His offering was one silver charger of the weight of 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 7:55KJVWhat does Numbers 7:55 mean?
Numbers 7:55 describes the specific offering brought by one of the tribal leaders of Israel for the dedication of the altar: a silver plate and a silver bowl, both filled with fine flour mixed with oil, as a grain offering. The verse details the precise weights and contents of these items, following the standard set for offerings at the sanctuary.
This verse is part of a larger section where each leader from the twelve tribes brings an identical offering for the dedication of the altar in the Tabernacle. The instructions come from God through Moses, and the careful listing of each item and its weight shows the importance of order, equality, and obedience in Israel’s worship practices. The fine flour mixed with oil was a common grain offering, symbolizing dedication and thanksgiving.
The Hebrew behind Numbers 7:55
- קָעַר (qa‘ar, "charger"): This word refers to a large, shallow dish or plate. Its mention emphasizes the specific type of vessel used in the offering, showing attention to detail in worship.
- מִשְׁקָל (mishqal, "weight"): This word highlights that the offerings were measured precisely, not given haphazardly, reflecting the seriousness of the ritual.
- שֶׁקֶל (sheqel, "shekel"): The shekel was a standard unit of weight used in the sanctuary. The phrase "after the shekel of the sanctuary" means these weights were according to the official standard, ensuring fairness and consistency.
- סֹלֶת (solet, "fine flour"): This word refers to high-quality, sifted flour. Its use in the offering points to giving the best to God, not just any grain.
Why Numbers 7:55 matters
- Numbers 7:55 clears up that each tribal leader’s offering was exactly the same, emphasizing unity and equal standing among the tribes before God.
- The verse highlights the importance of precise obedience to God’s instructions, down to the weight and contents of each offering.
- By listing these details, the passage connects the dedication of the altar to the broader themes of holiness, order, and communal participation in Israel’s worship life.