Numbers 7:37

His offering 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

His offering was one silver platter weighing a hundred and thirty shekels
In the context of Numbers 7, the offerings brought by the leaders of Israel were part of the dedication of the altar. The silver platter, weighing 130 shekels, signifies a substantial and valuable gift. Silver in the Bible often symbolizes redemption and purity. The weight of the platter, measured in shekels, aligns with the sanctuary shekel, a standard weight used in the tabernacle, ensuring uniformity and fairness in offerings. This offering reflects the leader's commitment and the community's collective dedication to God.

and one silver bowl weighing seventy shekels
The silver bowl, weighing 70 shekels, complements the platter, emphasizing the importance of the offering. The number 70 in the Bible can symbolize completeness or the nations, as seen in the 70 nations listed in Genesis 10. The use of silver again underscores themes of redemption and value. The bowl's purpose, like the platter, is to hold the grain offering, which is a significant part of the sacrificial system, representing sustenance and provision from God.

both according to the sanctuary shekel
The sanctuary shekel was a specific standard of weight used in the tabernacle, ensuring that all offerings were measured equally and fairly. This standardization reflects God's order and justice, ensuring that each leader's offering was of equal value and significance. It also points to the importance of integrity and honesty in worship and offerings to God.

and filled with fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering
The grain offering, consisting of fine flour mixed with oil, was a common type of offering in the Old Testament, symbolizing dedication and thanksgiving to God. Fine flour represents the best of the harvest, indicating that offerings to God should be of the highest quality. Oil, often symbolizing the Holy Spirit, adds richness and anointing to the offering. This mixture was a pleasing aroma to the Lord, signifying the worshiper's devotion and gratitude. The grain offering also foreshadows the ultimate offering of Jesus Christ, who is the Bread of Life, providing spiritual sustenance and fulfillment.

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 among the Israelites, where these offerings were made.

4. Tribe of Reuben
The tribe that presented these offerings on the day described in this passage.

5. Burnt Offering
A type of sacrifice in which the entire animal 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 wholly to Him.

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

Christ as the Ultimate Sacrifice
The Old Testament sacrifices point forward to Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice on the cross was once for all, fulfilling the need for continual offerings.

Community Worship
The collective offerings of the tribes underscore the importance of communal worship and unity in the body of Christ.

Spiritual Growth through Sacrifice
Just as the Israelites grew in their relationship with God through obedience and sacrifice, we too grow spiritually when we surrender our desires and follow God's will.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of a burnt offering in Numbers 7:37 help us understand the nature of true worship and dedication to God?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of complete surrender, as symbolized by the burnt offering, in our daily lives?

3. How does the sacrificial system in the Old Testament point us to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and what does this mean for our faith today?

4. What role does obedience play in our worship, and how can we ensure that our worship aligns with God's instructions?

5. How can we foster a sense of community and unity in our worship practices, similar to the collective offerings of the Israelite tribes?

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 offering.