Numbers 7:85

Each silver platter weighed a hundred and thirty shekels, and each silver bowl seventy shekels. The total weight of the silver articles was two thousand four hundred shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel.

Study Bible

Each silver platter weighed a hundred and thirty shekels
The use of silver in the tabernacle offerings signifies purity and redemption. The weight of 130 shekels for each platter indicates a substantial offering, reflecting the wealth and dedication of the leaders of Israel. In biblical times, a shekel was a unit of weight, approximately 11.4 grams, making each platter weigh about 1.5 kilograms. This offering was part of the dedication of the altar, a significant event in Israel's history as they established their worship practices in the wilderness.

and each silver bowl seventy shekels
The silver bowl, weighing seventy shekels, was another component of the offering. The number seventy often symbolizes completeness or perfection in the Bible, as seen in the seventy elders of Israel (Exodus 24:1) and the seventy nations listed in Genesis 10. The bowls were likely used for holding grain or drink offerings, integral to the sacrificial system that pointed to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

The total weight of the silver articles was two thousand four hundred shekels
The cumulative weight of 2,400 shekels for all the silver articles underscores the collective contribution of the twelve tribes of Israel. This total reflects the unity and shared responsibility of the tribes in supporting the tabernacle, a precursor to the unity of believers in the body of Christ. The substantial weight also highlights the importance of the tabernacle as the dwelling place of God among His people.

according to the sanctuary shekel
The sanctuary shekel was a standard measure used in the tabernacle, ensuring consistency and fairness in offerings. This standardization reflects God's order and precision in worship, as seen throughout the Pentateuch. The sanctuary shekel was slightly heavier than the common shekel, emphasizing the sacredness of offerings made to God. This precision in measurement points to the meticulous nature of God's covenant with Israel and foreshadows the perfect fulfillment of the law in Jesus Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received the offerings from the leaders of the tribes.

2. Israelite Leaders
The heads of the twelve 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. Sanctuary Shekel
A standard unit of weight used in the tabernacle, ensuring uniformity in offerings.

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

Teaching Points

The Importance of Standardization in Worship
The use of the sanctuary shekel highlights the need for consistency and fairness in our offerings to God. It reminds us that our worship should be measured and intentional.

Generosity in Giving
The substantial weight of the silver offerings reflects the generosity of the Israelite leaders. We are encouraged to give generously and sacrificially to God's work.

Symbolism of Silver
Silver often symbolizes redemption and purity in the Bible. Our offerings should be given with a heart seeking purity and redemption.

Community Participation in Worship
The collective offerings from all tribes emphasize the importance of community involvement in worship. Each member of the body of Christ has a role to play in supporting the church.

Dedication and Consecration
The dedication of the altar signifies setting apart something for God's use. We are called to dedicate our lives and resources to God's service.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the use of the sanctuary shekel in Numbers 7:85 emphasize the importance of fairness and consistency in our offerings to God?

2. In what ways can we practice generosity in our own lives, reflecting the spirit of the Israelite leaders' offerings?

3. What does the symbolism of silver teach us about the nature of our offerings and our relationship with God?

4. How can we encourage community participation in our local church, similar to the collective offerings of the Israelite tribes?

5. What areas of our lives need to be dedicated or consecrated to God, and how can we take practical steps to do so?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 30:13
This verse provides context for the "sanctuary shekel," establishing it as a standard measure for offerings.

Leviticus 27:25
Reinforces the use of the sanctuary shekel in valuations, emphasizing the importance of standardization in worship practices.

1 Chronicles 29:7
Describes similar offerings made for the temple, showing continuity in the practice of giving for God's dwelling place.

2 Corinthians 9:7
Connects the concept of giving with a cheerful heart, reflecting the spirit behind the offerings in Numbers 7.