Numbers 7:71

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

Study Bible

and a peace offering of two oxen
The peace offering, also known as a fellowship offering, was a voluntary sacrifice expressing thanksgiving and communion with God. The use of oxen, significant for their strength and value, underscores the importance of the offering. Oxen were often used in sacrifices due to their size and the substantial amount of meat they provided, symbolizing abundance and God's provision. This offering reflects the communal aspect of worship in Israel, where the offerer, priests, and sometimes the community shared in the meal.

five rams
Rams were commonly used in sacrificial offerings and symbolized leadership and strength. The number five can represent grace in biblical numerology, suggesting that this offering was an act of grace and favor. Rams were also used in the consecration of priests (Exodus 29:1), linking this offering to themes of dedication and service to God.

five male goats
Goats were often used in sin offerings (Leviticus 4:23-24), symbolizing atonement and purification. The inclusion of goats in the peace offering highlights the comprehensive nature of the sacrifice, covering both thanksgiving and the need for reconciliation with God. The number five again emphasizes grace, suggesting a complete and gracious offering.

and five male lambs a year old
Lambs, especially those a year old, were considered pure and without blemish, making them suitable for sacrifice. They are often associated with innocence and purity, foreshadowing Christ as the Lamb of God (John 1:29). The repetition of the number five continues to emphasize the theme of grace and completeness in the offering.

This was the offering of Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai.
Ahiezer, leader of the tribe of Dan, presents this offering as part of the dedication of the altar. His name means "my brother is help," and Ammishaddai means "people of the Almighty," reflecting the communal and divine aspects of the offering. The tribe of Dan, known for its later struggles with idolatry (Judges 18), here participates in the unified worship of Yahweh, highlighting the ideal of Israel's unity and devotion to God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Tribe of Ephraim
This verse is part of the offerings made by the leaders of the tribes of Israel during the dedication of the altar. The leader of the tribe of Ephraim, Elishama son of Ammihud, is the one presenting these offerings.

2. Tabernacle
The offerings are made at the Tabernacle, the portable dwelling place for the divine presence among the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness.

3. Burnt Offering
A sacrificial offering that is completely consumed by fire, symbolizing the worshiper's total dedication to God.

Teaching Points

Total Dedication to God
The burnt offering symbolizes complete surrender and dedication to God. As believers, we are called to offer our lives wholly to Him, holding nothing back.

The Significance of Sacrifice
Sacrifices in the Old Testament point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Understanding the depth of these offerings helps us appreciate the magnitude of Christ's atonement.

Community Worship and Leadership
The leaders of each tribe brought offerings, highlighting the role of leadership in guiding communal worship. Spiritual leaders today are called to lead by example in dedication and worship.

Symbolism of the Offerings
Each animal in the offering has symbolic meaning: the bull represents strength, the ram signifies leadership, and the lamb symbolizes innocence. These attributes can inspire personal reflection on our spiritual walk.

Continuity of Worship Practices
The practices of worship and sacrifice in the Old Testament find their continuity and fulfillment in the New Testament, encouraging us to see the Bible as a unified account of God's redemptive plan.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of a burnt offering in Numbers 7:71 deepen our understanding of total dedication to God in our daily lives?

2. In what ways can the symbolism of the bull, ram, and lamb in the offerings inspire us to reflect on our spiritual attributes and growth?

3. How does the role of tribal leaders in presenting offerings inform our understanding of spiritual leadership and responsibility in the church today?

4. What connections can we draw between the sacrificial system in the Old Testament and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as described in Hebrews 10?

5. How can Romans 12:1's call to be living sacrifices influence our approach to worship and service in the modern Christian life?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 1
This chapter provides detailed instructions on burnt offerings, emphasizing the importance of sacrifice and atonement in the relationship between God and His people.

Hebrews 10
This New Testament passage discusses the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, connecting the Old Testament sacrificial system to the fulfillment found in Christ.

Romans 12:1
Paul urges believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the concept of total dedication seen in the burnt offerings.