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 7:49KJV
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Numbers 7:49 (KJV)

What 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.

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.