And they brought their offering before the LORD, six covered wagons, and twelve oxen; a wagon for two of the princes, and for each one an ox: and they brought them before the tabernacle.

NUMBERS 7:3KJV
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Numbers 7:3 (KJV)

What does Numbers 7:3 mean?

Numbers 7:3 describes how the leaders of Israel brought their offering to God: six covered wagons and twelve oxen, with each pair of leaders sharing a wagon and each leader providing an ox. These gifts were presented in front of the tabernacle as part of their dedication.

This verse takes place as the leaders of the twelve tribes respond to Moses’ earlier instructions about supporting the work of the tabernacle. The leaders, called "princes," are making a practical offering to help with the transportation and service of the tabernacle, which was the portable sanctuary for Israel during their journey in the wilderness.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 7:3

  • "offering" (קָרְבָּן, qorban): This word refers to something brought near or presented as a gift to God. Here, it emphasizes that the wagons and oxen are not just donations, but dedicated offerings for sacred use.
  • "covered" (צָב, tsav): This word often means "covered" or "canopied," suggesting these wagons were designed to protect their contents, likely the holy items of the tabernacle, during travel.
  • "tabernacle" (מִשְׁכָּן, mishkan): This is the portable dwelling place for God among the Israelites. The mention of the tabernacle highlights that these offerings were specifically for its service and upkeep.

Why Numbers 7:3 matters

  • Numbers 7:3 shows that the leaders’ offerings were practical and thoughtful, meeting the real needs of moving the tabernacle and its furnishings.
  • The verse highlights cooperation among the tribes, with each pair of leaders sharing a wagon, which points to unity and shared responsibility.
  • By specifying these offerings were brought "before the LORD" and "before the tabernacle," the verse connects the leaders’ actions directly to worship and service, not just generosity.

Where else these words appear

“covered” Hebrew H6632 · used in 3 verses

  • Leviticus 11:29 These also shall be unclean unto you among the creeping things that creep upon the earth; the weasel, and the mouse, and the tortoise after his kind,
  • Isaiah 66:20 And they shall bring all your brethren for an offering unto the LORD out of all nations upon horses, and in chariots, and in litters, and upon mules, and upon swift beasts, to my holy mountain Jerusalem, saith the LORD, as the children of Israel bring an offering in a clean vessel into the house of the LORD.

“wagons” Hebrew H5699 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 45:19 Now thou art commanded, this do ye; take you wagons out of the land of Egypt for your little ones, and for your wives, and bring your father, and come.
  • Numbers 7:8 And four wagons and eight oxen he gave unto the sons of Merari, according unto their service, under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.
  • 2 Samuel 6:3 And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart.

“ox” Hebrew H7794 · used in 69 verses

  • Genesis 32:5 And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight.
  • Leviticus 17:3 What man soever there be of the house of Israel, that killeth an ox, or lamb, or goat, in the camp, or that killeth it out of the camp,
  • Judges 6:25 And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Take thy father's young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it:

“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.