His offering was one silver charger of the weight of an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

NUMBERS 7:31KJV
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Numbers 7:31 (KJV)

What does Numbers 7:31 mean?

Numbers 7:31 describes a specific offering brought by one of the tribal leaders of Israel for the dedication of the altar. The offering included a silver plate and a silver bowl, both filled with fine flour mixed with oil, which was meant to be a grain offering.

In the context of Numbers 7, each leader from the twelve tribes of Israel brings an identical set of gifts for the dedication of the altar in the newly constructed tabernacle. The verse lists the exact weights and contents of the vessels, showing careful attention to detail and uniformity in the offerings. This verse is part of a larger passage that records each tribe’s contribution, emphasizing order and equality among the tribes.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 7:31

  • קְעָרָה (qe‘arah, "charger"): This word refers to a large, flat dish or plate. Its mention highlights the specific type of vessel used in the offering, showing the care taken with each item.
  • מִשְׁקָל (mishqal, "weight"): This word points to the precise measurement required for the offerings. The use of exact weights underscores the importance of following God’s instructions exactly.
  • קֹדֶשׁ (qodesh, "sanctuary"): The phrase “after the shekel of the sanctuary” means the weights used were based on the official standard for sacred use, not just any common measure. This detail shows the seriousness and sacredness of the offering.
  • סֹלֶת (solet, "fine flour"): This word means finely milled wheat, considered the best quality for offerings. Its use here shows that the offering was made with the finest materials available.

Why Numbers 7:31 matters

  • Numbers 7:31 shows the importance of precise obedience in worship, as every detail of the offering is specified and followed.
  • The verse highlights the equality among the tribes, since each leader brings the same offering, reinforcing unity in the community.
  • By mentioning the “shekel of the sanctuary,” the verse connects the offering to the broader system of worship and standards set for the tabernacle, reminding readers that these acts were part of a larger, God-directed pattern.

Where else these words appear

“charger” Hebrew H7086 · used in 17 verses

  • Exodus 25:29 And thou shalt make the dishes thereof, and spoons thereof, and covers thereof, and bowls thereof, to cover withal: of pure gold shalt thou make them.
  • Numbers 7:25 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
  • Numbers 7:61 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

“bowl” Hebrew H4219 · used in 32 verses

  • Exodus 27:3 And thou shalt make his pans to receive his ashes, and his shovels, and his basons, and his fleshhooks, and his firepans: all the vessels thereof thou shalt make of brass.
  • Numbers 7:61 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
  • 2 Kings 25:15 And the firepans, and the bowls, and such things as were of gold, in gold, and of silver, in silver, the captain of the guard took away.

“weight” Hebrew H4948 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 24:22 And it came to pass, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold;
  • Numbers 7:73 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
  • 1 Chronicles 28:14 He gave of gold by weight for things of gold, for all instruments of all manner of service; silver also for all instruments of silver by weight, for all instruments of every kind of service:

“mingled” Hebrew H1101 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 11:7 Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech.
  • Numbers 7:13 And his offering was one silver charger, the weight thereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them were full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
  • Numbers 15:9 Then shall he bring with a bullock a meat offering of three tenth deals of flour mingled with half an hin of oil.