Numbers 7:72
On the eleventh day Pagiel son of Ocran, the leader of the Asherites, drew near.
On the eleventh day
This phrase refers to the sequence of offerings made by the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel during the dedication of the altar. Each leader presented their offerings on a separate day, symbolizing the unity and individual contribution of each tribe. The number eleven in biblical numerology often signifies disorder or incompleteness, but here it simply marks the order of events.

Pagiel son of Ocran
Pagiel is identified as the leader of the tribe of Asher. His name means "God intervenes" or "God meets," which may reflect the divine favor and intervention experienced by the tribe. The mention of his father, Ocran, follows the biblical tradition of identifying individuals through their lineage, emphasizing the importance of family heritage and tribal identity in Israelite society.

the leader of the Asherites
Asher was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Jacob's eighth son by Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. The tribe of Asher was known for its prosperity and abundance, as prophesied by Jacob in Genesis 49:20, where he speaks of Asher's rich food and royal delicacies. The leadership role of Pagiel highlights the organized structure of the Israelite community, where each tribe had a designated leader responsible for representing them.

drew near
This phrase indicates the act of approaching the altar to present offerings. In the context of the tabernacle, drawing near was a significant act of worship and obedience, symbolizing the people's desire to be close to God. It reflects the broader biblical theme of approaching God with reverence and humility, as seen in James 4:8, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you."

Persons / Places / Events
1. Pagiel
He is the son of Ocran and the leader of the tribe of Asher. His name means "God intervenes" or "God meets."

2. Ocran
The father of Pagiel, mentioned in the context of the tribal leaders of Israel.

3. Asherites
The descendants of Asher, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Asher was the eighth son of Jacob and Zilpah, Leah's maidservant.

4. The Eleventh Day
This refers to the sequence of offerings made by the leaders of the tribes of Israel during the dedication of the altar.

5. Dedication of the Altar
A significant event where each tribe's leader brought offerings for the dedication of the altar in the Tabernacle.
Teaching Points
Leadership and Responsibility
Pagiel's role as a leader of the Asherites underscores the importance of leadership in fulfilling God's commands. Leaders are called to represent their people before God faithfully.

The Significance of Order and Obedience
The structured sequence of offerings by each tribe's leader reflects the importance of order and obedience in worship. God values our adherence to His instructions.

Community and Collective Worship
The dedication of the altar was a communal event, highlighting the importance of unity and collective worship in the faith community.

Generational Faithfulness
The mention of Pagiel as the son of Ocran reminds us of the importance of generational faithfulness and the passing down of spiritual leadership and responsibility.

God's Provision and Blessing
The tribe of Asher, known for its blessings, reminds us of God's provision and the blessings that come from obedience and dedication to Him.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from Pagiel's role as a leader in the context of Numbers 7:72, and how can we apply these lessons to our leadership roles today?

2. How does the structured sequence of offerings during the dedication of the altar reflect the importance of order in our worship practices?

3. In what ways does the communal aspect of the altar dedication inform our understanding of the importance of community in worship?

4. How can the generational aspect of leadership, as seen in Pagiel being the son of Ocran, inspire us to cultivate faithfulness in our families and communities?

5. Reflecting on the blessings associated with the tribe of Asher, how can we seek and recognize God's provision and blessings in our lives today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 30:12-13
This passage introduces Asher, the ancestor of the Asherites, highlighting the tribe's origins.

Deuteronomy 33:24-25
Moses' blessing over the tribe of Asher, emphasizing prosperity and strength, which connects to the tribe's role and identity.

1 Chronicles 7:40
Lists the descendants of Asher, providing a broader context of the tribe's lineage and significance.
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
Asher, Chief, Eleventh, Leader, Ochran, Ocran, Offered, Offering, Pagiel, Pa'giel, Prince, 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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