Introduction

‘When Moses finished setting up the tabernacle, he anointed and consecrated it and all its furnishings. He also anointed and consecrated the altar and all its utensils. Then the leaders of Israel, the heads of families who were the tribal leaders in charge of those who were counted, made offerings. They brought as their gifts before the LORD six covered carts and twelve oxen—an ox from each leader and a cart from every two. These they presented before the tabernacle. The LORD said to Moses, “Accept these from them, that they may be used in the work at the tent of meeting. Give them to the Levites as each man’s work requires.” So Moses took the carts and oxen and gave them to the Levites. He gave two carts and four oxen to the Gershonites, as their work required, and he gave four carts and eight oxen to the Merarites, as their work required. They were all under the direction of Ithamar, son of Aaron, the priest. But Moses did not give any to the Kohathites, because they were to carry on their shoulders the holy things, for which they were responsible.’ Numbers 7:1-9

OFFERINGS AT THE DEDICATION OF THE TABERNACLE

When Moses finished setting up the tabernacle, he anointed and consecrated it and all its furnishings and he also anointed and consecrated the altar and all its utensils, Numbers 7:1.

The leaders of Israel, the heads of families who were the tribal leaders in charge of those who were counted, made offerings and they brought as their gifts six covered carts, Isaiah 66:20, and twelve oxen, an ox from each leader and a cart from every two, Numbers 7:2-3.

God then tells Moses to accept these from them, that they may be used in the work at the tent of meeting, and he is to give them to the Levites as each man’s work requires, and Moses does as he was asked, Numbers 7:4-6.

The sons of Gershon, Numbers 7:7 / Numbers 4:25-26, and Merari, Numbers 7:8 / Numbers 4:31-32, used the carts and oxen to transport all the furnishings and the structure. They were all under the direction of Ithamar, son of Aaron, the priest, Numbers 7:8.

Notice the sons of Kohath had the responsibility of transporting the ark and holy things used for the offerings, but on their shoulders, Numbers 7:9 / Numbers 3:25-26 / Numbers 3:31 / Numbers 3:36-37 / Numbers 4:4 / Numbers 4:5-15.

When we read through this chapter, we see that the tabernacle was never designed to stay in one place all the time, hence why they used carts and oxen. This made it possible for them to carry the tabernacle with them as they journeyed through the wilderness.

‘When the altar was anointed, the leaders brought their offerings for its dedication and presented them before the altar. For the LORD had said to Moses, “Each day one leader is to bring his offering for the dedication of the altar.’ Numbers 7:10-11

When the altar was anointed, the leaders brought their offerings for its dedication and presented them before the altar, Numbers 7:10. In the following verses, we read that twelve leaders of the twelve tribes brought dedication gifts to the tabernacle, one on each day for twelve days, Numbers 7:11.

Coffman, in his commentary, says the following.

‘This was a free-will thing on their part, no commandment to this effect having been given. It appears likely that these leaders of Israel, anticipating the march into the land of Canaan, expected to begin soon, decided to expedite the transfer of the tabernacle by these contributions of wagons and oxen.’

‘The one who brought his offering on the first day was Nahshon, son of Amminadab of the tribe of Judah. His offering was one silver plate weighing a hundred and thirty shekels and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with the finest flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering; one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; one young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering; one male goat for a sin offering; and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs a year old to be sacrificed as a fellowship offering. This was the offering of Nahshon, son of Amminadab.’ Numbers 7:11-17

On day one, Nahshon, son of Amminadab of the tribe of Judah, brought his offering, Numbers 7:12-17.

‘On the second day, Nethanel son of Zuar, the leader of Issachar, brought his offering. The offering he brought was one silver plate weighing a hundred and thirty shekels and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with the finest flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering; one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; one young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering; one male goat for a sin offering; and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs a year old to be sacrificed as a fellowship offering. This was the offering of Nethanel, son of Zuar.’ Numbers 7:18-23

On day two, Nethanel, son of Zuar, the leader of Issachar, brought his offering, Numbers 7:18-23.

‘On the third day, Eliab, son of Helon, the leader of the people of Zebulun, brought his offering. His offering was one silver plate weighing a hundred and thirty shekels and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with the finest flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering; one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; one young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering; one male goat for a sin offering; and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs a year old to be sacrificed as a fellowship offering. This was the offering of Eliab, son of Helon.’ Numbers 7:24-29

On day three, Eliab, son of Helon, the leader of the people of Zebulun, brought his offering, Numbers 7:24-29.

‘On the fourth day, Elizur, son of Shedeur, the leader of the people of Reuben, brought his offering. His offering was one silver plate weighing a hundred and thirty shekels and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with the finest flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering; one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; one young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering; one male goat for a sin offering; and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs a year old to be sacrificed as a fellowship offering. This was the offering of Elizur, son of Shedeur.’ Numbers 7:30-35

On day four, Elizur, son of Shedeur, the leader of the people of Reuben, brought his offering, Numbers 7:30-35.

‘On the fifth day, Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai, the leader of the people of Simeon, brought his offering. His offering was one silver plate weighing a hundred and thirty shekels and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with the finest flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering; one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; one young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering; one male goat for a sin offering; and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs a year old to be sacrificed as a fellowship offering. This was the offering of Shelumiel, son of Zurishaddai.’ Numbers 7:36-41

On day five, Shelumiel, son of Zurishaddai, the leader of the people of Simeon, brought his offering, Numbers 7:36-41.

‘On the sixth day, Eliasaph son of Deuel, the leader of the people of Gad, brought his offering. His offering was one silver plate weighing a hundred and thirty shekels and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with the finest flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering; one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; one young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering; one male goat for a sin offering; and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs a year old to be sacrificed as a fellowship offering. This was the offering of Eliasaph, son of Deuel.’ Numbers 7:42-47

On day six, Eliasaph, son of Deuel, the leader of the people of Gad, brought his offering, Numbers 7:42-47.

‘On the seventh day, Elishama son of Ammihud, the leader of the people of Ephraim, brought his offering. His offering was one silver plate weighing a hundred and thirty shekels and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with the finest flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering; one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; one young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering; one male goat for a sin offering; and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs a year old to be sacrificed as a fellowship offering. This was the offering of Elishama, son of Ammihud.’ Numbers 7:48-53

On day seven, Elishama son of Ammihud, the leader of the people of Ephraim, brought his offering, Numbers 7:48-53.

‘On the eighth day, Gamaliel, son of Pedahzur, the leader of the people of Manasseh, brought his offering. His offering was one silver plate weighing a hundred and thirty shekels and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with the finest flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering; one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; one young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering; one male goat for a sin offering; and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs a year old to be sacrificed as a fellowship offering. This was the offering of Gamaliel, son of Pedahzur.’ Numbers 7:54-59

On day eight, Gamaliel, son of Pedahzur, the leader of the people of Manasseh, brought his offering, Numbers 7:54-59.

‘On the ninth day, Abidan son of Gideoni, the leader of the people of Benjamin, brought his offering. His offering was one silver plate weighing a hundred and thirty shekels and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with the finest flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering; one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; one young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering; one male goat for a sin offering; and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs a year old to be sacrificed as a fellowship offering. This was the offering of Abidan, son of Gideoni.’ Numbers 7:60-65

On day nine, Abidan, son of Gideoni, the leader of the people of Benjamin, brought his offering, Numbers 7:60-65.

‘On the tenth day, Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai, the leader of the people of Dan, brought his offering. His offering was one silver plate weighing a hundred and thirty shekels and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with the finest flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering; one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; one young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering; one male goat for a sin offering; and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs a year old to be sacrificed as a fellowship offering. This was the offering of Ahiezer, son of Ammishaddai.’ Numbers 7:66-71

On day ten, Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai, the leader of the people of Dan, brought his offering, Numbers 7:66-71.

‘On the eleventh day, Pagiel, son of Okran, the leader of the people of Asher, brought his offering. His offering was one silver plate weighing a hundred and thirty shekels and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with the finest flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering; one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; one young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering; one male goat for a sin offering; and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs a year old to be sacrificed as a fellowship offering. This was the offering of Pagiel, son of Okran.’ Numbers 7:72-77

On day eleven, Pagiel, son of Okran, the leader of the people of Asher, brought his offering, Numbers 7:72-77.

‘On the twelfth day, Ahira son of Enan, the leader of the people of Naphtali, brought his offering. His offering was one silver plate weighing a hundred and thirty shekels and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with the finest flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering; one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; one young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering; one male goat for a sin offering; and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs a year old to be sacrificed as a fellowship offering. This was the offering of Ahira, son of Enan.’ Numbers 7:78-83

On day twelve, Ahira son of Enan, the leader of the people of Naphtali, brought his offering, Numbers 7:78-83.

Clarke, in his commentary, says the following.

‘It is worthy of remark that the different tribes are represented here as bringing their offerings precisely in the same order in which they encamped about the tabernacle. See Numbers 2:1-31 and Numbers 10:13-27.’

SILVER AND GOLD OFFERINGS

Notice that the offering of each leader was the same. Each of them brought one silver plate: Numbers 7:13 / Numbers 7:19 / Numbers 7:25 / Numbers 7:31 / Numbers 7:37 / Numbers 7:43 / Numbers 7:49 / Numbers 7:55 / Numbers 7:61 / Numbers 7:67 / Numbers 7:73 / Numbers 7:79. The silver plate was used to knead the paste, Exodus 25:29.

Each of them brought one silver basin, Numbers 7:13 / Numbers 7:19 / Numbers 7:25 / Numbers 7:31 / Numbers 7:37 / Numbers 7:43 / Numbers 7:49 / Numbers 7:55 / Numbers 7:61 / Numbers 7:67 / Numbers 7:73 / Numbers 7:79. The silver basin was used to receive the blood of the sacrifice in Exodus 27:3.

Each of them brought one gold dish: Numbers 7:14 / Numbers 7:20 / Numbers 7:26 / Numbers 7:32 / Numbers 7:38 / Numbers 7:44 / Numbers 7:50 / Numbers 7:56 / Numbers 7:62 / Numbers 7:68 / Numbers 7:74 / Numbers 7:80.

Each silver plate weighed about three pounds, Numbers 7:13 / Numbers 7:19 / Numbers 7:25 / Numbers 7:31 / Numbers 7:37 / Numbers 7:43 / Numbers 7:49 / Numbers 7:55 / Numbers 7:61 / Numbers 7:67 / Numbers 7:73 / Numbers 7:79.

Each silver basin is about two pounds, Numbers 7:13 / Numbers 7:19 / Numbers 7:25 / Numbers 7:31 / Numbers 7:37 / Numbers 7:43 / Numbers 7:49 / Numbers 7:55 / Numbers 7:61 / Numbers 7:67 / Numbers 7:73 / Numbers 7:79.

A gold dish about four ounces, Numbers 7:14 / Numbers 7:20 / Numbers 7:26 / Numbers 7:32 / Numbers 7:38 / Numbers 7:44 / Numbers 7:50 / Numbers 7:56 / Numbers 7:61 / Numbers 7:68 / Numbers 7:74 / Numbers 7:80.

THE SACRIFICIAL OFFERINGS

Notice also that the sacrificial offerings of each leader were the same. Each of them brought a grain offering, Numbers 7:13 / Numbers 7:19 / Numbers 7:25 / Numbers 7:31 / Numbers 7:37 / Numbers 7:43 / Numbers 7:49 / Numbers 7:55 / Numbers 7:61 / Numbers 7:67 / Numbers 7:73 / Numbers 7:79.

Each of them brought a burnt offering, Numbers 7:15 / Numbers 7:21 / Numbers 7:27 / Numbers 7:33 / Numbers 7:39 / Numbers 7:45 / Numbers 7:51 / Numbers 7:57 / Numbers 7:63 / Numbers 7:69 / Numbers 7:75 / Numbers 7:81.

Each of them brought a sin offering: Numbers 7:16 / Numbers 7:22 / Numbers 7:28 / Numbers 7:34 / Numbers 7:40 / Numbers 7:46 / Numbers 7:52 / Numbers 7:58 / Numbers 7:64 / Numbers 7:70 / Numbers 7:76 / Numbers 7:82.

Each of them brought a peace offering, also called a fellowship offering, Numbers 7:17 / Numbers 7:23 / Numbers 7:29 / Numbers 7:35 / Numbers 7:41 / Numbers 7:47 / Numbers 7:53 / Numbers 7:59 / Numbers 7:65 / Numbers 7:71 / Numbers 7:77 / Numbers 7:83. Apart from the burnt offering, the offerings were for a meal of celebration for the dedication of the tabernacle.

‘These were the offerings of the Israelite leaders for the dedication of the altar when it was anointed: twelve silver plates, twelve silver sprinkling bowls and twelve gold dishes. Each silver plate weighed a hundred and thirty shekels, and each sprinkling bowl seventy shekels. Altogether, the silver dishes weighed two thousand four hundred shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel. The twelve gold dishes filled with incense weighed ten shekels each, according to the sanctuary shekel. Altogether, the gold dishes weighed a hundred and twenty shekels. The total number of animals for the burnt offering came to twelve young bulls, twelve rams and twelve male lambs a year old, together with their grain offering. Twelve male goats were used for the sin offering. The total number of animals for the sacrifice of the fellowship offering came to twenty-four oxen, sixty rams, sixty male goats and sixty male lambs a year old.’ Numbers 7:84-88

Numbers 7:84-87 is basically a summary of everything which took place concerning the offerings of the Israelite leaders for the dedication of the altar when it was anointed. These were all the offerings for the dedication of the altar after it was anointed, Numbers 7:88.

Clarke, in his commentary, says the following.

‘By the anointing, the altar was consecrated to God; by this dedication it was solemnly appointed to that service for which it had been erected.’

‘When Moses entered the tent of meeting to speak with the LORD, he heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the atonement cover on the ark of the covenant law. In this way, the LORD spoke to him.’ Numbers 7:89

Here we read that Moses met with God at the tabernacle and heard His voice, Exodus 25:17. For the next forty years, this is the way God would communicate with Moses, implying that Moses was going to be God’s leader among His people.

Barnes, in his commentary, says the following.

‘Thus was the promise of Exodus 25:20-22 fulfilled, and that as an immediate response on the part of God to the cheerful readiness with which the tribes had made their offerings and supplied everything needful for the Holy place and its service. All being now complete as God had appointed, and the camp purified from defilements, God meets Moses the mediator of the people, not as before on the peak of Sinai far away, but in the midst of them, in the dwelling-place which He henceforth vouchsafed to tenant.’

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