And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Elishama the son of Ammihud.

NUMBERS 7:53KJV
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Numbers 7:53 (KJV)

What does Numbers 7:53 mean?

Numbers 7:53 records the specific animals that Elishama, son of Ammihud, brought as his offering for the peace sacrifice: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five year-old lambs. This verse lists the details of Elishama’s contribution as part of a larger ceremony where each tribal leader brought offerings for the dedication of the altar.

Elishama was the leader of the tribe of Ephraim, and his offering is described as part of a sequence where each tribal chief brought nearly identical gifts on different days. The context is the dedication of the altar after the tabernacle was set up in the wilderness, and these offerings were a way for each tribe to participate in the worship and dedication of Israel’s central place of worship.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 7:53

  • The word for “peace offerings” is שְׁלָמִים (shelamim), which refers to offerings meant to express fellowship, thanksgiving, or well-being. This highlights that the sacrifice was about relationship and gratitude, not just ritual.
  • The word for “offering” is קָרְבָּן (qorban), which means something brought near or presented. This word emphasizes that the act was about drawing near to God, not just giving something up.
  • The phrase “lambs of the first year” uses בֶּן־שָׁנָה (ben-shanah), meaning a lamb in its first year of life. This detail points to the requirement for offerings to be young and without blemish, showing care in what was given.

Why Numbers 7:53 matters

  • This verse shows that every tribe, through its leader, was given equal opportunity to participate in the dedication of the altar, reinforcing the unity and shared responsibility of the Israelite community.
  • The careful listing of each animal and the repetition across the chapter underline the importance of order, obedience, and attention to God’s instructions in worship.
  • Seeing the specific animals and numbers helps modern readers understand the scale and seriousness of the offerings, and how worship in ancient Israel involved both community and costly, tangible gifts.