Numbers 7:26

one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense;

Study Bible

one gold dish
In the context of Numbers 7, the gold dish is part of the offerings brought by the leaders of Israel for the dedication of the altar. Gold, a precious metal, signifies value and purity, often associated with divinity and kingship in the Bible. The use of gold in the tabernacle and its furnishings (Exodus 25:11) reflects the holiness and glory of God. The dish itself, used for holding incense, symbolizes the prayers of the people rising to God, as seen in Revelation 5:8, where incense represents the prayers of the saints.

weighing ten shekels
The weight of ten shekels indicates a specific measure, showing the importance of precision and order in worship. A shekel was a standard unit of weight in ancient Israel, approximately 11.4 grams. The number ten often symbolizes completeness or divine order in the Bible, as seen in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20). This precise weight underscores the careful adherence to God's instructions, reflecting the Israelites' commitment to honoring God with their offerings.

filled with incense
Incense in the Bible is frequently associated with worship and prayer. In Exodus 30:34-38, God gives Moses specific instructions for making incense, emphasizing its sacredness. The burning of incense in the tabernacle and later in the temple was a daily ritual, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God. In Psalm 141:2, David likens his prayer to incense, highlighting its role as a pleasing aroma to the Lord. Incense also points to Christ, whose intercession for believers is a fragrant offering to God (Ephesians 5:2).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received the offerings from the leaders of the tribes during the dedication of the altar.

2. Nashon
The leader of the tribe of Judah, who brought the offering described in this verse.

3. Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the divine presence, where the offerings were brought for the dedication.

4. Tribe of Judah
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, represented by Nashon in this offering.

5. Dedication of the Altar
A significant event where leaders of each tribe brought offerings for the consecration of the altar in the Tabernacle.

Teaching Points

The Significance of Offerings
Offerings in the Old Testament were a tangible expression of worship and dedication to God. They remind us of the importance of giving our best to God in our own lives.

Symbolism of Incense
Incense represents prayer and worship. Just as incense rises, so should our prayers and worship ascend to God, reflecting a heart devoted to Him.

Unity in Worship
The collective offerings from each tribe signify unity in worship. In the body of Christ, unity is essential as we come together to honor God.

Generosity and Sacrifice
The gold dish and incense symbolize valuable offerings. We are called to be generous and sacrificial in our giving, reflecting God's generosity towards us.

Holiness and Reverence
The use of incense in the Tabernacle underscores the holiness of God and the reverence required in approaching Him. Our worship should be marked by a deep respect for God's holiness.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the offering of incense in Numbers 7:26 teach us about the nature of worship in the Old Testament?

2. How can the symbolism of incense as prayer in Revelation 5:8 influence our personal prayer life today?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our offerings to God, whether time, resources, or talents, are given with the right heart and attitude?

4. How does the unity of the tribes in bringing offerings to the Tabernacle inspire us to pursue unity within our own church communities?

5. Reflect on a time when you have given sacrificially. How did that experience deepen your relationship with God, and how can you apply that lesson in your current walk with Him?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 30:34-38
This passage provides instructions for making incense, highlighting its sacred use in worship and its connection to the presence of God.

Leviticus 2:1-2
Discusses grain offerings and the use of incense, emphasizing the pleasing aroma to the Lord, which parallels the offering in Numbers 7:26.

Revelation 5:8
Describes the prayers of the saints as incense, drawing a symbolic connection between the physical incense offering and spiritual worship.