Numbers 7:59 - 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 Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.

Generated Verse: Numbers 7:59

What does "Numbers 7:59" mean?


This verse describes part of the offering brought by Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur, the leader of the tribe of Manasseh, as his contribution towards the dedication of the Tabernacle. Let's break it down:

"And for the sacrifice of peace offerings..." This indicates that the items listed were part of a "peace offering" (also called a fellowship offering). Peace offerings were voluntary sacrifices offered to God as an expression of thanksgiving, fellowship, or vows. They were partially consumed by the offerer and his family, with a portion also given to the priests.
"two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old." This is a detailed listing of the specific animals that Gamaliel offered. Each animal had to be without blemish and a year old to be acceptable.
"This was the offering of Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur." This clarifies that these specific animals were offered by Gamaliel, the leader of the tribe of Manasseh.

Significance and Context:

Dedication of the Tabernacle: This verse is part of a larger passage (Numbers 7) detailing the offerings brought by the leaders of each of the twelve tribes of Israel for the dedication of the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle was the portable sanctuary that housed the Ark of the Covenant and served as the central place of worship for the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings.
Equal Offering: The key point is that each tribal leader offered the exact same set of gifts on consecutive days. This highlights the idea of unity and equality among the tribes, all contributing equally to the dedication of the Tabernacle. It's not about the monetary value of the offering, but the act of offering itself and the devotion it represented.
Types of Offerings: The peace offering was a common type of sacrifice in ancient Israel. Offering animals was a way to express gratitude, seek atonement, and commune with God. Part of the animal was burned as a sacrifice to God, and the remaining portion was eaten by the offerer and the priests, symbolizing fellowship.

In Summary:

The verse describes Gamaliel's contribution of specific animals as a peace offering for the dedication of the Tabernacle. It is part of a larger narrative emphasizing the unified and equal participation of all the tribes of Israel in dedicating the Tabernacle to God. The meticulous details of the offering highlight the importance of proper worship and dedication to God in ancient Israel.

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