This verse, Numbers 7:36, is part of a larger section (Numbers 7:12-83) detailing the offerings made by the leaders (princes) of the twelve tribes of Israel to the tabernacle after it was set up. Let's break down what the verse tells us:
"On the fifth day": This indicates the day in the sequence that Shelumiel made his offering. Each day a different prince presented essentially the same gifts.
"Shelumiel": This is the name of the leader who presented the offering on the fifth day. It's a Hebrew name, likely meaning "God is my peace" or "friend of God."
"the son of Zurishaddai": This provides Shelumiel's patronymic, meaning he was the son of Zurishaddai. This was a common way to identify people in ancient times and establish lineage.
"prince of the children of Simeon": This clarifies Shelumiel's role and tribal affiliation. He was the designated leader (prince) representing the tribe of Simeon.
In essence, the verse is a precise record-keeping statement. It identifies Shelumiel, the leader of the tribe of Simeon, as the person who presented his tribe's offering on the fifth day of the dedication ceremony of the tabernacle.
Significance:
Order and Organization: The meticulous listing of each tribe's offering on a specific day highlights the importance of order and organization in Israelite society and worship.
Equal Contribution: While the leaders are prominent, the repetition of the same offerings underscores that each tribe, despite its size or status, contributed equally to the tabernacle's dedication.
Historical Record: The verse serves as a historical record of the event, preserving the names of the leaders and their participation in the tabernacle's dedication.
Tribal Identity: It reinforces the importance of tribal identity and leadership within the Israelite nation.
The verse by itself might seem simple, but it's part of a broader narrative emphasizing the dedication, order, and equality that characterized the Israelites' relationship with God and their community.
This verse, Numbers 7:36, is part of a larger section (Numbers 7:12-83) detailing the offerings made by the leaders (princes) of the twelve tribes of Israel to the tabernacle after it was set up. Let's break down what the verse tells us:
"On the fifth day": This indicates the day in the sequence that Shelumiel made his offering. Each day a different prince presented essentially the same gifts.
"Shelumiel": This is the name of the leader who presented the offering on the fifth day. It's a Hebrew name, likely meaning "God is my peace" or "friend of God."
"the son of Zurishaddai": This provides Shelumiel's patronymic, meaning he was the son of Zurishaddai. This was a common way to identify people in ancient times and establish lineage.
"prince of the children of Simeon": This clarifies Shelumiel's role and tribal affiliation. He was the designated leader (prince) representing the tribe of Simeon.
In essence, the verse is a precise record-keeping statement. It identifies Shelumiel, the leader of the tribe of Simeon, as the person who presented his tribe's offering on the fifth day of the dedication ceremony of the tabernacle.
Significance:
Order and Organization: The meticulous listing of each tribe's offering on a specific day highlights the importance of order and organization in Israelite society and worship.
Equal Contribution: While the leaders are prominent, the repetition of the same offerings underscores that each tribe, despite its size or status, contributed equally to the tabernacle's dedication.
Historical Record: The verse serves as a historical record of the event, preserving the names of the leaders and their participation in the tabernacle's dedication.
Tribal Identity: It reinforces the importance of tribal identity and leadership within the Israelite nation.
The verse by itself might seem simple, but it's part of a broader narrative emphasizing the dedication, order, and equality that characterized the Israelites' relationship with God and their community.