Numbers 7:77

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

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 completeness and richness of the offering.

five male goats
Goats were commonly used in sacrifices and were considered clean animals according to Levitical law. The male goat, or "he-goat," was often associated with sin offerings, as seen in Leviticus 16 during the Day of Atonement. Here, their inclusion in the peace offering may symbolize the removal of sin and the restoration of fellowship with God. The number five again emphasizes grace and favor.

and five male lambs a year old
Lambs, especially those a year old, were frequently used in sacrifices due to their innocence and purity, often symbolizing Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. The use of five lambs further underscores the theme of grace. The age of the lambs indicates they were in their prime, representing the best of what the offerer could give, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who was without blemish.

This was the offering of Pagiel son of Ocran.
Pagiel, a leader of the tribe of Asher, is mentioned here as the one presenting the offering. His name means "God allots" or "God meets," which may reflect the divine provision and blessing upon the tribe. The mention of his father, Ocran, situates Pagiel within his tribal lineage, emphasizing the communal and familial aspects of worship and offering. This offering was part of the dedication of the altar, where each tribal leader presented gifts, symbolizing unity and collective worship among the tribes of Israel.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
- The leader of the Israelites who received the offerings from the leaders of the tribes for the dedication of the altar.

2. Israelite Leaders
- The heads of the tribes who brought offerings for the dedication of the altar.

3. Tabernacle
- The portable dwelling place for the divine presence among the Israelites, where the offerings were brought.

4. Altar
- The structure in the Tabernacle where sacrifices and offerings were made to God.

5. Dedication of the Altar
- A significant event where offerings were made by the leaders of the tribes to consecrate the altar for worship.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Dedication
Just as the altar was dedicated to God, we are called to dedicate our lives to His service. This involves setting apart our time, resources, and talents for His glory.

The Role of Leadership in Worship
The leaders of the tribes took the initiative in bringing offerings. This highlights the responsibility of leaders in guiding and setting an example in worship and dedication to God.

Symbolism of Offerings
The offerings brought by the leaders symbolize gratitude, obedience, and commitment to God. In our lives, we are encouraged to offer our best to God, reflecting our devotion and thankfulness.

Unity in Worship
The collective act of bringing offerings by all the tribes signifies unity in worship. As believers, we are called to come together in unity to worship and serve God.

God’s Presence Among His People
The dedication of the altar and the Tabernacle signifies God’s desire to dwell among His people. This is a reminder of the importance of creating space in our lives for God’s presence.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the dedication of the altar in Numbers 7:77 inspire you to dedicate aspects of your life to God?

2. In what ways can leaders today set an example in worship and dedication, similar to the leaders of the tribes in Numbers 7?

3. Reflect on the symbolism of offerings in your own life. What are some ways you can offer your best to God?

4. How can the unity displayed by the tribes in bringing their offerings be applied to fostering unity within your church or community?

5. Considering God’s desire to dwell among His people, how can you create space in your daily life to experience His presence more fully?

Connections to Other Scriptures

The dedication of the altar in Numbers 7 can be connected to the dedication of the Temple by Solomon in 1 Kings 8, where offerings and sacrifices were also made to consecrate the place of worship.

The concept of offerings and sacrifices is further explored in Leviticus, where the laws and types of offerings are detailed, providing a deeper understanding of their significance.

Hebrews 9 discusses the role of Christ as the ultimate sacrifice, connecting the Old Testament practices to the New Testament fulfillment in Jesus.