Numbers 7:55

His offering was one siluer charger of an hundred and thirtie shekels, one siluer bowle of seuentie shekels, after the shekel of the Sanctuary, both of them full of fine flowre mingled with oile, for a meate offering: Numbers 7:55 (KJV)

This verse is part of the description of the offerings made by the twelve leaders of the tribes of Israel at the dedication of the altar. The preceding verses (Numbers 7:1‑54) detail the offerings brought by each tribe leader over a span of twelve days. In Numbers 7:55 we specifically learn about the offering made by Gamaliel, the son of Pedahzur (also rendered Pedazur), who was the prince or leader of the tribe of Manasseh. His offering was presented on the eighth day of the dedication of the altar.

The dedication of the altar was a significant event in the wilderness journey of the Israelites. The construction and consecration of the altar established a sacred space for the people to worship and to offer sacrifices to God as they traveled toward the Promised Land. Recording the details of each tribe’s offering underscores the unity and equality among the tribes of Israel; each tribe had the opportunity to present its offering, and all were given equal importance in the sight of God.

It is worth noting that the Gamaliel mentioned here is not the same individual as the Gamaliel referenced in the New Testament (Acts 5:34‑40; Acts 22:3). The Gamaliel of Numbers 7:55 was a leader from the tribe of Manasseh during the time of Moses and the wilderness wanderings.

Overall, Numbers 7:55 serves as a record of the offerings made by the tribal leaders during the dedication of the altar, highlighting the participation of Gamaliel, son of Pedahzur, who presented the offering on behalf of the tribe of Manasseh, and reflecting the broader purpose of the dedication ceremony in uniting the nation before God.