Numbers 7:37 - gave 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;
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What does "Numbers 7:37" mean?
This verse describes part of the offerings brought by one of the tribal leaders to the Tabernacle after it was set up. Let's break it down:
"gave his offering:" This indicates that a specific tribal leader (in this chapter, each leader offered the same thing, one after the other) brought a present or contribution to the newly constructed Tabernacle. It was a voluntary act of devotion and dedication.
"one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels:" The leader brought a large silver platter as a gift. Its weight is specified as 130 shekels. This highlights the substantial value of the offering. Silver was precious, and this was a significant quantity.
"one silver bowl of seventy shekels:" In addition to the platter, a silver bowl weighing 70 shekels was also offered. This further emphasizes the generosity and wealth of the leaders making these offerings.
"after the shekel of the sanctuary;" This phrase is crucial. It clarifies that the shekel used to measure the weight of the silver was the "sanctuary shekel," a standardized weight used within the Tabernacle for official purposes. This ensured that the weights were accurate and consistent for all offerings. The sanctuary shekel was likely a heavier, more precise standard than common shekels used in everyday commerce.
"both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;" The platter and bowl were not just empty vessels. They were filled with "fine flour mixed with oil." This mixture was a key ingredient in a "meal offering" (also called a "grain offering"). This offering was presented to God as a form of worship, gratitude, and dedication. The fine flour symbolized purity and the best of the harvest, while the oil represented God's anointing and blessing.
In essence, the verse describes a valuable and significant offering made by a tribal leader, consisting of silver vessels filled with the ingredients for a meal offering. This act symbolizes the leader's devotion, wealth, and willingness to contribute to the worship and service of God at the Tabernacle.
Significance and Context:
Dedication of the Tabernacle: This offering was part of the dedication ceremony for the Tabernacle, a pivotal moment in the history of Israel. It marked the establishment of a central place for worship and God's presence among the people.
Tribal Representation: Each tribal leader brought the same offering, emphasizing unity and equality among the tribes, despite their individual status.
Symbolic Value: The silver, flour, and oil all held symbolic meaning, representing wealth, purity, God's anointing, and dedication.
Precise Details: The meticulous detail regarding the weight of the silver and the ingredients of the meal offering underscores the importance of proper and prescribed worship in the Old Testament.
This passage demonstrates the Israelites' understanding that they should offer the best of what they have to God and to support the religious life of the community.
Numbers 7:37 - gave 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;
What does "Numbers 7:37" mean?
This verse describes part of the offerings brought by one of the tribal leaders to the Tabernacle after it was set up. Let's break it down:
"gave his offering:" This indicates that a specific tribal leader (in this chapter, each leader offered the same thing, one after the other) brought a present or contribution to the newly constructed Tabernacle. It was a voluntary act of devotion and dedication.
"one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels:" The leader brought a large silver platter as a gift. Its weight is specified as 130 shekels. This highlights the substantial value of the offering. Silver was precious, and this was a significant quantity.
"one silver bowl of seventy shekels:" In addition to the platter, a silver bowl weighing 70 shekels was also offered. This further emphasizes the generosity and wealth of the leaders making these offerings.
"after the shekel of the sanctuary;" This phrase is crucial. It clarifies that the shekel used to measure the weight of the silver was the "sanctuary shekel," a standardized weight used within the Tabernacle for official purposes. This ensured that the weights were accurate and consistent for all offerings. The sanctuary shekel was likely a heavier, more precise standard than common shekels used in everyday commerce.
"both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;" The platter and bowl were not just empty vessels. They were filled with "fine flour mixed with oil." This mixture was a key ingredient in a "meal offering" (also called a "grain offering"). This offering was presented to God as a form of worship, gratitude, and dedication. The fine flour symbolized purity and the best of the harvest, while the oil represented God's anointing and blessing.
In essence, the verse describes a valuable and significant offering made by a tribal leader, consisting of silver vessels filled with the ingredients for a meal offering. This act symbolizes the leader's devotion, wealth, and willingness to contribute to the worship and service of God at the Tabernacle.
Significance and Context:
Dedication of the Tabernacle: This offering was part of the dedication ceremony for the Tabernacle, a pivotal moment in the history of Israel. It marked the establishment of a central place for worship and God's presence among the people.
Tribal Representation: Each tribal leader brought the same offering, emphasizing unity and equality among the tribes, despite their individual status.
Symbolic Value: The silver, flour, and oil all held symbolic meaning, representing wealth, purity, God's anointing, and dedication.
Precise Details: The meticulous detail regarding the weight of the silver and the ingredients of the meal offering underscores the importance of proper and prescribed worship in the Old Testament.
This passage demonstrates the Israelites' understanding that they should offer the best of what they have to God and to support the religious life of the community.