Numbers Chapter 7 — Offerings for the Tabernacle Dedication
The tribal leaders of Israel present offerings of wagons and oxen for the Levites' work, followed by twelve days of dedication gifts for the altar.
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Notable Verses
Numbers 7:9
“But to the sons of Kohath he gave none, because the service of the sanctuary belonged to them; they carried it on their shoulders.”
This verse explains the specific holy duties of the Kohathites regarding the most sacred items.
Numbers 7:89
“When Moses went into the Tent of Meeting to speak with the LORD, he heard his voice speaking to him from above the mercy seat that was on the ark of the Testimony, from between the two cherubim; and he spoke to him.”
This highlights the direct communication between God and Moses within the Tabernacle.
Chapter Summary
Numbers Chapter 7 records the dedication of the tabernacle and its altar after Moses finished setting them up. The leaders of the twelve tribes initially bring six wagons and twelve oxen to assist the Levites in transporting the sanctuary. Afterward, God instructs that each prince should present a dedication offering on a successive day. Over twelve days, each tribe brings an identical set of gifts, including silver platters, silver bowls, and golden ladles filled with incense, along with animals for burnt offerings, sin offerings, and peace offerings. The chapter meticulously lists each leader and their contribution, emphasizing the collective participation of all tribes. The account concludes with Moses entering the Tent of Meeting, where he hears the voice of the Lord speaking from between the cherubim on the mercy seat, signifying God's presence and communication with His people.
Frequently Asked Questions
The sons of Kohath were responsible for carrying the most holy items of the sanctuary. Because these items were to be carried on their shoulders rather than transported by wagon, Moses did not give them any of the oxen or wagons provided by the princes.
Each prince brought a silver platter, a silver bowl, and a golden ladle full of incense. They also provided animals for several types of sacrifices, including a young bull, a ram, and a male lamb for burnt offerings, a male goat for a sin offering, and various cattle and goats for peace offerings.
The dedication lasted for twelve days. Each day was designated for a specific prince from one of the twelve tribes of Israel to present his offering before the altar.
Study Note
This chapter is one of the longest in the Bible, using repetitive language to emphasize that every tribe's contribution was equally important and recognized by God.
Related Chapters
Exodus Chapter 40
Exodus 40 describes the initial setting up of the Tabernacle which precedes these offerings.
Leviticus Chapter 8
This chapter details the consecration of the priests and the altar mentioned here.
Numbers Chapter 8
The following chapter provides instructions for the lampstand and the Levites within the sanctuary.
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