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 7:23KJVWhat 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.