This verse, Numbers 7:83, describes a specific offering made by Ahira the son of Enan as part of a larger dedication ceremony for the Tabernacle. Let's break it down:
"and for the sacrifice of peace offerings": This identifies the type of offering. Peace offerings (also known as fellowship offerings or well-being offerings) were voluntary sacrifices made to express thanksgiving, fellowship with God, or to fulfill a vow. A portion of the sacrifice was burned on the altar, a portion was given to the priests, and the offerer and their family could eat the remainder in a celebratory meal before the Lord.
"two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old": This lists the specific animals Ahira offered. The variety and number of animals suggest a substantial and generous offering. The animals were required to be unblemished. Using animals a year old indicated maturity.
"This was the offering of Ahira the son of Enan": This identifies the person who made this specific offering. Ahira was the leader (prince) of the tribe of Naphtali (Numbers 2:29). Chapter 7 of Numbers details identical offerings made by each of the twelve tribal leaders.
In Summary:
Ahira, as the leader of the tribe of Naphtali, brought a generous peace offering to dedicate the Tabernacle. The offering consisted of two cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs, all a year old. The purpose of this peace offering was likely to express gratitude to God, seek fellowship with Him, and celebrate the completion of the Tabernacle.
Context is Key:
It's crucial to understand this verse within the broader context of Numbers chapter 7. This chapter meticulously records the identical gifts offered by each of the twelve tribal leaders. The repetition highlights:
Equality and Unity: Each tribe participated equally in the dedication, emphasizing their unity before God.
Importance of Offering: The detailed recording shows the significance God placed on these offerings and the dedication of the Tabernacle.
Generosity and Devotion: The volume of the gifts demonstrates the tribes' devotion to God and their commitment to supporting the Tabernacle.
So, the verse isn't just about a list of animals; it's a small piece of a larger narrative about dedication, unity, and devotion within the early Israelite community.
This verse, Numbers 7:83, describes a specific offering made by Ahira the son of Enan as part of a larger dedication ceremony for the Tabernacle. Let's break it down:
"and for the sacrifice of peace offerings": This identifies the type of offering. Peace offerings (also known as fellowship offerings or well-being offerings) were voluntary sacrifices made to express thanksgiving, fellowship with God, or to fulfill a vow. A portion of the sacrifice was burned on the altar, a portion was given to the priests, and the offerer and their family could eat the remainder in a celebratory meal before the Lord.
"two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old": This lists the specific animals Ahira offered. The variety and number of animals suggest a substantial and generous offering. The animals were required to be unblemished. Using animals a year old indicated maturity.
"This was the offering of Ahira the son of Enan": This identifies the person who made this specific offering. Ahira was the leader (prince) of the tribe of Naphtali (Numbers 2:29). Chapter 7 of Numbers details identical offerings made by each of the twelve tribal leaders.
In Summary:
Ahira, as the leader of the tribe of Naphtali, brought a generous peace offering to dedicate the Tabernacle. The offering consisted of two cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs, all a year old. The purpose of this peace offering was likely to express gratitude to God, seek fellowship with Him, and celebrate the completion of the Tabernacle.
Context is Key:
It's crucial to understand this verse within the broader context of Numbers chapter 7. This chapter meticulously records the identical gifts offered by each of the twelve tribal leaders. The repetition highlights:
Equality and Unity: Each tribe participated equally in the dedication, emphasizing their unity before God.
Importance of Offering: The detailed recording shows the significance God placed on these offerings and the dedication of the Tabernacle.
Generosity and Devotion: The volume of the gifts demonstrates the tribes' devotion to God and their commitment to supporting the Tabernacle.
So, the verse isn't just about a list of animals; it's a small piece of a larger narrative about dedication, unity, and devotion within the early Israelite community.