Bible Commentaries
Numbers 7

Introduction

Overview

Numbers 7:1, The offering of the princes at the dedication of the tabernacle; Numbers 7:10, Their several offerings at the dedication of the altar; Numbers 7:89, God speaks to Moses from the mercy seat.

Verse 1

had fully: Exodus 40:17-19

anointed it: Exodus 30:23-30, Leviticus 8:10, Leviticus 8:11, Leviticus 9:1-24

sanctified them: Genesis 2:3, Exodus 13:2, 1 Kings 8:64, Matthew 23:19

Reciprocal: Genesis 28:18 - poured Exodus 29:36 - anoint it Exodus 30:26 - General Exodus 40:2 - the first month Exodus 40:9 - the anointing oil Numbers 4:32 - the instruments Numbers 7:88 - that it was anointed

Verse 2

the princes: Numbers 1:4-16, Numbers 2:1-34, Numbers 10:1-36

and were over: etc. Heb. who stood

offered: Exodus 35:27, 1 Chronicles 29:6-8, 2 Chronicles 35:8, Ezra 2:68, Ezra 2:69, Nehemiah 7:70-72

Reciprocal: Leviticus 4:22 - a ruler hath sinned Numbers 1:16 - the renowned Numbers 10:4 - General Numbers 30:1 - General Numbers 31:51 - General 1 Chronicles 29:5 - General Ezra 6:17 - offered Proverbs 3:9 - General

Verse 3

covered wagons: The Hebrew egloth tzav, signifies "tilted wagons;" so LXX בלבמבע כבלנחםיךבע, with which the Coptic agrees. These were given for the more convenient exporting of the heavier parts of the tabernacle. Numbers 7:3

Reciprocal: Genesis 45:21 - wagons Exodus 25:2 - they Numbers 7:73 - General 1 Kings 8:1 - chief of the fathers 1 Chronicles 29:5 - General Ezra 2:68 - offered freely

Verse 4

Reciprocal: Numbers 7:73 - General

Verse 5

Take it: Exodus 25:1-11, Exodus 35:4-10, Psalms 16:2, Psalms 16:3, Isaiah 42:1-7, Isaiah 49:1-8, Ephesians 4:11-13, Titus 3:8

give them: i.e. distribute them among the Levites as they need them; giving most to those who have the heaviest burdens to bear.

Reciprocal: Numbers 4:25 - the curtains Numbers 7:73 - General Hebrews 13:10 - serve

Verse 6

Reciprocal: Numbers 10:17 - the sons

Verse 7

Two wagons: Numbers 3:25, Numbers 3:26, Numbers 4:24-28

sons of Gershon: The Gershonites being fewest in number of able men, had the less burdensome things to carry; for they carried only the curtains, coverings, and hangings - Numbers 4:25, Numbers 4:40. And although this was a cumbersome carriage, and they needed waggons, yet it was not a heavy one, and they needed few.

Verse 8

four wagons: Numbers 3:36, Numbers 3:37, Numbers 4:28-33

the sons: Though the Merarites were the most numerous, yet they had the greatest burden, namely, the boards, bars, pillars, and sockets, to carry - Numbers 4:31, Numbers 4:32, Numbers 4:48. Therefore they had double the number of waggons to what the Gershonites had assigned them.

Reciprocal: 1 Chronicles 6:47 - Merari

Verse 9

unto the: Because they had the charge of the ark, table, candlestick, altars, etc. - Numbers 4:4-15, which were to be carried upon their shoulders: for those sacred things must not be drawn by beasts.

because: Numbers 3:31, Numbers 4:4-16, 2 Samuel 6:6, 2 Samuel 6:13, 1 Chronicles 15:3, 1 Chronicles 15:13, 1 Chronicles 23:26

Reciprocal: Exodus 36:1 - for the service Numbers 4:15 - after that Numbers 4:31 - the charge Numbers 10:21 - the Kohathites 2 Samuel 6:3 - set 2 Samuel 15:24 - bearing 1 Chronicles 15:2 - None ought to 1 Chronicles 15:15 - bare the ark

Verse 10

princes: Every prince, or chief, offered in the behalf, and doubtless at the expense, of his whole tribe.

dedicating: Deuteronomy 20:5, 1 Kings 8:63, 2 Chronicles 7:5, 2 Chronicles 7:9, Ezra 6:16, Ezra 6:17, Nehemiah 12:27, Nehemiah 12:43, Psalms 30:1, *title John 10:22

Reciprocal: Exodus 30:26 - General Numbers 1:4 - General Numbers 1:16 - the renowned Numbers 7:73 - General Numbers 7:84 - the dedication Numbers 7:88 - that it was anointed 1 Chronicles 29:5 - General

Verse 11

1 Corinthians 14:33, 1 Corinthians 14:40, Colossians 2:5

Reciprocal: Numbers 8:1 - General 1 Kings 8:63 - dedicated

Verse 12

Numbers 1:7, Numbers 2:3, Numbers 10:14, Genesis 49:8, Genesis 49:10, Ruth 4:20, Matthew 1:4, Luke 3:32, Naasson

Reciprocal: Genesis 35:22 - Now the sons Numbers 7:19 - General Numbers 7:73 - General Judges 1:2 - General 1 Chronicles 2:10 - Nahshon 1 Chronicles 5:2 - Judah 1 Chronicles 27:3 - the chief

Verse 13

charger: Exodus 25:29, Exodus 37:16, 1 Kings 7:43, 1 Kings 7:45, 2 Kings 25:14, 2 Kings 25:15, Ezra 1:9, Ezra 1:10, Ezra 8:25, Jeremiah 52:19, Daniel 5:2, Zechariah 14:20, Matthew 14:8, Matthew 14:11

the shekel: Exodus 30:13, Leviticus 27:3, Leviticus 27:25

a meat offering: Leviticus 2:1

Reciprocal: Leviticus 5:11 - fine flour Numbers 7:31 - offering Numbers 7:37 - General Numbers 7:43 - offering Numbers 7:49 - General Numbers 7:55 - General Numbers 7:61 - General Numbers 7:67 - General Numbers 7:73 - General Numbers 7:79 - General Numbers 7:85 - after the shekel 2 Kings 12:13 - bowls 1 Chronicles 28:17 - the bowls Ezra 8:28 - the vessels Jeremiah 52:18 - the spoons Mark 6:25 - a charger

Verse 14

spoon: Numbers 4:7, Exodus 37:16, 1 Kings 7:50, 2 Kings 25:14, 2 Kings 25:15, 2 Chronicles 4:22, 2 Chronicles 24:14

incense: Exodus 30:7, Exodus 30:8, Exodus 30:34-38, Exodus 35:8

Reciprocal: 2 Kings 12:13 - bowls 1 Chronicles 28:17 - the bowls Jeremiah 52:18 - the spoons Matthew 2:11 - frankincense

Verse 15

Numbers 25:1-18, Numbers 28:1 - Numbers 29:40, Leviticus 1:1-17, Isaiah 53:4, Isaiah 53:10, Isaiah 53:11, Matthew 20:28, John 17:19, Romans 3:24-26, Romans 5:6-11, Romans 5:16-21, Romans 8:34, Romans 10:4, 1 Timothy 2:6, Titus 2:14, Hebrews 2:10, 1 Peter 1:18, 1 Peter 1:19, 1 Peter 2:24, 1 Peter 3:18

Reciprocal: 1 Chronicles 29:5 - General

Verse 16

Leviticus 4:23, Leviticus 4:25

Reciprocal: Exodus 29:14 - it is a

Verse 17

peace: Leviticus 3:1-17, 2 Corinthians 5:19-21

this was the offering: It is worthy of remark, that the different tribes are represented here as bringing their offerings precisely in the same order in which they encamped about the tabernacle - see Numbers 2:1, and Numbers 10:1, beginning at the East, then proceeding to the South, then to the West, and ending with the North, according to the course of the sun. Their order may be thus viewed:

Encampment / Offerings EAST 1. Judah - Nahshon 2. Issachar - Nathaneel 3. Zebulun - Eliab SOUTH 4. Reuben - Elizur 5. Simeon - Shelumiel 6. Gad - Eliasaph WEST 7. Ephraim - Elishama 8. Manasseh - Gamaliel 9. Benjamin - Abidan NORTH 10. Dan - Ahiezer 11. Asher - Pagiel 12. Naphtali - Ahira

Thus God evinces that he "is not the author of confusion, but of peace" - 1 Corinthians 14:33. It is also worthy of remark, that every tribe offers the same kind of offering, and in the same quantity, to shew, that as every tribe was equally indebted to God for its support, so each should testify an equal sense of obligation. Besides, the vessels were all sacrificial vessels, and the animals were all clean animals, such as were proper for sacrifices; and therefore everything was intended to point out, that the people were to be a holy people, fully dedicated to God, and that God was to dwell among them. Thus, as the priests, altar, etc. were anointed, and the tabernacle dedicated, so the people, by this offering, became consecrated to God. Therefore every act here was a religious act.

Reciprocal: Numbers 2:3 - Nahshon 1 Chronicles 2:10 - Nahshon Matthew 1:4 - Naasson

Verse 18

Numbers 1:8, Numbers 2:5

Reciprocal: Numbers 10:15 - General

Verse 19

Numbers 7:12-17

Reciprocal: Exodus 25:29 - the Leviticus 2:1 - fine flour Leviticus 5:11 - fine flour Ezra 1:9 - chargers of gold Jeremiah 52:18 - the spoons Zechariah 14:20 - the bowls Matthew 14:8 - a charger

Verse 20

Reciprocal: Jeremiah 52:18 - the spoons

Verse 21

Genesis 8:20, Romans 12:1, Ephesians 5:2

Verse 22

Reciprocal: Leviticus 4:23 - a kid

Verse 23

Leviticus 7:11-13, 1 Kings 8:63, Proverbs 7:14, Colossians 1:1

Reciprocal: Numbers 2:5 - General

Verse 24

Numbers 1:9, Numbers 2:7

Reciprocal: Numbers 10:16 - General

Verse 26

Reciprocal: Jeremiah 52:18 - the spoons

Verse 27

Psalms 50:8-14, Psalms 51:16, Isaiah 1:11, Jeremiah 7:22, Amos 5:22

Reciprocal: Ezra 8:35 - twelve bullocks

Verse 28

Reciprocal: Leviticus 4:23 - a kid

Verse 29

Reciprocal: Numbers 2:7 - General

Verse 30

Numbers 1:5, Numbers 2:10

Verse 31

offering: Numbers 7:13-89

charger: Kaârah, in Arabic, kâran, from kuâra, to be deep, a large deep dish or bowl. It appears by the metal of which this charger and bowl were made, that they were for the use of the altar of burnt offerings in the outer court; for all the vessels of the sanctuary were of gold. It was probably used for receiving the flesh of the sacrifices upon which the priests feasted, or the fine flour for the meat offerings.

Bowl: Mizrak, from zarak, to sprinkle, a bowl or bason, used in sprinkling the blood of the sacrifice - Exodus 27:21.

Reciprocal: Exodus 25:29 - the

Verse 32

spoon: Kaph, in Syriac, kaphtho, a pan or censer, on which the incense was put. Both the metal of which it was made, and that which it contained, shew that it was for the use of the golden altar in the sanctuary.

incense: Psalms 66:15, Malachi 1:11, Luke 1:10, Revelation 8:3

Reciprocal: Jeremiah 52:18 - the spoons

Verse 34

Reciprocal: Leviticus 4:23 - a kid

Verse 35

And for a sacrifice: These sacrifices were more numerous than the burnt offering or the sin offering; because the priests, the princes, and as many of the people as they invited, had a share of them, and feasted, with great rejoicing, before the Lord. This custom, as Mr. Shelden observes, seems to have been imitated by the heathen, who dedicated their altars, temples, statues, etc., with much ceremony.

Reciprocal: Numbers 2:10 - Elizur Numbers 10:18 - Elizur

Verse 36

Numbers 1:6, Numbers 2:12

Reciprocal: Numbers 10:19 - Simeon

Verse 37

Numbers 7:13-89

Verse 38

Reciprocal: Jeremiah 52:18 - the spoons

Verse 39

Exodus 12:5, John 1:29, Acts 8:32, 1 Peter 1:19, Revelation 5:6

Verse 41

Reciprocal: Numbers 2:12 - Shelumiel

Verse 42

Numbers 1:14, Numbers 2:14, Son of Reuel

Reciprocal: Numbers 10:20 - Eliasaph

Verse 43

offering: Numbers 7:13-89

mingled with oil: Leviticus 2:5, Leviticus 14:10, Hebrews 1:9, 1 John 2:27

Verse 44

Reciprocal: Jeremiah 52:18 - the spoons

Verse 45

Psalms 66:15, Isaiah 53:4, 2 Corinthians 5:21

Verse 47

Reciprocal: Numbers 2:14 - Eliasaph

Verse 48

On the seventh: Both Jewish and Christian writers have been surprised that this work of offering went forward on the seventh day - which they suppose to have been a sabbath as well as on the other days. But:

1. There is no absolute proof that this seventh day of offering was a sabbath.

2. Were it even so, could the people be better employed than in thus consecrating themselves and their services to the Lord?

We have already seen that every act was a religious act; and we may rest assured, that no day was too holy for the performance of such acts as are here recorded. Here it may be observed, that Moses has thought fit to set down distinctly, and at full length, the offerings of the princes of each tribe, though, as we have already observed, they were the very same, both in quantity and quality, that an honourable mention might be made of every one apart, and that none might think himself in the least neglected.

Elishama: Numbers 1:10, Numbers 2:18

Reciprocal: Genesis 48:20 - and he set Numbers 10:22 - Elishama

Verse 49

Numbers 7:13-89

Verse 50

Reciprocal: Jeremiah 52:18 - the spoons

Verse 51

Whether there were any prayers made for the gracious acceptance of the sacrifices which should be hereafter offered on the altar, we are not informed; but the sacrifices themselves were of the nature of supplications, and it is probable, that they who offered them, made humble petitions along with them.

Verse 53

Reciprocal: Numbers 2:18 - Elishama

Verse 54

Numbers 1:10, Numbers 2:20

Reciprocal: Genesis 48:20 - and he set Numbers 10:23 - Gamaliel

Verse 55

Numbers 7:13-89

Verse 56

Reciprocal: Jeremiah 52:18 - the spoons

Verse 59

Reciprocal: Numbers 2:20 - Gamaliel

Verse 60

Numbers 1:11, Numbers 2:22

Reciprocal: Numbers 10:24 - Abidan

Verse 61

Numbers 7:13-89

Verse 62

Psalms 112:2, Isaiah 66:20, Daniel 9:27, Romans 15:16, Philippians 4:18, Hebrews 13:15

Verse 65

Reciprocal: Numbers 2:22 - Abidan

Verse 66

On the tenth day: When the twelve days of the dedication commenced cannot be easily determined; but the computation of F. Scacchus seems highly probable. He supposes, that the tabernacle being erected the first day of the first month of the second year after the departure from Egypt, seven days were spent in the consecration of it, and the altar, etc.; and that on the eight day, Moses began to consecrate Aaron and his sons, which lasted seven days more. Then, on the fourteenth day of that month, was the feast day of unleavened bread; which God commanded to be observed in the first month - Numbers 9:1, and which lasted till the 22nd. The rest of the month, we may well suppose, was spent in giving, receiving, and delivering the laws contained in the book of Leviticus; after which, on the first day of the second month, Moses began to number the people, according to the command in the beginning of this book; which may be supposed to have lasted three days. On the fourth, the Levites were numbered; on the next day we may suppose they were offered to God, and given to the Priests; and on the sixth, they were expiated and consecrated, as we read in the following chapter. On the seventh day, their several charges were assigned them - Numbers 4:1, after which, he supposes the princes began to offer, on the eight day of the second month, for the dedication of the altar, which lasted till the nineteenth day inclusively; and on the twentieth day of this month, they removed from Sinai to the wilderness of Paran - Numbers 10:11, Numbers 10:12.

Ahiezer: Numbers 1:12, Numbers 2:25

Reciprocal: Numbers 10:25 - Ahiezer

Verse 67

Numbers 7:13-89

Verse 71

Reciprocal: Numbers 2:25 - Ahiezer

Verse 72

eleventh day: Dr. Adam Clarke remarks, that the Hebrew form of expression here, and in Numbers 7:78, has something curious in it; beyom âshtey âsar yom, "in the day, the first and tenth day;" beyom shenim âsar yom, "in the day, two and tenth day." But this is the idiom of the language; and to an original Hebrew, our almost anomalous words eleventh and twelfth, would appear as strange.

Pagiel: Numbers 1:13, Numbers 2:27

Reciprocal: Numbers 10:26 - Pagiel

Verse 73

Numbers 7:13-89, The oblations and sacrifices enumerated in vv.13-88 were simple and plain, though costly and magnificent. On this occasion we find there were offered 12 silver chargers, each weighing 130 shekels; 12 silver bowls, each 70 shekels; Numbers 7:12, golden spoons, each 10 shekels; making the total amount of silver vessels 2,400 shekels, and that of golden vessels, 120 shekels. A silver charger, at 130 shekels, reduced to troy weight, makes 75 oz. 9 dwts. 16, 8/31 gr.; and a silver bowl, at 70 shekels, amounts to 40 oz. 12 dwts. 21, 21/31 gr. The total weight of the 12 chargers is therefore 905 oz. 16 dwts. Numbers 7:3, Numbers 7:3 /31 gr.; and that of the 12 bowls, 487 oz. 14 dwts. 20; Numbers 7:4/31 gr.; making the total weight of silver vessels 1,393 oz. Numbers 7:10, dwts. 23, 7/31 gr. The golden spoons, allowing each to be Numbers 7:5, oz. 16 dwts. 3, 3/31 gr., amount to 69 oz. 3 dwts. 13, 5/31 gr. Besides these, there were for sacrifice -

Sacrifices Bullocks Rams 12 Lambs 12 Goats 24 Rams 60 He goats 60 Lambs 60 Total 240

By this we may at once see, that though the place in which they now sojourned was a wilderness as to cities, villages, and regular inhabitants, yet there was plenty of pasturage; else the Israelites could not have furnished these cattle, with all the sacrifices necessary for different occasions, and especially for the passover, which must of itself have required an immense number of lambs, when each family of 600,000 males was obliged to provide one - Numbers 9:1

Verse 77

Reciprocal: Numbers 2:27 - Pagiel

Verse 78

Numbers 1:15, Numbers 2:29

Reciprocal: Numbers 7:72 - eleventh day Numbers 10:27 - Ahira

Verse 79

Numbers 7:13-89

Verse 83

Reciprocal: Numbers 2:29 - Ahira

Verse 84

the dedication: Numbers 7:10, 1 Chronicles 29:6-8, Ezra 2:68, Ezra 2:69, Nehemiah 7:70-72, Isaiah 60:6-10, Hebrews 13:10, Revelation 21:14

the princes: Judges 5:9, Nehemiah 3:9

Reciprocal: Numbers 7:88 - that it was anointed 1 Kings 8:63 - dedicated Ezra 8:28 - the vessels Zechariah 14:20 - the bowls Matthew 14:8 - a charger

Verse 85

two thousand: 1 Chronicles 22:14, 1 Chronicles 29:4, 1 Chronicles 29:7, Ezra 8:25, Ezra 8:26

after the shekel: Numbers 7:13

Reciprocal: Zechariah 14:20 - the bowls Matthew 14:8 - a charger

Verse 86

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 7:50 - spoons Matthew 2:11 - frankincense

Verse 88

that it was anointed: Numbers 7:1, Numbers 7:10, Numbers 7:84

Verse 89

to speak: Numbers 12:8, Exodus 33:9-11

him: that is, God

he heard: Numbers 1:1, Exodus 25:22, Leviticus 1:1, Hebrews 4:16

two cherubims: Exodus 25:18-21, 1 Samuel 4:4, 1 Kings 6:23, Psalms 80:1, 1 Peter 1:12

Reciprocal: Numbers 8:1 - General Deuteronomy 12:5 - habitation 1 Kings 6:5 - oracle 1 Chronicles 13:6 - that dwelleth Romans 9:4 - and the glory Hebrews 9:5 - over