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 7:49KJVWhat does Numbers 7:49 mean?
Numbers 7:49 describes the specific offering brought by one of the tribal leaders of Israel during 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 given as a grain offering according to the set standard weight of the sanctuary.
This verse is part of a larger section where each leader from the twelve tribes brings identical offerings for the dedication. Moses records, in detail, what each leader brought and the exact measurements, emphasizing the careful obedience to God's instructions. The mention of the "shekel of the sanctuary" shows that the weights used were standardized for worship, highlighting the importance of fairness and order in Israel's worship practices.
The Hebrew behind Numbers 7:49
- The word for "offering" (קָרְבָּן, qorban H7133) refers to something brought near or presented, highlighting that these gifts were brought close to God as acts of worship.
- "Silver" (כֶּסֶף, keseph H3701) is mentioned twice, underlining the value and purity of the items given.
- "Charger" (קְעָרָה, qe‘arah H7086) and "bowl" (מִזְרָק, mizraq H4219) are both serving vessels, but the terms show that different types of containers were used, each with a specific purpose in the offering.
- "Fine flour" (סֹלֶת, solet H5560) was a high-quality ingredient, indicating that the offering was made from the best available materials, not leftovers or lesser goods.
Why Numbers 7:49 matters
- This verse shows the careful attention to detail and equality among the tribes, as each leader brings the same offering, reinforcing unity and shared responsibility in worship.
- The use of standardized weights ("shekel of the sanctuary") clears up any confusion about the value or size of the offerings, ensuring fairness and transparency.
- By listing each offering separately, the text honors the contribution of each tribe and leader, showing that every act of obedience and generosity is noticed and valued.