Numbers 7:19

The offering he presented 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

He offered
This phrase indicates an act of worship and devotion. The Hebrew root for "offered" is "qarab," which means to bring near or present. In the context of the Israelites, offerings were a way to draw near to God, symbolizing a heart of obedience and reverence. This act of offering is a reminder of the importance of giving to God as an expression of gratitude and acknowledgment of His sovereignty.

one silver dish
The silver dish represents wealth and value. Silver, in biblical times, was a precious metal often associated with redemption and purification. The dish's use in offerings signifies the offering of something valuable to God, reflecting the giver's heart and the desire to honor God with the best they have.

weighing a hundred and thirty shekels
The specific weight of the dish underscores the precision and care in the offerings made to God. The shekel was a standard unit of weight in ancient Israel, and its mention here highlights the importance of giving according to God's standards, not man's. It reminds believers of the need for integrity and exactness in their spiritual commitments.

and one silver bowl
Similar to the silver dish, the silver bowl also signifies value and dedication. The bowl, used in the context of offerings, symbolizes the vessel of one's life being offered to God. It is a call for believers to present themselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.

weighing seventy shekels
Again, the specific weight emphasizes the importance of precision in offerings. The number seventy often symbolizes completeness or perfection in the Bible, suggesting that the offering is whole and complete, lacking nothing. It encourages believers to give fully and wholeheartedly to God.

both according to the sanctuary shekel
This phrase indicates that the offerings were measured by the standard of the sanctuary, which was the divine standard. It serves as a reminder that our offerings and lives should be measured by God's standards, not the world's. It calls for a life aligned with God's holiness and righteousness.

each filled with fine flour mixed with oil
Fine flour and oil were common elements in grain offerings, symbolizing sustenance and the anointing of the Holy Spirit. The fine flour represents the purity and refinement of one's life, while the oil signifies the presence and work of the Holy Spirit. Together, they point to a life that is both pure and Spirit-filled, offered to God in service and worship.

as a grain offering
The grain offering was a voluntary act of worship, expressing thanksgiving and dedication to God. It was a way for the Israelites to acknowledge God's provision and blessings. For believers today, it is a call to live lives of gratitude, continually offering thanks and praise to God for His goodness and faithfulness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received the instructions from God regarding the offerings.

2. Tribe of Judah
The tribe that presented the offerings on the first day, as described in the broader context of Numbers 7.

3. Tabernacle
The sacred tent of meeting where the offerings were brought and presented to the Lord.

4. Burnt Offering
A type of sacrifice in which the entire animal was consumed by fire, symbolizing complete dedication to God.

5. Nashon son of Amminadab
The leader of the tribe of Judah who brought the offerings.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of Sacrifice
The burnt offering represents total surrender to God. Just as the offering was wholly consumed, believers are called to fully dedicate their lives to God.

Order and Obedience
The structured presentation of offerings by each tribe highlights the importance of order and obedience in worship. God values our willingness to follow His instructions.

Community Worship
The collective participation of the tribes in offering sacrifices underscores the communal aspect of worship. Our faith is not just personal but also shared within the body of Christ.

Foreshadowing Christ
The sacrificial system points to Jesus Christ, the ultimate sacrifice. Understanding the Old Testament offerings enriches our appreciation of Christ's atoning work.

Daily Dedication
Just as the Israelites brought daily offerings, believers are encouraged to daily renew their commitment to God, seeking to live lives that honor Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of a burnt offering in Numbers 7:19 deepen our understanding of total dedication to God?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of order and obedience in our personal worship and church community?

3. How does the communal aspect of the offerings in Numbers 7 reflect the importance of fellowship in the Christian life?

4. What parallels can we draw between the Old Testament sacrifices and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ?

5. How can we practically live out the idea of being a "living sacrifice" in our daily lives, as encouraged in Romans 12:1?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 1
Provides detailed instructions on the burnt offering, emphasizing the importance of sacrifice and atonement.

Hebrews 10
Discusses the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, connecting the Old Testament sacrifices to the New Covenant.

Romans 12:1
Encourages believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the concept of complete dedication seen in the burnt offerings.