Numbers 7:48 (KJV)

What does Numbers 7:48 mean?

Numbers 7:48 records that on the seventh day of the dedication offerings for the altar, Elishama, the son of Ammihud and leader of the tribe of Ephraim, brought his tribe’s offering. This verse marks the specific day and the representative who participated in the ceremonial dedication.

The book of Numbers describes a sequence where each tribe of Israel, led by its chief, presents offerings over twelve days to dedicate the altar. Here, the focus is on the tribe of Ephraim, with Elishama acting as its "prince" or leader. The verse is part of a detailed, orderly account showing equal participation by each tribe in the worship life of Israel.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 7:48

• "seventh" (שְּׁבִיעִי, shevi‘i): This word marks the specific day in the sequence, showing the careful order and structure of the dedication ceremony.
• "prince" (נָשִׂיא, nasi’): This term means a chief or leader, emphasizing Elishama’s authority and representative role for his tribe.
• "children" (בֵּן, ben): Used here to mean "descendants" or "members" of Ephraim, not just literal sons, highlighting the collective identity of the tribe.

Why Numbers 7:48 matters

• Numbers 7:48 highlights the equal and organized participation of each tribe in Israel’s religious life, showing no tribe was left out or favored.
• The verse connects to the larger theme of shared leadership and responsibility among the tribes, as each "prince" brings offerings on behalf of their people.
• This careful record-keeping underlines the importance of community and order in Israel’s worship, reflecting the value placed on every tribe’s contribution.