Numbers 7:29

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

Study Bible

and a peace offering of two oxen
The peace offering, also known as a fellowship offering, was a voluntary sacrifice expressing gratitude and communion with God. Oxen were valuable animals, symbolizing strength and service, and their use in offerings indicated a significant sacrifice. This offering was part of the dedication of the altar, reflecting the Israelites' desire for peace and fellowship with God. The use of two oxen highlights the importance of the occasion and the wealth or status of the giver.

five rams
Rams were often used in sacrificial offerings and symbolized leadership and authority. The number five can represent grace or God's goodness in biblical numerology. The inclusion of five rams in the offering underscores the abundance of the sacrifice and the desire for God's favor and blessing.

five male goats
Goats were commonly used in sin offerings, symbolizing atonement and purification. The presence of five male goats in the peace offering may indicate a comprehensive approach to seeking God's favor, covering various aspects of life and community. The number five again suggests grace and completeness in the offering.

and five male lambs a year old
Lambs, especially those a year old, were considered pure and without blemish, making them suitable for offerings. They often symbolize innocence and sacrifice, pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. The repetition of the number five emphasizes the thoroughness and sincerity of the offering.

This was the offering of Eliab son of Helon.
Eliab, the leader of the tribe of Zebulun, presented this offering. His name means "My God is Father," reflecting a personal relationship with God. Helon, his father, means "strong" or "valiant." The offering by Eliab signifies the tribe's dedication and commitment to God, as well as their participation in the communal worship and dedication of the altar. This act of giving also reflects the unity and collective responsibility of the tribes of Israel in their covenant relationship with God.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Israelites
The people of God who were commanded to bring offerings as part of their worship and dedication to the Lord.

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

4. Tribe of Issachar
The specific tribe mentioned in the context of Numbers 7, which brought these offerings on the second day of the dedication of the altar.

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

Teaching Points

Symbolism of Sacrifice
The burnt offering represents total surrender and dedication to God. As believers, we are called to offer our lives fully to Him.

Obedience in Worship
The Israelites' adherence to God's instructions for offerings highlights the importance of obedience in our worship practices today.

Community and Worship
The collective participation of the tribes in bringing offerings underscores the communal aspect of worship, reminding us of the importance of gathering together as a body of believers.

Foreshadowing of Christ
The sacrificial system points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, encouraging us to reflect on His atoning work and its implications for our lives.

Generosity and Giving
The offerings brought by the Israelites were valuable, teaching us about the importance of giving our best to God in all aspects of life.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of a burnt offering in Numbers 7:29 relate to the idea of being a "living sacrifice" as described in Romans 12:1?

2. In what ways can we demonstrate complete dedication to God in our daily lives, similar to the symbolism of the burnt offering?

3. How does the communal aspect of the offerings in Numbers 7 encourage us to participate in corporate worship and fellowship today?

4. What can we learn from the obedience of the Israelites in bringing their offerings, and how can this be applied to our own worship practices?

5. How does understanding the sacrificial system in the Old Testament enhance our appreciation of Christ's sacrifice as described in Hebrews 10?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 1
Provides detailed instructions on how burnt offerings were to be conducted, emphasizing the importance of sacrifice and atonement.

Hebrews 10
Discusses the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which fulfills and surpasses the Old Testament sacrificial system.

Romans 12:1
Encourages believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the complete dedication symbolized by the burnt offerings.