Numbers 7:25 - gave his offering: one silver platter, the weight of which 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 mixed with oil for a meal offering;

Generated Verse: Numbers 7:25

What does "Numbers 7:25" mean?


This verse from Numbers 7:25 is part of a larger description of the offerings brought by the leaders of the tribes of Israel at the dedication of the tabernacle. Let's break down the meaning:

"gave his offering": This refers to a leader of one of the tribes bringing a specific set of gifts to contribute to the newly dedicated tabernacle.
"one silver platter, the weight of which was a hundred and thirty shekels": This is a silver platter, used for holding or presenting offerings. The weight of 130 shekels indicates its size and value.
"one silver bowl of seventy shekels": Another silver vessel, a bowl, also for holding or presenting offerings. This one weighs 70 shekels.
"after the shekel of the sanctuary": This is a crucial point. It specifies that the weight of the shekels used to measure the silver is according to the standard weight kept at the sanctuary. This ensures a consistent and accurate measurement, preventing the use of lighter or heavier shekels for personal gain. Think of it like ensuring a "certified weight" for important measurements.
"both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering": This describes the contents of the platter and bowl. They are filled with "fine flour mixed with oil." This mixture constitutes a "meal offering," which was a type of offering brought to God, often accompanied by a burnt offering or other sacrifices.

In summary:

The verse describes a valuable and specific gift given by a tribal leader to the tabernacle. The gift consists of a heavy silver platter and bowl, both of precise weight according to the sanctuary standard. They are filled with the ingredients for a meal offering (fine flour mixed with oil), demonstrating the leader's devotion and contribution to the worship of God.

Significance:

Dedication and Contribution: The offerings symbolize the tribal leaders' dedication and support for the newly established tabernacle and its worship practices.
Wealth and Status: The use of silver, and the specified weights, highlights the wealth and status of the leaders making the offerings.
Standardization and Accuracy: The emphasis on the "shekel of the sanctuary" reflects the importance of honest and consistent measures in religious practices.
Meal Offering: The inclusion of fine flour and oil points to the specific type of worship and sacrifices that would be conducted at the tabernacle.
Equality in Giving: While the gifts were valuable, the following verses will show that all the tribal leaders gave identical offerings. This highlights that each tribe was contributing equally to the sanctuary, regardless of any other differences.

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