Numbers 7:41 (KJV)

What does Numbers 7:41 mean?

Numbers 7:41 lists the animals that Shelumiel, son of Zurishaddai, brought as a peace offering: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This verse records the specific sacrifice Shelumiel offered during the dedication of the altar.

Shelumiel was the leader of the tribe of Simeon, and his offering was part of a larger ceremony where each tribal leader brought gifts for the altar's dedication. The verse highlights the careful, organized way each tribe participated, showing both unity and individual contribution in Israel’s worship practices.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 7:41

• The word for "peace offerings" is שְׁלָמִים (shelamim), which comes from the root meaning "peace" or "well-being." These offerings were meant to express fellowship and gratitude, not just atonement.
• The word for "offering" is קָרְבָּן (qorban), which means something brought near or presented, emphasizing the idea of drawing close to God through the act of giving.
• The animals listed—oxen (בָּקָר, baqar), rams (אֵילִים, elim), goats (עַתּוּדִים, attudim), and lambs (כְּבָשִׂים, kevashim)—each had specific roles and meanings in Israelite sacrifices, showing the completeness and generosity of the offering.

Why Numbers 7:41 matters

• Numbers 7:41 shows that each tribal leader brought the same kind of offering, underlining equality and shared commitment among the tribes.
• The verse helps clarify the nature of peace offerings (שְׁלָמִים, shelamim), which were about relationship and gratitude, not just dealing with sin.
• By naming Shelumiel and his father Zurishaddai, the verse connects the offering to real people and families, grounding Israel’s worship in community and history.