִים). Bulls (parim) were the largest and most valuable sacrificial animals, indicative of the great significance and cost of these dedicatory offerings. The number "twelve" is repeated for each category of animal, specifically linking each contribution to one of the twelve tribes/princes.
• twelve rams: Hebrew sh'neim-asar eilim (שְׁנֵים־עָשָׂר אֵילִים). Rams were male sheep, another significant and common type of sacrificial animal in the Israelite system.
• and twelve male lambs a year old: Hebrew u-sh'neim-asar k'vasim b'nei-shanah (וּשְׁנֵים־עָשָׂר כְּבָשִׂים בְּנֵי־שָׁנָה). "A year old" (b'nei-shanah) specifies the required age for the purity and prime condition of sacrificial animals, essential for an "unblemished" offering acceptable to God, as mandated in Levitical law (Lev 1:3).
• with their grain offerings: Hebrew minchatam (מִנְחָתָן). Minchah (מִנְחָה) refers to a non-animal offering, typically of fine flour, oil, and frankincense. Grain offerings often accompanied animal sacrifices (Num 15), symbolizing thankfulness, dependence on God for sustenance, and an act of tribute, complementing the devotion of the burnt offering.
• and twelve male goats: Hebrew u-sh'neim-asar se'irey izzim (וּשְׁנֵים־עָשָׂר שְׂעִירֵי עִזִּים). Male goats (se'irey izzim) were frequently designated as animals for sin offerings due to specific biblical instructions.
• for a sin offering: Hebrew l'chatat (לְחַטָּאת). The chattat (חַטָּאת), from the root chata (חָטָא) meaning "to miss the mark" or "to sin," was specifically an offering for atonement of unintentional sins and purification from ceremonial uncleanness. Its purpose was to cleanse, purge, and restore the covenant relationship between the individual or community and God, demonstrating the pervasive human need for divine forgiveness even in holy acts.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• All the oxen for the burnt offering: This phrase encapsulates the total, comprehensive provision of large animals specifically designated for complete dedication to God. It highlights the unified and sacrificial nature of the worship by the entire community of Israel through their leaders.
• twelve bulls, twelve rams, and twelve male lambs a year old: This group meticulously enumerates the types and quantities of animals for the olah. The repetition of "twelve" emphasizes that each of the twelve tribes equally participated by bringing one of each animal, underscoring national unity in worship and adherence to precise divine instructions for unblemished and high-value offerings.
• with their grain offerings: The inclusion of grain offerings shows that the dedicatory act encompassed both life (blood sacrifices) and sustenance (grain), representing a holistic offering of gratitude and dependence on God, acknowledging His provision for all aspects of life.
• and twelve male goats for a sin offering: This distinct category demonstrates that even during a moment of profound national dedication and worship, the recognition of sin was paramount. It signifies the ongoing human need for atonement and reconciliation with a holy God, acknowledging that even their best acts were offered by imperfect people.

Numbers 7 87 Bonus section

The scale of the offerings presented during the Tabernacle dedication, of which Numbers 7:87 is a part, signifies the substantial economic sacrifice involved for the emerging nation. These were not minor contributions but demonstrated the wealth and devotion of the leadership, impacting the resources of the tribes. This monumental undertaking also served as a powerful witness to surrounding nations, demonstrating Israel's singular devotion to their unique God, Yahweh, and distinguishing their orderly, covenantal worship from the chaotic or capricious rites of pagan cults. Furthermore, the persistent repetition of the number "twelve" throughout Numbers 7 serves not just as a tally, but as a symbolic reaffirmation of the identity and unity of Israel as God's chosen nation, founded upon the twelve tribes, all contributing equally to this sacred communal endeavor under divine mandate.

Numbers 7 87 Commentary

Numbers 7:87 succinctly tabulates the massive corporate sacrifice that culminated the dedication of the Tabernacle. This verse is not just a statistical summary but profoundly highlights several spiritual truths. First, it underscores the Israelite community's collective obedience and meticulous adherence to God's detailed commands concerning the Tabernacle and its services. The exact enumeration of forty-eight major animals (twelve of each type mentioned in this verse, for the specific offerings) plus countless other peace offerings, emphasizes the precision God expected in worship and the immense material devotion demonstrated by the tribal leaders. Second, the differentiation between "burnt offerings" and "sin offerings" reveals a theological depth: the former symbolizes complete dedication and propitiation to God, while the latter addresses the persistent need for atonement for sin, even within holy acts. This duality acknowledged both Israel's aspiration for perfect devotion and its reality of inherent sinfulness. Ultimately, this systematic and extensive sacrificial system, detailed so thoroughly in Numbers, points forward to the perfect and singular sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His offering was "once for all," transcending the limitations and repeated nature of animal sacrifices, perfectly fulfilling both dedication and atonement, leading believers into full communion with God without the need for endless repetitions.

• Practical Example 1: In corporate church worship today, individual offerings of time, talents, and finances contribute to the unified body of Christ, reflecting the "all" and "twelve" contributions.
• Practical Example 2: Understanding the dual purpose of offerings (dedication and atonement) helps believers appreciate that our worship (Romans 12:1) should reflect both our desire for wholehearted devotion to God and our humble recognition of our ongoing need for grace and Christ's atonement.