“His offering was one silver charger, the weight thereof was a hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering.”
Context:Numbers 7 describes the offerings brought by the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel during the consecration of the altar. Each leader brought identical offerings over a period of twelve days. The offerings were given for the dedication of the Tabernacle and its service.
Key Points:
- Offerings of the leaders:In this verse, it specifically mentions the offering of Nahshon, the leader of the tribe of Judah. His offering included a silver charger (a large platter) weighing 130 shekels and a silver bowl weighing 70 shekels. Both containers were filled with fine flour mixed with oil for a meat offering.
- Material and weight:The offerings were made of silver and had specific weights. The charger weighed 130 shekels, while the bowl weighed 70 shekels. These weights indicate the significance and value of the offering presented to the Lord.
- The purpose of the offering:The offering of fine flour mingled with oil was a common meat offering presented to the Lord as a symbol of dedication, thanksgiving, and worship. It was a way for the people of Israel to express their devotion and gratitude to God.
- Symbolism and lessons:The offerings made by the leaders of the tribes demonstrated their commitment to the worship of God and their unity as a nation. The identical offerings emphasized the equality and shared responsibility among the tribes in serving God.
- Spiritual application:This verse reminds us of the importance of presenting our offerings to God with sincerity and devotion. It is not the value of the material or the amount given that matters most to God, but the attitude of the heart. God desires our wholehearted dedication and worship.
- Generosity and stewardship:The leaders of the tribes set an example of generosity and stewardship by willingly offering their possessions for the service of God. This teaches us the principle of giving back to God and using our resources for His purposes.
Overall, Numbers 7:37 highlights the offerings presented by Nahshon, the leader of the tribe of Judah, during the consecration of the Tabernacle. It emphasises the importance of sincere worship, unity, and dedication in the service of God.
