Question 1

What does Numbers 7:47 mean?

Accepted Answer

Numbers 7:47 records the specific animals given by Eliasaph son of Deuel as a peace offering: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five year-old lambs. This verse lists part of the offerings brought by the leaders of Israel’s tribes during the dedication of the altar. The setting is the dedication of the tabernacle altar, where each tribal leader brings gifts on behalf of his tribe. Eliasaph represents the tribe of Gad. The verse details the exact animals offered for the "peace offerings," which were meant to express fellowship with God. This listing is part of a larger, orderly record showing each tribe’s participation.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Numbers 7:47

Accepted Answer

שֶׁלָמִים (shelemim, H8002): This word is translated "peace offerings." It refers to sacrifices that symbolized harmony and fellowship between the people and God, not just the absence of conflict. פָּרִים (parim, H1241): This is the word for "oxen." Oxen were valuable animals, highlighting the significance and costliness of the offering. כְּבָשִׂים (kevasim, H3532): This word means "lambs." The mention of "first year" (בֶּן־שָׁנָה, ben-shanah, H1121 + H8141) points to the requirement that these lambs be young and without blemish, as was customary for certain sacrifices.

Question 3

Why Numbers 7:47 matters

Accepted Answer

Numbers 7:47 helps clarify that each tribe’s leader brought the same type and number of offerings, showing equality and unity among the tribes in their worship. The verse highlights the importance of peace offerings (שֶׁלָמִים, shelemim), which were not just about ritual but about expressing a relationship of peace and gratitude toward God. By naming Eliasaph and his father Deuel, the verse roots the event in real people and tribes, emphasizing the communal and historical nature of Israel’s worship practices.

Numbers 7:47 (KJV)