Numbers 7:43 - 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 7:43" mean?
This verse, Numbers 7:43, describes one of the offerings given by the leaders of the tribes of Israel to dedicate the altar of the Tabernacle. Let's break it down:
"gave his offering:" This refers to one of the tribal leaders presenting a specific set of items as a gift or sacrifice. The entire chapter of Numbers 7 details the offerings of each tribe's leader in the same format.
"one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels:" This is the first item offered. It was a large silver dish (platter) that weighed 130 shekels. A shekel was a unit of weight (and later currency) in ancient Israel.
"one silver bowl of seventy shekels:" The second item was a silver bowl, weighing 70 shekels.
"after the shekel of the sanctuary;" This is a crucial point. It clarifies that the shekels used to measure the weight of the silver were the "shekels of the sanctuary." This meant they were a standardized, official weight used in religious contexts, ensuring consistency and avoiding fraud. This standard weight was maintained at the sanctuary (the Tabernacle).
"both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;" The platter and the bowl were not empty. They were filled with "fine flour mixed with oil." This mixture was the main component of a "meal offering" (also known as a grain offering). Meal offerings were a common type of sacrifice presented to God. The fine flour would have been of the highest quality, and the oil was likely olive oil.
In summary, the verse describes a portion of the offering made by a tribal leader. It consisted of:
A heavy silver platter
A silver bowl
Both filled with fine flour mixed with oil, intended for a meal offering to God.
Significance:
Dedication: The offerings were part of the dedication of the altar, showing the people's commitment to God and His worship.
Standardization: The "shekel of the sanctuary" emphasizes the importance of honest and consistent weights and measures in religious practices and commerce.
Provision: The meal offering symbolizes provision and sustenance. Offering fine flour represented giving back to God a portion of what He had provided for the people.
Generosity: The use of precious metals like silver indicates the leaders' willingness to give generously to God. The repetitive listing of these items from each tribe emphasizes their unified commitment.
Ritual Purity: The use of specific materials (fine flour, oil) and standardized weights reflects the importance of ritual purity and adherence to God's instructions in worship.
Each tribal leader made the exact same offering, highlighting unity and equality in their dedication to God. While the individual items might seem specific, they represent a broader concept of offering the best of what one has to God.
Numbers 7:43 - 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 7:43" mean?
This verse, Numbers 7:43, describes one of the offerings given by the leaders of the tribes of Israel to dedicate the altar of the Tabernacle. Let's break it down:
"gave his offering:" This refers to one of the tribal leaders presenting a specific set of items as a gift or sacrifice. The entire chapter of Numbers 7 details the offerings of each tribe's leader in the same format.
"one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels:" This is the first item offered. It was a large silver dish (platter) that weighed 130 shekels. A shekel was a unit of weight (and later currency) in ancient Israel.
"one silver bowl of seventy shekels:" The second item was a silver bowl, weighing 70 shekels.
"after the shekel of the sanctuary;" This is a crucial point. It clarifies that the shekels used to measure the weight of the silver were the "shekels of the sanctuary." This meant they were a standardized, official weight used in religious contexts, ensuring consistency and avoiding fraud. This standard weight was maintained at the sanctuary (the Tabernacle).
"both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;" The platter and the bowl were not empty. They were filled with "fine flour mixed with oil." This mixture was the main component of a "meal offering" (also known as a grain offering). Meal offerings were a common type of sacrifice presented to God. The fine flour would have been of the highest quality, and the oil was likely olive oil.
In summary, the verse describes a portion of the offering made by a tribal leader. It consisted of:
A heavy silver platter
A silver bowl
Both filled with fine flour mixed with oil, intended for a meal offering to God.
Significance:
Dedication: The offerings were part of the dedication of the altar, showing the people's commitment to God and His worship.
Standardization: The "shekel of the sanctuary" emphasizes the importance of honest and consistent weights and measures in religious practices and commerce.
Provision: The meal offering symbolizes provision and sustenance. Offering fine flour represented giving back to God a portion of what He had provided for the people.
Generosity: The use of precious metals like silver indicates the leaders' willingness to give generously to God. The repetitive listing of these items from each tribe emphasizes their unified commitment.
Ritual Purity: The use of specific materials (fine flour, oil) and standardized weights reflects the importance of ritual purity and adherence to God's instructions in worship.
Each tribal leader made the exact same offering, highlighting unity and equality in their dedication to God. While the individual items might seem specific, they represent a broader concept of offering the best of what one has to God.