Numbers 7:47 - 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 Eliasaph the son of Deuel.
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What does "Numbers 7:47" mean?
This verse describes part of a larger passage (Numbers 7:12-83) that details the offerings brought by the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel to dedicate the altar of the Tabernacle. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
Context: The Tabernacle was the portable sanctuary that the Israelites carried with them during their wanderings in the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt. After it was set up and consecrated, the tribal leaders each brought gifts to dedicate the altar. Numbers 7 records these gifts in a highly repetitive format, detailing the offerings each leader brought.
"And for the sacrifice of peace offerings..." This identifies the specific type of sacrifice being offered: a peace offering (Hebrew: shelamim). Peace offerings were voluntary offerings brought to express thanksgiving, fellowship, or to fulfill a vow. A portion was burned on the altar, a portion was eaten by the priests, and a portion was eaten by the person who offered the sacrifice and their family and friends. It was a communal and joyous occasion.
"two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old..." This lists the specific animals offered and their number. The animals were all required to be without blemish (perfect). The variety and quantity suggest the wealth and generosity of the offering. The age specification ("a year old") ensured the animals were at their prime.
"This was the offering of Eliasaph the son of Deuel." This identifies the specific leader who brought this offering. Eliasaph was the leader of the tribe of Gad (Numbers 1:14). "The son of Deuel" identifies Eliasaph's father, providing lineage and confirming his identity.
Significance and Interpretation:
Dedication and Consecration: The offerings served to dedicate the newly established altar of the Tabernacle to God. It was a way of consecrating it for use in worship and sacrifice.
Worship and Sacrifice: These sacrifices were an integral part of Israelite worship. They were a way to acknowledge God's sovereignty, express gratitude, and seek atonement.
Wealth and Status: The generous offerings demonstrated the wealth and leadership position of Eliasaph and, by extension, the tribe of Gad.
Repetition: The repetitive nature of the passage highlights the equal importance of each tribe's contribution and the consistent standard of worship established by God. While repetitive to the modern reader, this format would have served as a mnemonic device for the Israelites.
God's Provision: The sacrifices, while significant, also foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the "Lamb of God," who would take away the sins of the world.
In summary, Numbers 7:47 records a specific, costly, and meaningful peace offering brought by Eliasaph, the leader of the tribe of Gad, as part of the dedication of the altar of the Tabernacle. It reflects the importance of worship, sacrifice, and dedication in the life of the Israelites.
Numbers 7:47 - 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 Eliasaph the son of Deuel.
What does "Numbers 7:47" mean?
This verse describes part of a larger passage (Numbers 7:12-83) that details the offerings brought by the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel to dedicate the altar of the Tabernacle. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
Context: The Tabernacle was the portable sanctuary that the Israelites carried with them during their wanderings in the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt. After it was set up and consecrated, the tribal leaders each brought gifts to dedicate the altar. Numbers 7 records these gifts in a highly repetitive format, detailing the offerings each leader brought.
"And for the sacrifice of peace offerings..." This identifies the specific type of sacrifice being offered: a peace offering (Hebrew: shelamim). Peace offerings were voluntary offerings brought to express thanksgiving, fellowship, or to fulfill a vow. A portion was burned on the altar, a portion was eaten by the priests, and a portion was eaten by the person who offered the sacrifice and their family and friends. It was a communal and joyous occasion.
"two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old..." This lists the specific animals offered and their number. The animals were all required to be without blemish (perfect). The variety and quantity suggest the wealth and generosity of the offering. The age specification ("a year old") ensured the animals were at their prime.
"This was the offering of Eliasaph the son of Deuel." This identifies the specific leader who brought this offering. Eliasaph was the leader of the tribe of Gad (Numbers 1:14). "The son of Deuel" identifies Eliasaph's father, providing lineage and confirming his identity.
Significance and Interpretation:
Dedication and Consecration: The offerings served to dedicate the newly established altar of the Tabernacle to God. It was a way of consecrating it for use in worship and sacrifice.
Worship and Sacrifice: These sacrifices were an integral part of Israelite worship. They were a way to acknowledge God's sovereignty, express gratitude, and seek atonement.
Wealth and Status: The generous offerings demonstrated the wealth and leadership position of Eliasaph and, by extension, the tribe of Gad.
Repetition: The repetitive nature of the passage highlights the equal importance of each tribe's contribution and the consistent standard of worship established by God. While repetitive to the modern reader, this format would have served as a mnemonic device for the Israelites.
God's Provision: The sacrifices, while significant, also foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the "Lamb of God," who would take away the sins of the world.
In summary, Numbers 7:47 records a specific, costly, and meaningful peace offering brought by Eliasaph, the leader of the tribe of Gad, as part of the dedication of the altar of the Tabernacle. It reflects the importance of worship, sacrifice, and dedication in the life of the Israelites.