Numbers 7:61 - 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 7:61" mean?
This verse, Numbers 7:61, is part of a larger section (Numbers 7:1-89) detailing the offerings brought by the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel for the dedication of the Tabernacle. Each tribe's leader brought the exact same offering, and the passage meticulously lists each item and its weight.
Let's break down the verse:
"Gave his offering:" This refers to one of the tribal leaders presenting his contribution. In the context of Numbers 7, this is the offering of Pagiel the son of Ocran, the leader of the tribe of Asher.
"One silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels:" The offering includes a silver platter weighing 130 shekels. A platter would be a large, flat dish used for serving food or presenting offerings.
"One silver bowl of seventy shekels:" This is another silver vessel, a bowl, weighing 70 shekels. A bowl would likely be used for holding liquid or smaller portions of food.
"After the shekel of the sanctuary:" This is crucial for understanding the value and weight. The "shekel of the sanctuary" was a standardized weight used for official and religious purposes. It served as a fixed standard to ensure that all offerings were of consistent value. This was important because different weights and measures could be used in everyday commerce, potentially leading to discrepancies.
"Both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering:" Both the platter and the bowl were filled with a mixture of fine flour and oil. This mixture constituted a "meal offering" (also known as a grain offering), which was a common type of offering presented to God. It typically symbolized thanksgiving and dedication.
In summary, the verse describes a specific component of the tribal leader's offering for the dedication of the Tabernacle: a silver platter (130 shekels) and a silver bowl (70 shekels), both filled with a mixture of fine flour and oil for a meal offering. The weight of the silver was measured according to the standardized "shekel of the sanctuary" to ensure uniformity.
Significance and Interpretation:
Dedication and Generosity: This passage shows the willingness of the tribal leaders to dedicate valuable resources to the service of God and the construction of the Tabernacle. The silver vessels were not cheap items, representing a significant financial contribution.
Uniformity and Equality: Despite coming from different tribes, each leader brought the exact same offering. This emphasizes the unity of the people of Israel and their equal standing before God.
Holiness and Sanctity: The mention of "the shekel of the sanctuary" highlights the sacred nature of the offering and the importance of using standardized, reliable measures in religious matters.
Symbolic Meaning: The meal offering of fine flour and oil symbolizes thanksgiving, dedication, and reliance on God's provision.
While the meticulous detail of the weights and materials might seem repetitive to modern readers, it underscores the importance of precision, dedication, and the value placed on these offerings in the eyes of God and the community.
Numbers 7:61 - 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 7:61" mean?
This verse, Numbers 7:61, is part of a larger section (Numbers 7:1-89) detailing the offerings brought by the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel for the dedication of the Tabernacle. Each tribe's leader brought the exact same offering, and the passage meticulously lists each item and its weight.
Let's break down the verse:
"Gave his offering:" This refers to one of the tribal leaders presenting his contribution. In the context of Numbers 7, this is the offering of Pagiel the son of Ocran, the leader of the tribe of Asher.
"One silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels:" The offering includes a silver platter weighing 130 shekels. A platter would be a large, flat dish used for serving food or presenting offerings.
"One silver bowl of seventy shekels:" This is another silver vessel, a bowl, weighing 70 shekels. A bowl would likely be used for holding liquid or smaller portions of food.
"After the shekel of the sanctuary:" This is crucial for understanding the value and weight. The "shekel of the sanctuary" was a standardized weight used for official and religious purposes. It served as a fixed standard to ensure that all offerings were of consistent value. This was important because different weights and measures could be used in everyday commerce, potentially leading to discrepancies.
"Both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering:" Both the platter and the bowl were filled with a mixture of fine flour and oil. This mixture constituted a "meal offering" (also known as a grain offering), which was a common type of offering presented to God. It typically symbolized thanksgiving and dedication.
In summary, the verse describes a specific component of the tribal leader's offering for the dedication of the Tabernacle: a silver platter (130 shekels) and a silver bowl (70 shekels), both filled with a mixture of fine flour and oil for a meal offering. The weight of the silver was measured according to the standardized "shekel of the sanctuary" to ensure uniformity.
Significance and Interpretation:
Dedication and Generosity: This passage shows the willingness of the tribal leaders to dedicate valuable resources to the service of God and the construction of the Tabernacle. The silver vessels were not cheap items, representing a significant financial contribution.
Uniformity and Equality: Despite coming from different tribes, each leader brought the exact same offering. This emphasizes the unity of the people of Israel and their equal standing before God.
Holiness and Sanctity: The mention of "the shekel of the sanctuary" highlights the sacred nature of the offering and the importance of using standardized, reliable measures in religious matters.
Symbolic Meaning: The meal offering of fine flour and oil symbolizes thanksgiving, dedication, and reliance on God's provision.
While the meticulous detail of the weights and materials might seem repetitive to modern readers, it underscores the importance of precision, dedication, and the value placed on these offerings in the eyes of God and the community.