Verse 1

Introduction

Overview

Numbers 7 . 1 , The offering of the princes at the dedication of the tabernacle; Numbers 7 . 10 , Their several offerings at the dedication of the altar; Numbers 7 . 89 , God speaks to Moses from the mercy seat.

had fully . Exodus 40 . 17-19

anointed it . Exodus 30 . 23-30 , Leviticus 8 . 10 , Leviticus 8 . 11 , Leviticus 9 . 1-24

sanctified them . Genesis 2 . 3 , Exodus 13 . 2 , 1 Kings 8 . 64 , Matthew 23 . 19

Reciprocal . Genesis 28 . 18 . poured Exodus 29 . 36 . anoint it Exodus 30 . 26 . General Exodus 40 . 2 . the first month Exodus 40 . 9 . the anointing oil Numbers 4 . 32 . the instruments Numbers 7 . 88 . that it was anointed

Verse 2

the princes . Numbers 1 . 4-16 , Numbers 2 . 1-34 , Numbers 10 . 1-36

and were over . etc. Heb. who stood

offered . Exodus 35 . 27 , 1 Chronicles 29 . 6-8 , 2 Chronicles 35 . 8 , Ezra 2 . 68 , Ezra 2 . 69 , Nehemiah 7 . 70-72

Reciprocal . Leviticus 4 . 22 . a ruler hath sinned Numbers 1 . 16 . the renowned Numbers 10 . 4 . General Numbers 30 . 1 . General Numbers 31 . 51 . General 1 Chronicles 29 . 5 . General Ezra 6 . 17 . offered Proverbs 3 . 9 . General

Verse 3

covered wagons . The Hebrew egloth tzav , signifies "tilted wagons;" so LXX בלבמבע כבלנחםיךבע , with which the Coptic agrees. These were given for the more convenient exporting of the heavier parts of the tabernacle. Numbers 7 . 3

Reciprocal . Genesis 45 . 21 . wagons Exodus 25 . 2 . they Numbers 7 . 73 . General 1 Kings 8 . 1 . chief of the fathers 1 Chronicles 29 . 5 . General Ezra 2 . 68 . offered freely

Verse 4

Reciprocal . Numbers 7 . 73 . General

Verse 5

Take it . Exodus 25 . 1-11 , Exodus 35 . 4-10 , Psalm 16 . 2 , Psalm 16 . 3 , Isaiah 42 . 1-7 , Isaiah 49 . 1-8 , Ephesians 4 . 11-13 , Titus 3 . 8

give them . i.e. distribute them among the Levites as they need them; giving most to those who have the heaviest burdens to bear.

Reciprocal . Numbers 4 . 25 . the curtains Numbers 7 . 73 . General Hebrews 13 . 10 . serve

Verse 6

Reciprocal . Numbers 10 . 17 . the sons

Verse 7

Two wagons . Numbers 3 . 25 , Numbers 3 . 26 , Numbers 4 . 24-28

sons of Gershon . The Gershonites being fewest in number of able men , had the less burdensome things to carry; for they carried only the curtains , coverings , and hangings . Numbers 4 . 25 , Numbers 4 . 40. And although this was a cumbersome carriage , and they needed waggons , yet it was not a heavy one , and they needed few.

Verse 8

four wagons . Numbers 3 . 36 , Numbers 3 . 37 , Numbers 4 . 28-33

the sons . Though the Merarites were the most numerous , yet they had the greatest burden , namely , the boards , bars , pillars , and sockets , to carry . Numbers 4 . 31 , Numbers 4 . 32 , Numbers 4 . 48. Therefore they had double the number of waggons to what the Gershonites had assigned them.

Reciprocal . 1 Chronicles 6 . 47 . Merari

Verse 9

unto the . Because they had the charge of the ark , table , candlestick , altars , etc. . Numbers 4 . 4-15 , which were to be carried upon their shoulders . for those sacred things must not be drawn by beasts.

because . Numbers 3 . 31 , Numbers 4 . 4-16 , 2 Samuel 6 . 6 , 2 Samuel 6 . 13 , 1 Chronicles 15 . 3 , 1 Chronicles 15 . 13 , 1 Chronicles 23 . 26

Reciprocal . Exodus 36 . 1 . for the service Numbers 4 . 15 . after that Numbers 4 . 31 . the charge Numbers 10 . 21 . the Kohathites 2 Samuel 6 . 3 . set 2 Samuel 15 . 24 . bearing 1 Chronicles 15 . 2 . None ought to 1 Chronicles 15 . 15 . bare the ark

Verse 10

princes . Every prince , or chief , offered in the behalf , and doubtless at the expense , of his whole tribe.

dedicating . Deuteronomy 20 . 5 , 1 Kings 8 . 63 , 2 Chronicles 7 . 5 , 2 Chronicles 7 . 9 , Ezra 6 . 16 , Ezra 6 . 17 , Nehemiah 12 . 27 , Nehemiah 12 . 43 , Psalm 30 . 1 , *title John 10 . 22

Reciprocal . Exodus 30 . 26 . General Numbers 1 . 4 . General Numbers 1 . 16 . the renowned Numbers 7 . 73 . General Numbers 7 . 84 . the dedication Numbers 7 . 88 . that it was anointed 1 Chronicles 29 . 5 . General

Verse 11

1 Corinthians 14 . 33 , 1 Corinthians 14 . 40 , Colossians 2 . 5

Reciprocal . Numbers 8 . 1 . General 1 Kings 8 . 63 . dedicated

Verse 12

Numbers 1 . 7 , Numbers 2 . 3 , Numbers 10 . 14 , Genesis 49 . 8 , Genesis 49 . 10 , Ruth 4 . 20 , Matthew 1 . 4 , Luke 3 . 32 , Naasson

Reciprocal . Genesis 35 . 22 . Now the sons Numbers 7 . 19 . General Numbers 7 . 73 . General Judges 1 . 2 . General 1 Chronicles 2 . 10 . Nahshon 1 Chronicles 5 . 2 . Judah 1 Chronicles 27 . 3 . the chief

Verse 13

charger . Exodus 25 . 29 , Exodus 37 . 16 , 1 Kings 7 . 43 , 1 Kings 7 . 45 , 2 Kings 25 . 14 , 2 Kings 25 . 15 , Ezra 1 . 9 , Ezra 1 . 10 , Ezra 8 . 25 , Jeremiah 52 . 19 , Daniel 5 . 2 , Zechariah 14 . 20 , Matthew 14 . 8 , Matthew 14 . 11

the shekel . Exodus 30 . 13 , Leviticus 27 . 3 , Leviticus 27 . 25

a meat offering . Leviticus 2 . 1

Reciprocal . Leviticus 5 . 11 . fine flour Numbers 7 . 31 . offering Numbers 7 . 37 . General Numbers 7 . 43 . offering Numbers 7 . 49 . General Numbers 7 . 55 . General Numbers 7 . 61 . General Numbers 7 . 67 . General Numbers 7 . 73 . General Numbers 7 . 79 . General Numbers 7 . 85 . after the shekel 2 Kings 12 . 13 . bowls 1 Chronicles 28 . 17 . the bowls Ezra 8 . 28 . the vessels Jeremiah 52 . 18 . the spoons Mark 6 . 25 . a charger

Verse 14

spoon . Numbers 4 . 7 , Exodus 37 . 16 , 1 Kings 7 . 50 , 2 Kings 25 . 14 , 2 Kings 25 . 15 , 2 Chronicles 4 . 22 , 2 Chronicles 24 . 14

incense . Exodus 30 . 7 , Exodus 30 . 8 , Exodus 30 . 34-38 , Exodus 35 . 8

Reciprocal . 2 Kings 12 . 13 . bowls 1 Chronicles 28 . 17 . the bowls Jeremiah 52 . 18 . the spoons Matthew 2 . 11 . frankincense

Verse 15

Numbers 25 . 1-18 , Numbers 28 . 1 . Numbers 29 . 40 ,Leviticus 1 . 1-17 , Isaiah 53 . 4 , Isaiah 53 . 10 , Isaiah 53 . 11 , Matthew 20 . 28 , John 17 . 19 , Romans 3 . 24-26 , Romans 5 . 6-11 , Romans 5 . 16-21 , Romans 8 . 34 , Romans 10 . 4 , 1 Timothy 2 . 6 , Titus 2 . 14 , Hebrews 2 . 10 , 1 Peter 1 . 18 , 1 Peter 1 . 19 , 1 Peter 2 . 24 , 1 Peter 3 . 18

Reciprocal . 1 Chronicles 29 . 5 . General

Verse 16

Leviticus 4 . 23 , Leviticus 4 . 25

Reciprocal . Exodus 29 . 14 . it is a

Verse 17

peace . Leviticus 3 . 1-17, 2 Corinthians 5 . 19-21

this was the offering . 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 , and Numbers 10 . 1 , beginning at the East , then proceeding to the South , then to the West , and ending with the North , according to the course of the sun. Their order may be thus viewed .

Encampment / Offerings EAST 1. Judah . Nahshon 2. Issachar . Nathaneel 3. Zebulun . Eliab SOUTH 4. Reuben . Elizur 5. Simeon . Shelumiel 6. Gad . Eliasaph WEST 7. Ephraim . Elishama 8. Manasseh . Gamaliel 9. Benjamin . Abidan NORTH 10. Dan . Ahiezer 11. Asher . Pagiel 12. Naphtali . Ahira

Thus God evinces that he "is not the author of confusion , but of peace" . 1 Corinthians 14 . 33. It is also worthy of remark , that every tribe offers the same kind of offering , and in the same quantity , to shew , that as every tribe was equally indebted to God for its support , so each should testify an equal sense of obligation. Besides , the vessels were all sacrificial vessels , and the animals were all clean animals , such as were proper for sacrifices; and therefore everything was intended to point out , that the people were to be a holy people , fully dedicated to God , and that God was to dwell among them. Thus , as the priests , altar , etc. were anointed , and the tabernacle dedicated , so the people , by this offering , became consecrated to God. Therefore every act here was a religious act.

Reciprocal . Numbers 2 . 3 . Nahshon 1 Chronicles 2 . 10 . Nahshon Matthew 1 . 4 . Naasson

Verse 18

Numbers 1 . 8 , Numbers 2 . 5

Reciprocal . Numbers 10 . 15 . General

Verse 19

Numbers 7 . 12-17

Reciprocal . Exodus 25 . 29 . the Leviticus 2 . 1 . fine flour Leviticus 5 . 11 . fine flour Ezra 1 . 9 . chargers of gold Jeremiah 52 . 18 . the spoons Zechariah 14 . 20 . the bowls Matthew 14 . 8 . a charger

Verse 20

Reciprocal . Jeremiah 52 . 18 . the spoons

Verse 21

Genesis 8 . 20 , Romans 12 . 1 , Ephesians 5 . 2

Verse 22

Reciprocal . Leviticus 4 . 23 . a kid

Verse 23

Leviticus 7 . 11-13 , 1 Kings 8 . 63 , Proverbs 7 . 14 , Colossians 1 . 1

Reciprocal . Numbers 2 . 5 . General

Verse 24

Numbers 1 . 9 , Numbers 2 . 7

Reciprocal . Numbers 10 . 16 . General

Verse 26

Reciprocal . Jeremiah 52 . 18 . the spoons

Verse 27

Psalm 50 . 8-14 , Psalm 51 . 16 , Isaiah 1 . 11 , Jeremiah 7 . 22 , Amos 5 . 22

Reciprocal . Ezra 8 . 35 . twelve bullocks

Verse 28

Reciprocal . Leviticus 4 . 23 . a kid

Verse 29

Reciprocal . Numbers 2 . 7 . General

Verse 30

Numbers 1 . 5 , Numbers 2 . 10

Verse 31

offering . Numbers 7 . 13-89

charger . Kaârah , in Arabic , kâran , from kuâra , to be deep , a large deep dish or bowl. It appears by the metal of which this charger and bowl were made , that they were for the use of the altar of burnt offerings in the outer court; for all the vessels of the sanctuary were of gold. It was probably used for receiving the flesh of the sacrifices upon which the priests feasted , or the fine flour for the meat offerings.

Bowl . Mizrak , from zarak , to sprinkle , Exodus 27 . 21.

Reciprocal . Exodus 25 . 29 . the

Verse 32

spoon . Kaph , in Syriac , kaphtho , a pan or censer , on which the incense was put. Both the metal of which it was made , and that which it contained , shew that it was for the use of the golden altar in the sanctuary.

incense . Psalm 66 . 15 , Malachi 1 . 11 , Luke 1 . 10 , Revelation 8 . 3

Reciprocal . Jeremiah 52 . 18 . the spoons

Verse 34

Reciprocal . Leviticus 4 . 23 . a kid

Verse 35

And for a sacrifice . These sacrifices were more numerous than the burnt offering or the sin offering; because the priests , the princes , and as many of the people as they invited , had a share of them , and feasted , with great rejoicing , before the Lord. This custom , as Mr. Shelden observes , seems to have been imitated by the heathen , who dedicated their altars , temples , statues , etc. , with much ceremony.

Reciprocal . Numbers 2 . 10 . Elizur Numbers 10 . 18 . Elizur

Verse 36

Numbers 1 . 6 , Numbers 2 . 12

Reciprocal . Numbers 10 . 19 . Simeon

Verse 37

Numbers 7 . 13-89

Verse 38

Reciprocal . Jeremiah 52 . 18 . the spoons

Verse 39

Exodus 12 . 5 , John 1 . 29 , Acts 8 . 32 , 1 Peter 1 . 19 , Revelation 5 . 6

Verse 41

Reciprocal . Numbers 2 . 12 . Shelumiel

Verse 42

Numbers 1 . 14 , Numbers 2 . 14 , Son of Reuel

Reciprocal . Numbers 10 . 20 . Eliasaph

Verse 43

offering . Numbers 7 . 13-89

mingled with oil . Leviticus 2 . 5 , Leviticus 14 . 10 , Hebrews 1 . 9 , 1 John 2 . 27

Verse 44

Reciprocal . Jeremiah 52 . 18 . the spoons

Verse 45

Psalm 66 . 15 , Isaiah 53 . 4 , 2 Corinthians 5 . 21

Verse 47

Reciprocal . Numbers 2 . 14 . Eliasaph

Verse 48

On the seventh . Both Jewish and Christian writers have been surprised that this work of offering went forward on the seventh day . which they suppose to have been a sabbath as well as on the other days. But .

There is no absolute proof that this seventh day of offering was a sabbath.

Were it even so , could the people be better employed than in thus consecrating themselves and their services to the Lord?

We have already seen that every act was a religious act; and we may rest assured , that no day was too holy for the performance of such acts as are here recorded. Here it may be observed , that Moses has thought fit to set down distinctly , and at full length , the offerings of the princes of each tribe , though , as we have already observed , they were the very same , both in quantity and quality , that an honourable mention might be made of every one apart , and that none might think himself in the least neglected.

Elishama . Numbers 1 . 10 , Numbers 2 . 18

Reciprocal . Genesis 48 . 20 . and he set Numbers 10 . 22 . Elishama

Verse 49

Numbers 7 . 13-89

Verse 50

Reciprocal . Jeremiah 52 . 18 . the spoons

Verse 51

Whether there were any prayers made for the gracious acceptance of the sacrifices which should be hereafter offered on the altar , we are not informed; but the sacrifices themselves were of the nature of supplications , and it is probable , that they who offered them , made humble petitions along with them.

Verse 53

Reciprocal . Numbers 2 . 18 . Elishama

Verse 54

Numbers 1 . 10 , Numbers 2 . 20

Reciprocal . Genesis 48 . 20 . and he set Numbers 10 . 23 . Gamaliel

Verse 55

Numbers 7 . 13-89

Verse 56

Reciprocal . Jeremiah 52 . 18 . the spoons

Verse 59

Reciprocal . Numbers 2 . 20 . Gamaliel

Verse 60

Numbers 1 . 11 , Numbers 2 . 22

Reciprocal . Numbers 10 . 24 . Abidan

Verse 61

Numbers 7 . 13-89

Verse 62

Psalm 112 . 2 , Isaiah 66 . 20 , Daniel 9 . 27 , Romans 15 . 16 , Philippians 4 . 18 , Hebrews 13 . 15

Verse 65

Reciprocal . Numbers 2 . 22 . Abidan

Verse 66

On the tenth day . When the twelve days of the dedication commenced cannot be easily determined; but the computation of F. Scacchus seems highly probable. He supposes , that the tabernacle being erected the first day of the first month of the second year after the departure from Egypt , seven days were spent in the consecration of it , and the altar , etc.; and that on the eight day , Moses began to consecrate Aaron and his sons , which lasted seven days more. Then , on the fourteenth day of that month , was the feast day of unleavened bread; which God commanded to be observed in the first month . Numbers 9 . 1 , and which lasted till the 22nd. The rest of the month , we may well suppose , was spent in giving , receiving , and delivering the laws contained in the book of Leviticus; after which , on the first day of the second month , Moses began to number the people , according to the command in the beginning of this book; which may be supposed to have lasted three days. On the fourth , the Levites were numbered; on the next day we may suppose they were offered to God , and given to the Priests; and on the sixth , they were expiated and consecrated , as we read in the following chapter. On the seventh day , their several charges were assigned them . Numbers 4 . 1 , after which , he supposes the princes began to offer , on the eight day of the second month , for the dedication of the altar , which lasted till the nineteenth day inclusively; and on the twentieth day of this month , they removed from Sinai to the wilderness of Paran . Numbers 10 . 11 , Numbers 10 . 12.

Ahiezer . Numbers 1 . 12 , Numbers 2 . 25

Reciprocal . Numbers 10 . 25 . Ahiezer

Verse 67

Numbers 7 . 13-89

Verse 71

Reciprocal . Numbers 2 . 25 . Ahiezer

Verse 72

eleventh day . Dr. Adam Clarke remarks , that the Hebrew form of expression here , and in Numbers 7 . 78 , has something curious in it; beyom âshtey âsar yom , "in the day , the first and tenth day;" beyom shenim âsar yom , "in the day , two and tenth day." But this is the idiom of the language; and to an original Hebrew , our almost anomalous words eleventh and twelfth , would appear as strange.

Pagiel . Numbers 1 . 13 , Numbers 2 . 27

Reciprocal . Numbers 10 . 26 . Pagiel

Verse 73

Numbers 7 . 13-89 , The oblations and sacrifices enumerated in vv.13-88 were simple and plain , though costly and magnificent. On this occasion we find there were offered 12 silver chargers , each weighing 130 shekels; 12 silver bowls , each 70 shekels; Numbers 7 . 12 , golden spoons , each 10 shekels; making the total amount of silver vessels 2 ,400 shekels , and that of golden vessels , 120 shekels. A silver charger , at 130 shekels , reduced to troy weight , makes 75 oz. 9 dwts. 16 , 8/31 gr.; and a silver bowl , at 70 shekels , amounts to 40 oz. 12 dwts. 21 , 21/31 gr. The total weight of the 12 chargers is therefore 905 oz. 16 dwts. Numbers 7 . 3 , Numbers 7 . 3 /31 gr.; and that of the 12 bowls , 487 oz. 14 dwts. 20; Numbers 7 . 4/31 gr.; making the total weight of silver vessels 1 ,393 oz. Numbers 7 . 10 , dwts. 23 , 7/31 gr. The golden spoons , allowing each to be Numbers 7 . 5 , oz. 16 dwts. 3 , 3/31 gr. , amount to 69 oz. 3 dwts. 13 , 5/31 gr. Besides these , there were for sacrifice .

Sacrifices Bullocks Rams 12 Lambs 12 Goats 24 Rams 60 He goats 60 Lambs 60 Total 240

By this we may at once see , that though the place in which they now sojourned was a wilderness as to cities , villages , and regular inhabitants , yet there was plenty of pasturage; else the Israelites could not have furnished these cattle , with all the sacrifices necessary for different occasions , and especially for the passover , which must of itself have required an immense number of lambs , when each family of 600 ,000 males was obliged to provide one . Numbers 9 . 1