Numbers 7:35 - and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Elizur the son of Shedeur.

Generated Verse: Numbers 7:35

What does "Numbers 7:35" mean?


This verse describes a specific offering made by Elizur, son of Shedeur, as part of the dedication of the altar in the Book of Numbers. Let's break down its meaning:

"and for the sacrifice of peace offerings": This indicates the type of offering being made. Peace offerings (also known as fellowship offerings) were a type of sacrifice offered to God as a gesture of fellowship, thanksgiving, or to fulfill a vow. Part of the offering was burned on the altar, part was given to the priests, and the rest was eaten by the one offering the sacrifice and their family/guests. This sharing of the meal symbolized a shared connection with God.

"two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old": This lists the specific animals that Elizur sacrificed as his peace offering. The quantity and type of animals varied depending on the individual's means and the specific purpose of the offering. The fact that all the male lambs were a year old indicates they had to meet specific criteria (blemish-free, of a certain age) to be acceptable sacrifices.

"This was the offering of Elizur the son of Shedeur": This identifies the person who made this particular offering. Elizur was the leader of the tribe of Reuben (Numbers 1:5, 2:10).

Context is Key:

To fully understand the significance, consider the broader context of Numbers 7:

Dedication of the Altar: This chapter describes the offerings made by the leaders of each of the twelve tribes of Israel for the dedication of the altar in the Tabernacle.
Identical Offerings: Each leader brought the exact same offering on a different day. This uniformity highlights the unity and equality of the tribes before God. The repetition emphasizes the importance and solemnity of the occasion.
Symbolic Meaning: The altar was central to the worship and relationship between God and the Israelites. The dedication was a significant event marking the establishment of God's presence among them. The peace offerings, in particular, signified a desire for fellowship and reconciliation with God.

In Summary:

The verse describes Elizur's contribution to the dedication of the altar. He offered two cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs as a peace offering. This offering was a symbolic gesture of fellowship, thanksgiving, and dedication to God as part of the larger dedication ceremony involving all the tribal leaders. The repetition of the same offering by each leader emphasizes the unity of the tribes in their worship of God.

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