Numbers 7:19 - He offered for his offering: one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

Generated Verse: Numbers 7:19

What does "Numbers 7:19" mean?


This verse is part of a detailed description in Numbers 7 of the offerings brought by the leaders of the tribes of Israel at the dedication of the altar. Let's break down the meaning:

"He offered for his offering...": This refers to one of the leaders of a specific tribe (in the surrounding verses, it specifies which tribe) presenting his gift. Each of the twelve tribal leaders brought an identical offering.

"one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels...": A silver platter, a large dish, weighing 130 shekels. Silver was a valuable metal, representing wealth and purity. This item was meant for serving or carrying items presented as an offering.

"one silver bowl of seventy shekels...": A silver bowl, another valuable container, weighing 70 shekels.

"after the shekel of the sanctuary...": This is important! It specifies that the shekels used to weigh the items were the "sanctuary shekel," which was a standardized weight used in the Tabernacle (the portable sanctuary). This was crucial for ensuring fairness and uniformity in measurements within the religious context. There was a tendency for people to cheat in weights and measures, so specifying "of the sanctuary" meant it was a trusted standard.

"both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering": Both the platter and the bowl were filled with "fine flour mixed with oil." This constituted a "meal offering" (also called a "grain offering"). This was a common type of offering, symbolizing dedication, gratitude, and sustenance. The oil symbolizes anointing and abundance.

In summary, the verse describes a generous offering made by one of the tribal leaders at the dedication of the altar. It includes:

Valuable silver vessels (platter and bowl): Demonstrating wealth and dedication.
Precise weights (130 and 70 shekels): Highlighting the importance of fairness and standardization.
A meal offering (fine flour and oil): Representing gratitude, dedication, and provision.

Significance:

Leadership Example: The leaders led by example in their generosity and devotion.
Symbolic Act: The offerings were more than just gifts; they were symbolic acts of consecration and dedication to God.
Uniformity: The identical offerings from each tribe emphasize the unity of the nation of Israel in their worship.
Details Matter: The meticulous description highlights the importance of precision and attention to detail in religious practice.

The passage underscores the commitment of the Israelites to the Lord and the meticulous nature of their worship practices. The value of the gifts and the standardization of weights demonstrate the seriousness with which they approached their relationship with God.

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