Numbers 7:86

The twelve gold dishes filled with incense weighed ten shekels each, according to the sanctuary shekel. The total weight of the gold dishes was a hundred and twenty shekels.

Study Bible

The twelve gold dishes filled with incense
The number twelve often signifies completeness or the people of God, as seen in the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles. Gold, a precious metal, symbolizes purity and divinity, often associated with God's presence. Incense represents prayer and worship, as seen in Psalm 141:2 and Revelation 5:8, where the prayers of the saints are likened to incense. The use of gold dishes filled with incense in the tabernacle underscores the sacredness of worship and the importance of prayer in the life of the Israelites.

weighed ten shekels each, according to the sanctuary shekel
The shekel was a standard unit of weight and currency in ancient Israel. The "sanctuary shekel" refers to a specific standard used for religious purposes, ensuring uniformity and fairness in offerings. Ten shekels per dish indicate a significant but manageable weight, reflecting the value and importance of the offering. This standardization highlights the order and precision in worship practices, as seen in Exodus 30:13, where the sanctuary shekel is also mentioned.

The total weight of the gold dishes was a hundred and twenty shekels
The total weight of 120 shekels emphasizes the collective contribution of the twelve tribes, each offering an equal share. This unity in offering reflects the communal aspect of worship and the shared responsibility of the Israelites in maintaining the tabernacle. The number 120 can also symbolize a divinely appointed time or completeness, as seen in Genesis 6:3, where God limits human lifespan to 120 years, and in Acts 1:15, where 120 believers gather before the Holy Spirit's arrival at Pentecost.

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 unit of weight used in the tabernacle, indicating the standard for offerings.

5. Dedication of the Altar
The event where the leaders of the tribes brought offerings to consecrate the altar.

Teaching Points

The Significance of Offerings
The offerings brought by the leaders were not just material gifts but represented their dedication and commitment to God. This teaches us the importance of giving our best to God in worship and service.

Unity in Worship
Each tribe contributed equally, symbolizing unity among the people of God. In our communities, we should strive for unity in purpose and action, especially in worship and service.

Symbolism of Incense
Incense in the tabernacle symbolizes prayer and worship. Our prayers should be a pleasing aroma to God, offered with sincerity and reverence.

The Weight of Worship
The specific mention of the weight of the gold dishes underscores the value and seriousness of worship. We should approach worship with a sense of awe and respect, recognizing its significance in our relationship with God.

Consistency in Standards
The use of the sanctuary shekel as a standard highlights the importance of consistency and integrity in our offerings to God. We should ensure that our spiritual practices align with biblical standards.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the equal contribution of the tribes teach us about unity and equality in the body of Christ?

2. How can the symbolism of incense as prayer influence our personal prayer life and communal worship?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our offerings to God, whether time, talent, or treasure, are given with the right heart and intention?

4. How does understanding the historical and cultural context of the sanctuary shekel enhance our appreciation of biblical worship practices?

5. What parallels can we draw between the dedication of the altar in Numbers 7 and the dedication of our lives to God today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 30:34-38
This passage describes the composition and use of incense in the tabernacle, connecting to the incense offerings in Numbers 7:86.

Leviticus 24:5-9
Discusses the use of shekels in the sanctuary, providing context for the weight and value of the offerings.

Hebrews 9:1-5
Describes the earthly sanctuary and its furnishings, offering a New Testament perspective on the tabernacle's significance.

Revelation 5:8
Relates to the incense as a symbol of the prayers of the saints, connecting the physical offerings to spiritual worship.