“And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Elishama the son of Ammihud.”
Context:The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible and is primarily concerned with the journey of the Israelites from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. It contains detailed accounts of various laws, census records, and the organisation of the tribes of Israel.
The Offering:In Numbers 7, the chapter describes the offerings presented by the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel during the consecration of the Tabernacle. Each leader brought specific offerings for the dedication of the altar. The verse in focus mentions the specific offering brought by Elishama, the son of Ammihud.
Peace Offerings:The offering mentioned in Numbers 7:43 is referred to as a sacrifice of peace offerings. Peace offerings were one of the types of sacrifices in the Old Testament. They were voluntary offerings made to express gratitude, worship, or to fulfil a vow. Peace offerings symbolised peace and fellowship with God and were a means of communion between the offerer and God.
The Composition of the Offering:Elishama brought two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five lambs of the first year as his peace offering. These offerings were valuable and significant, signifying Elishama’s devotion and commitment to God. The variety of animals in the offering suggests a generous and abundant gift.
Symbolism and Lessons:The act of offering sacrifices in the Old Testament had symbolic significance. The peace offerings represented the desire for reconciliation and restored relationship with God. It also represented gratitude and thanksgiving to God for His blessings. The offering of various animals may symbolise the different aspects of worship and the diversity of ways in which people can express their devotion to God. In this specific verse, we don’t have extensive details or narratives. It primarily provides a record of Elishama’s offering during the consecration of the Tabernacle. The broader context of Numbers 7 describes the offerings of all the tribal leaders, highlighting their willingness to give and their commitment to God.
Overall, Numbers 7:43 reminds us of the importance of offering ourselves, our resources, and our worship to God with sincerity, gratitude, and a desire for fellowship and peace with Him. It encourages us to express our devotion to God in different ways and to be generous in our worship.
