Numbers 7:42
On the sixth day Eliasaph son of Deuel, the leader of the Gadites, drew near.
On the sixth day
The sixth day of offerings corresponds to the sequence of tribal presentations at the dedication of the altar. This reflects the orderly and structured nature of worship in Israel, emphasizing the importance of each tribe's participation. The number six in biblical numerology often represents human effort and labor, which can be seen in the context of the tribes' contributions to the tabernacle service.

Eliasaph son of Deuel
Eliasaph, meaning "God has added," is a name that signifies divine blessing and increase. The mention of his father, Deuel, provides a genealogical link, emphasizing the importance of family lineage in Israelite society. This connection underscores the continuity of God's promises through generations. Eliasaph's role as a leader highlights the responsibility and honor bestowed upon him to represent his tribe before God.

the leader of the Gadites
The tribe of Gad, named after one of Jacob's sons, was known for its military prowess and bravery, as seen in Genesis 49:19. As a leader, Eliasaph would have been responsible for guiding his people in both spiritual and practical matters. The Gadites' territory, located east of the Jordan River, was fertile and strategically important, reflecting the tribe's role in Israel's defense and prosperity.

drew near
The act of drawing near signifies approaching God with reverence and obedience. In the context of the tabernacle, it involved presenting offerings and sacrifices, symbolizing atonement and worship. This phrase also foreshadows the New Testament concept of drawing near to God through Christ, as seen in Hebrews 10:22, where believers are encouraged to approach God with a sincere heart and full assurance of faith.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Eliasaph
He is the son of Deuel and the leader of the tribe of Gad. His name means "God has added" or "God increases," reflecting a divine blessing or increase.

2. Deuel
The father of Eliasaph. His name means "knowledge of God," indicating a heritage of divine understanding or insight.

3. Gadites
The tribe of Gad, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. They were known for their military prowess and settled on the east side of the Jordan River.

4. The Sixth Day
This refers to the sequence of offerings made by the leaders of the tribes of Israel during the dedication of the altar. Each day, a different tribe presented their offerings.

5. The Dedication of the Altar
A significant event where the leaders of the tribes of Israel brought offerings for the dedication of the altar in the Tabernacle, symbolizing their commitment and worship to God.
Teaching Points
Leadership and Responsibility
Eliasaph's role as a leader emphasizes the importance of godly leadership and the responsibility leaders have in guiding their people in worship and dedication to God.

Heritage and Identity
The names Eliasaph and Deuel remind us of the significance of our spiritual heritage and identity in God. We are called to live in a way that reflects our divine heritage.

Commitment to Worship
The dedication of the altar signifies the importance of commitment to worship and the centrality of God in the life of the community. We are encouraged to prioritize worship in our lives.

Unity in Diversity
Each tribe brought their offerings on different days, yet all contributed to the same purpose. This teaches us about unity in diversity within the body of Christ.

Faithfulness in Service
The consistent offerings by each tribe demonstrate faithfulness in service to God. We are called to be faithful in our service, regardless of our role or position.
Bible Study Questions
1. What qualities of leadership can we learn from Eliasaph's role as the leader of the Gadites, and how can we apply these qualities in our own leadership roles today?

2. How does the heritage and identity of the Gadites, as seen in their name meanings and biblical history, inspire us to embrace our spiritual identity in Christ?

3. In what ways can we prioritize worship in our daily lives, similar to the dedication of the altar by the tribes of Israel?

4. How can the concept of unity in diversity, as demonstrated by the tribes' offerings, be applied to foster unity within our church or community?

5. Reflect on a time when you were called to be faithful in service. How does the example of the tribes' consistent offerings encourage you to remain faithful in your current responsibilities?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 49:19
This verse contains Jacob's blessing over Gad, foretelling the tribe's future as warriors. It connects to the identity and role of the Gadites in Israel's history.

Joshua 4:12-13
These verses describe the Gadites' participation in crossing the Jordan and their readiness for battle, highlighting their commitment and courage.

1 Chronicles 5:18
This passage speaks of the Gadites as valiant warriors, reinforcing their reputation and role in Israel's military endeavors.
The Free-Will Offering of the PrincesE.S. Prout Numbers 7:1-88
The Princes and Their Princely OfferingW. Binnie Numbers 7:1-89
Communion with GodNumbers 7:10-89
Communion with GodNumbers 7:10-89
Indications of the IncarnationHenry, MatthewNumbers 7:10-89
Rich Givers and Rich GiftsHenry, MatthewNumbers 7:10-89
Such as have Greatest Blessings and GiftsW. Attersoll.Numbers 7:10-89
The Condescension of God, and the Privileges of ManW. Jones.Numbers 7:10-89
The Ear of the HeartNumbers 7:10-89
The Princes' Offerings for the Dedication of the AltarW. Jones.Numbers 7:10-89
The Speech of the Divine SpiritProfessor Gess.Numbers 7:10-89
The Support of Religious InstitutionsD. Lloyd.Numbers 7:10-89
People
Aaron, Abidan, Ahiezer, Ahira, Ammihud, Amminadab, Ammishaddai, Asher, Benjamin, Dan, Deuel, Eliab, Eliasaph, Elishama, Elizur, Enan, Gad, Gamaliel, Gershon, Gershonites, Gideoni, Helon, Issachar, Ithamar, Kohath, Levites, Manasseh, Merari, Merarites, Moses, Nahshon, Naphtali, Nethaneel, Ocran, Pagiel, Pedahzur, Reuben, Reuel, Shedeur, Shelumiel, Simeon, Zebulun, Zuar, Zurishaddai
Places
Sinai
Topics
Chief, Deuel, Deu'el, Eliasaph, Eli'asaph, Gad, Leader, Offered, Offering, Prince, Reuel, Sixth, Sons
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 7:29

     7364   fellowship offering

Numbers 7:28-29

     4651   goat

Library
Separation and Service.
Numbers vi, vii. INTRODUCTORY. For many years these chapters had no special interest to me; but I have never ceased to be thankful that I was early led to read the Word of GOD in regular course: it was through this habit that these chapters first became specially precious to me. I was travelling on a missionary tour in the province of CHEH-KIANG, and had to pass the night in a very wicked town. All the inns were dreadful places; and the people seemed to have their consciences seared, and their hearts
James Hudson Taylor—Separation and Service

Our Lord's Prayer for his People's Sanctification
In this wonderful prayer, our Lord, as our great High Priest, appears to enter upon that perpetual office of intercession which he is now exercising at the right hand of the Father. Our Lord ever seemed, in the eagerness of his love, to be anticipating his work. Before he was set apart for his life-work, by the descent of the Holy Ghost upon him, he must needs be about his Father's business; before he finally suffered at the hands of cruel men, he had a baptism to be baptized with, and he was straitened
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 32: 1886

Prophecy.
PROPHECY. Isaiah iii. 13; liii. "Behold, my servant shall deal prudently; he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high. As many were astonished at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men: so shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider. Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?
William Paley—Evidences of Christianity

Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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