Numbers 7:18

On the second day Nethanel son of Zuar, the leader of Issachar, drew near.

Study Bible

On the second day
This phrase indicates the sequence of events during the dedication of the altar. The offerings were presented over twelve days, with each day dedicated to a different tribe of Israel. This structured approach highlights the order and organization within the Israelite camp, reflecting God's instructions for worship and community life.

Nethanel son of Zuar
Nethanel is identified as the son of Zuar, emphasizing the importance of lineage and family heritage in Israelite society. Names often carried significant meaning, and Nethanel means "God has given," which may reflect the tribe's acknowledgment of God's provision. The mention of his father, Zuar, underscores the patriarchal structure of the society and the importance of family leadership.

the leader of Issachar
Issachar was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Jacob's ninth son by Leah. The tribe of Issachar was known for its wisdom and understanding of the times, as noted in 1 Chronicles 12:32. The role of a leader was crucial, as they represented their tribe before God and the community. This leadership position required spiritual insight and the ability to guide the tribe in accordance with God's laws.

drew near
The act of drawing near signifies approaching God with reverence and obedience. In the context of the offerings, it symbolizes the tribe's willingness to participate in the communal worship and dedication of the altar. This act of drawing near is a precursor to the New Testament concept of drawing near to God through Christ, as seen in Hebrews 10:22, where believers are encouraged to approach God with a sincere heart and full assurance of faith.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Nethanel son of Zuar
Nethanel is identified as the leader of the tribe of Issachar. His role in this passage is significant as he represents his tribe in the offerings for the dedication of the altar.

2. Issachar
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Issachar, the fifth son of Jacob and Leah. The tribe is known for its wisdom and understanding of the times.

3. The Dedication of the Altar
This event involves the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel bringing offerings for the dedication of the altar in the Tabernacle. It is a significant moment of communal worship and dedication to God.

Teaching Points

Leadership and Responsibility
Nethanel's role as a leader underscores the importance of godly leadership and the responsibility leaders have in guiding their people in worship and dedication to God.

Communal Worship
The dedication of the altar is a communal event, reminding us of the importance of coming together as a community of believers to worship and dedicate ourselves to God's service.

Understanding the Times
Like the tribe of Issachar, believers are called to understand the times and discern God's will, applying wisdom and insight to our lives and decisions.

Dedication to God
The act of bringing offerings for the altar's dedication symbolizes our call to dedicate our lives and resources to God, recognizing His sovereignty and provision.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from Nethanel's role as a leader in the dedication of the altar, and how can we apply these lessons to our own leadership roles within our communities?

2. How does the communal aspect of the altar's dedication in Numbers 7:18 reflect the importance of corporate worship in the church today?

3. In what ways can we, like the tribe of Issachar, seek to understand the times and discern God's will in our current context?

4. How does the dedication of the altar in the Old Testament relate to the New Testament concept of offering ourselves as living sacrifices to God?

5. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our lives and resources are dedicated to God, reflecting the commitment seen in the offerings of the tribes of Israel?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 49:14-15
This passage provides insight into the character and future of the tribe of Issachar, which is relevant to understanding Nethanel's role and the tribe's participation in the dedication.

1 Chronicles 12:32
This verse highlights the men of Issachar as those who understood the times and knew what Israel should do, emphasizing the tribe's wisdom and discernment.

Exodus 40:9-10
These verses describe the anointing and consecration of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, providing context for the significance of the altar's dedication.