Numbers 7:13

His offering was one silver platter weighing a hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel and filled with fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering;

Study Bible

His offering was one silver platter weighing a hundred and thirty shekels
In the context of Numbers 7, the leaders of Israel's tribes brought offerings for the dedication of the altar. The silver platter, a significant and valuable item, symbolizes the wealth and dedication of the giver. The weight of 130 shekels, using the sanctuary shekel, indicates a standardized measure used in the tabernacle, ensuring fairness and consistency. This offering reflects the importance of giving one's best to God, a principle seen throughout Scripture, such as in the offerings of Abel (Genesis 4:4) and the widow's mite (Mark 12:41-44).

and one silver bowl weighing seventy shekels
The silver bowl, weighing seventy shekels, complements the platter, emphasizing the completeness and sufficiency of the offering. The use of silver, a precious metal, signifies purity and redemption, themes prevalent in biblical symbolism. The number seventy often represents completeness or perfection in the Bible, as seen in the seventy elders of Israel (Exodus 24:1) and the seventy weeks prophecy in Daniel (Daniel 9:24-27).

both according to the sanctuary shekel
The sanctuary shekel was a specific weight standard used in the tabernacle, ensuring that all offerings met a divine standard. This standardization reflects God's order and justice, ensuring that offerings were equitable and acceptable. It underscores the importance of integrity in worship and giving, as seen in the condemnation of dishonest scales in Proverbs 11:1.

and filled with fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering
The grain offering, consisting of fine flour mixed with oil, was a common sacrificial offering in the Old Testament, symbolizing dedication and thanksgiving to God. The fine flour represents the best of one's labor, while the oil signifies the Holy Spirit's presence and anointing. This offering points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is the Bread of Life (John 6:35) and was anointed by the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:18). The grain offering also highlights the importance of offering one's life and resources to God in gratitude and service.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Nahshon
The leader of the tribe of Judah, who brought the offering described in this verse. He is a significant figure in the lineage of Jesus Christ, as mentioned in the genealogies in the New Testament.

2. Tribe of Judah
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, known for its leadership role among the tribes and its association with kingship, as King David and Jesus Christ are from this tribe.

3. Tabernacle Dedication
The context of this verse is the dedication of the Tabernacle, where leaders of each tribe brought offerings over twelve days.

4. Sanctuary Shekel
A unit of weight used in the sanctuary, indicating the standardization and sacredness of the offerings.

5. Grain Offering
A type of offering made to God, symbolizing dedication and thanksgiving, often associated with sustenance and provision.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Order and Structure in Worship
The detailed description of the offerings and their weights underscores the importance of order and structure in worship. God values intentionality and precision in how we approach Him.

Symbolism of the Grain Offering
The grain offering, made of fine flour and oil, symbolizes our daily sustenance and reliance on God. It reminds us to offer our best to God in gratitude for His provision.

Leadership and Responsibility
Nahshon's role as a leader bringing the offering highlights the responsibility of leaders to set an example in worship and dedication to God.

Generosity in Giving
The substantial weight of the silver dish and bowl reflects the generosity expected in offerings to God. We are called to give generously and sacrificially, recognizing that all we have is from Him.

Continuity of God's Plan
The inclusion of Nahshon in the genealogy of Jesus emphasizes the continuity and faithfulness of God's plan throughout generations. It encourages us to trust in God's overarching plan for our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the specific weight and content of Nahshon's offering teach us about the nature of worship and offerings to God?

2. How does the role of Nahshon as a leader in this passage inform our understanding of spiritual leadership today?

3. In what ways can the symbolism of the grain offering be applied to our daily lives and spiritual practices?

4. How does the connection between Nahshon and the genealogy of Jesus Christ enhance our understanding of God's faithfulness and plan?

5. Reflect on a time when you have given generously to God. How did that experience impact your faith and relationship with Him?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25-31
These chapters describe the instructions for building the Tabernacle, which is the setting for the offerings in Numbers 7.

Leviticus 2
This chapter provides details on grain offerings, explaining their significance and how they are to be prepared and presented.

Matthew 1
The genealogy of Jesus Christ, which includes Nahshon, highlighting the continuity of God's plan through the tribe of Judah.