Numbers 7:35

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

Study Bible

and a peace offering of two oxen
The peace offering, also known as a fellowship offering, was a voluntary sacrifice made to express gratitude and fellowship with God. The use of oxen, which were valuable animals, signifies the importance and sincerity of the offering. Oxen were often used in sacrifices due to their size and value, symbolizing strength and service. This offering reflects the communal aspect of worship in Israel, where peace offerings were shared among the priests, the offerer, and God.

five rams
Rams were significant in sacrificial rituals, often symbolizing leadership and strength. The number five can represent grace or God's goodness in biblical numerology. Rams were used in various offerings, including burnt offerings, which were entirely consumed by fire, symbolizing complete dedication to God. The inclusion of rams in the peace offering highlights the offerer's desire for a harmonious relationship with God.

five male goats
Goats were commonly used in sin offerings, representing the removal of sin and impurity. The male goat, or "he-goat," was often associated with atonement and purification. The number five here again may symbolize grace, suggesting that the offering is made in recognition of God's grace and mercy. Goats were also used in the Day of Atonement rituals, where one goat was sacrificed and another sent into the wilderness as a scapegoat, symbolizing the removal of sin.

and five male lambs a year old
Lambs, especially those a year old, were considered pure and without blemish, making them suitable for sacrifice. The lamb is a significant biblical symbol, often representing innocence and sacrifice. This foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the "Lamb of God," who takes away the sin of the world. The repetition of the number five continues to emphasize the theme of grace and divine favor.

This was the offering of Elizur son of Shedeur.
Elizur, a leader of the tribe of Reuben, presents this offering as part of the dedication of the altar. His name means "God is my rock," reflecting a strong faith and reliance on God. The mention of his father, Shedeur, situates Elizur within the tribal and familial context, emphasizing the importance of lineage and heritage in Israelite society. This offering is part of a larger narrative where each tribal leader presents gifts for the dedication of the altar, symbolizing unity and collective worship among the tribes of Israel.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Elizur son of Shedeur
Elizur was the leader of the tribe of Reuben, the firstborn of Jacob. His offering is part of the dedication of the altar by the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel.

2. Tribe of Reuben
The tribe of Reuben was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah.

3. Peace Offerings
These offerings were a type of sacrifice in the Old Testament that symbolized fellowship and peace with God. They were voluntary and expressed gratitude and communion with the Lord.

4. Dedication of the Altar
This event involved the leaders of each tribe bringing offerings over twelve days for the dedication of the altar in the Tabernacle, signifying the unity and commitment of the tribes to God.

5. Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the divine presence of God among the Israelites, where sacrifices and offerings were made.

Teaching Points

Understanding Sacrificial Worship
The peace offerings in Numbers 7:35 remind us of the importance of sacrificial worship and gratitude in our relationship with God. Just as the Israelites offered sacrifices to express peace and fellowship, we are called to offer our lives as living sacrifices.

Unity in Worship
The collective offerings by the leaders of the tribes symbolize unity in worship. In the body of Christ, unity is essential as we come together to worship and serve God.

Gratitude and Fellowship
The peace offerings were a voluntary expression of gratitude. In our lives, we should cultivate a heart of thankfulness and seek to maintain fellowship with God and others.

Symbolism of Peace
The peace offerings symbolize reconciliation and peace with God. Through Christ, we have peace with God, and we are called to be peacemakers in our communities.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the offering of Elizur son of Shedeur teach us about the importance of leadership in worship and dedication to God?

2. How can the concept of peace offerings in the Old Testament be applied to our spiritual lives today?

3. In what ways can we, as a church community, demonstrate unity in our worship and service to God?

4. How does the New Testament concept of living sacrifices (Romans 12:1) relate to the peace offerings described in Numbers 7:35?

5. What practical steps can we take to cultivate a heart of gratitude and maintain fellowship with God and others in our daily lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 3
This chapter provides detailed instructions on peace offerings, highlighting their purpose and significance in maintaining a relationship with God.

Hebrews 13:15
This verse speaks of offering a sacrifice of praise, connecting the Old Testament practice of sacrifices with the New Testament call to offer spiritual sacrifices through Jesus Christ.

Romans 12:1
Paul urges believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the dedication and offerings made in the Old Testament.