Numbers 7:86

The golden spoones were twelue, full of incense, weighing ten shekels a piece, after the shekel of the Sanctuary: all the gold of the spoones, was an hundred and twentie shekels. Numbers 7:86 (KJV)

The verse is part of a larger passage in Numbers that describes the offerings brought by the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel during the consecration of the tabernacle. Each leader brought a specific offering on different days, and Numbers 7 records the detailed account of these offerings. In verse 86 we see the offering brought by the last leader, Ahira of the tribe of Naphtali, consisting of twelve golden spoons, each a full spoon of incense, each weighing ten shekels according to the shekel of the sanctuary, for a total of one hundred and twenty shekels of gold.

Now let us explore some key points and potential lessons we can learn from this verse.

The significance of the golden spoons: they were part of the offerings presented by the tribal leaders and symbolize the act of worship and devotion to God. The spoons were filled with incense, a fragrant offering that symbolized prayer and intercession, emphasizing the importance of worship and prayer in our relationship with God.

The equal value of the spoons: each golden spoon weighed the same, precisely ten shekels. This equality in weight signifies that all the leaders’ offerings were of equal importance and value in the eyes of God, reminding us that God does not show favoritism or partiality; He values each individual’s offering and commitment.

The use of gold: gold is a precious metal that often symbolizes purity, worth, and value. The fact that the spoons were made of gold indicates the importance of bringing our best to God in worship and dedication. Just as the spoons were made of valuable material, we are encouraged to offer our best—our time, talents, resources, or heartfelt devotion—to God.

The number twelve: throughout Scripture the number twelve represents completeness and divine governance. Here the twelve spoons highlight the unity and representation of all the tribes of Israel, illustrating the collective worship and dedication of the entire community before God.

The weight of the gold: the total weight of the spoons was 120 shekels. The number 120 signifies a complete period of time or a fullness of measure. It is worth noting that in Acts 1:15, one hundred and twenty disciples were gathered in the upper room awaiting the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, a parallel that suggests the importance of preparation, unity, and expectancy as we wait on God’s promises and blessings.

In conclusion, Numbers 7:86 highlights the collective offerings of the tribal leaders, emphasizing worship, prayer, and dedication. The equal weight of the spoons shows that every offering is valued by God, the gold underscores giving our best, the number twelve symbolizes unity and completeness, and the total weight of 120 shekels suggests a fullness of measure. Ultimately, this verse encourages us to approach God with sincerity, unity, and a wholehearted commitment to worship and prayer.