Numbers 7:23

and a peace offering of two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Nethanel son of Zuar.

Study Bible

and his offering
The Hebrew word for "offering" is "קָרְבָּן" (korban), which signifies something brought near or presented. In the context of the Israelites, offerings were a means of drawing near to God, symbolizing devotion and obedience. This act of giving reflects a heart willing to honor God with material possessions, acknowledging His sovereignty and provision.

one silver dish
The "silver dish" (Hebrew: "קְעָרָה" - qe'arah) was a large, shallow bowl used in sacred rituals. Silver, a precious metal, signifies purity and redemption. The use of silver in offerings underscores the value and sincerity of the worshiper's devotion. Historically, silver was a common medium of exchange, indicating the offering's substantial worth.

weighing a hundred and thirty shekels
The "shekel" (Hebrew: "שֶׁקֶל" - shekel) was a standard unit of weight and currency in ancient Israel. The specific weight of "a hundred and thirty shekels" highlights the significant and generous nature of the offering. It reflects the principle of giving God the best and most valuable portion, a recurring theme in the sacrificial system.

one silver bowl
The "bowl" (Hebrew: "מִזְרָק" - mizraq) was another vessel used in temple service. Its mention alongside the dish emphasizes the completeness and abundance of the offering. The bowl's purpose was likely for pouring out libations, symbolizing the outpouring of the worshiper's heart in service to God.

weighing seventy shekels
The specific weight of "seventy shekels" for the bowl further illustrates the careful and intentional nature of the offering. Numbers often carry symbolic meaning in Scripture, with seventy sometimes representing completeness or perfection, suggesting the offering's sufficiency and wholesomeness.

according to the sanctuary shekel
The "sanctuary shekel" was a standard of measurement used in the tabernacle, ensuring uniformity and fairness in offerings. This standardization reflects God's desire for order and justice in worship practices. It also underscores the sacredness of the offering, as it adheres to divine specifications.

both of them full of fine flour
"Fine flour" (Hebrew: "סֹלֶת" - solet) was a high-quality, finely ground wheat product used in grain offerings. It symbolizes the best of human labor and effort, offered to God in gratitude and acknowledgment of His provision. The use of fine flour indicates the offering's purity and excellence.

mixed with oil
Oil (Hebrew: "שֶׁמֶן" - shemen) was a valuable commodity in ancient Israel, often symbolizing the Holy Spirit, anointing, and consecration. Mixing oil with flour in the offering signifies the blending of human effort with divine empowerment, a partnership in worship and service to God.

for a grain offering
The "grain offering" (Hebrew: "מִנְחָה" - minchah) was a voluntary act of worship, expressing thanksgiving and dedication to God. It was a non-blood offering, highlighting the worshiper's desire to honor God with the fruits of their labor. This offering type emphasizes the importance of gratitude and acknowledgment of God's provision in daily life.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Nashon
The leader of the tribe of Judah, who brought the offering described in this verse. Nashon is significant as an ancestor of King David and Jesus Christ.

2. Tribe of Judah
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, known for its leadership role among the tribes and its association with kingship and the lineage of Jesus.

3. Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary where the Israelites worshiped God during their journey in the wilderness. The offerings were made for its dedication.

4. Sanctuary Shekel
A unit of weight used in the tabernacle, indicating the standard by which offerings were measured.

5. Grain Offering
A type of offering made to God, consisting of fine flour mixed with oil, symbolizing dedication and thanksgiving.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Order in Worship
The detailed description of offerings in Numbers 7 underscores the importance of order and reverence in worship. God values our intentionality and preparation in approaching Him.

Symbolism of the Grain Offering
The grain offering, made of fine flour and oil, symbolizes purity and the work of the Holy Spirit. It reminds us to offer our best to God, both in material and spiritual terms.

Generosity and Sacrifice
The substantial weight of the silver offerings reflects the generosity and sacrifice expected from God's people. We are called to give sacrificially, recognizing that all we have is from God.

Continuity of God's Plan
The mention of Nashon and the tribe of Judah connects to the broader account of God's redemptive plan, culminating in Jesus Christ. This reminds us of God's faithfulness across generations.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the detailed description of offerings in Numbers 7:23 reflect the character of God and His expectations for worship?

2. In what ways can the symbolism of the grain offering (fine flour mixed with oil) be applied to our personal spiritual lives today?

3. How does the concept of the "sanctuary shekel" challenge us to consider the standards by which we measure our own offerings to God?

4. What lessons can we learn from the tribe of Judah's role in the history of Israel and its connection to Jesus Christ?

5. How can we practice generosity and sacrificial giving in our own lives, inspired by the offerings described in Numbers 7?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25-31
These chapters describe the construction of the Tabernacle and the significance of offerings, providing context for the offerings in Numbers 7.

Leviticus 2
This chapter outlines the regulations for grain offerings, emphasizing their role in worship and dedication to God.

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