And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Nethaneel the son of Zuar.

NUMBERS 7:23KJV
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Numbers 7:23 (KJV)

What does Numbers 7:23 mean?

Numbers 7:23 describes the specific animals that Nethaneel, the son of Zuar, brought as his offering for the peace sacrifice: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five year-old lambs. This verse records the exact contribution made by Nethaneel as part of a larger, organized dedication of the altar by the leaders of Israel.

In the context of Numbers chapter 7, each tribal leader brings an identical set of offerings for the dedication of the altar after the tabernacle is set up. Moses is recording these gifts to show the orderliness and unity of the tribes in their worship. The details highlight both the generosity and the careful observance of ritual instructions during this important event.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 7:23

  • The word for "sacrifice" is זֶבַח (zevach, H2077), which often refers to an animal offering, especially in the context of fellowship or peace with God.
  • "Peace offerings" uses שְׁלָמִים (shelamim, H8002), meaning offerings meant to express harmony, thanksgiving, or fulfillment of a vow, not just atonement.
  • "Lambs of the first year" uses כֶּבֶשׂ (keves, H3532) and בֶּן־שָׁנָה (ben-shanah, H1121 + H8141), emphasizing that these were young lambs, which were considered especially suitable for sacrifice due to their innocence and value.

Why Numbers 7:23 matters

  • Numbers 7:23 shows that each tribal leader’s offering was carefully recorded, underlining the importance of every tribe’s participation in Israel’s worship life.
  • The verse clarifies that peace offerings (שְׁלָמִים, shelamim) were not just about forgiveness but about celebrating relationship and fellowship with God.
  • By listing the animals and their numbers, the verse connects to the wider theme of order and equality among the tribes during the dedication of the altar, reinforcing the unity of the people.

Where else these words appear

“Zuar” Hebrew H6686 · used in 5 verses

  • Numbers 1:8 Of Issachar; Nethaneel the son of Zuar.
  • Numbers 2:5 And those that do pitch next unto him shall be the tribe of Issachar: and Nethaneel the son of Zuar shall be captain of the children of Issachar.
  • Numbers 7:18 On the second day Nethaneel the son of Zuar, prince of Issachar, did offer:

“Nethaneel” Hebrew H5417 · used in 14 verses

  • Numbers 1:8 Of Issachar; Nethaneel the son of Zuar.
  • 1 Chronicles 2:14 Nethaneel the fourth, Raddai the fifth,
  • 2 Chronicles 17:7 Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, even to Benhail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah.

“goats” Hebrew H6260 · used in 29 verses

  • Genesis 31:10 And it came to pass at the time that the cattle conceived, that I lifted up mine eyes, and saw in a dream, and, behold, the rams which leaped upon the cattle were ringstraked, speckled, and grisled.
  • Numbers 7:65 And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Abidan the son of Gideoni.
  • Proverbs 27:26 The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.

“offering” Hebrew H7133 · used in 78 verses

  • Leviticus 1:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man of you bring an offering unto the LORD, ye shall bring your offering of the cattle, even of the herd, and of the flock.
  • Leviticus 7:16 But if the sacrifice of his offering be a vow, or a voluntary offering, it shall be eaten the same day that he offereth his sacrifice: and on the morrow also the remainder of it shall be eaten:
  • Numbers 7:41 And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.