Numbers 7:10-89 And the princes offered for dedicating of the altar in the day that it was anointed… I. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE OFFERINGS FOR THE DEDICATION OF THE ALTAR. 1. Their offerings express the sense of equality of obligation. Every tribe, by its prince, presents the same kind of offering, and in the same quantity as an expression of their equal indebtedness to God. There are certain mercies which all men have in common; certain Divine gifts bestowed upon all men; Christ "died for all" men; and there are certain obligations to God in which all men share. 2. Their offerings express symbolically the Divine calling of the nation to be holy unto the Lord. All the vessels presented were for sacrificial uses, all the animals were ceremonially clean and such as were proper for sacrifices; all the other gifts were of the best quality and were to be used in the worship of God. By these things it was indicated that the people were to be a separate people, entirely dedicated to God, and that God was to dwell in their midst. The lesson for us is that God is to be worshipped with our highest and best. 3. Their offerings express symbolically the great truths taught by the different sacrifices. II. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RECORD OF THE OFFERINGS FOR THE DEDICATION OF THE ALTAR. 1. The pleasure of God in the gifts of His people. "That everything is so particularly noted," says Babington, "and the weight so precisely mentioned, may teach us to our comfort, what an observation there is in God of the gifts we bestow on Him in promoting His glory, advancing His service, maintaining His ministers in a liberal manner, relieving the poor and doing such good things as with God and man are praiseworthy. Surely the number, the measure, with all circumstances, are observed; and the Lord is a plenteous Rewarder of all love to Him." 2. The permanence of good works. The grateful heart will for ever cherish the memory of the kind service or generous gift. "The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance." The noble deed shall live and bring forth fruit. And the doer himself by his deed has gained somewhat of nobility and strength.Conclusion: Our subject is most fruitful of encouragement to — 1. Liberality of giving to promote worthy objects. 2. Diligence in working to promote worthy objects. (W. Jones.) Parallel Verses KJV: And the princes offered for dedicating of the altar in the day that it was anointed, even the princes offered their offering before the altar. |
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