And all the oxen for the sacrifice of the peace offerings were twenty and four bullocks, the rams sixty, the he goats sixty, the lambs of the first year sixty. This was the dedication of the altar, after that it was anointed.

NUMBERS 7:88KJV
Know the Bible

Numbers 7:88 (KJV)

What does Numbers 7:88 mean?

Numbers 7:88 describes the total number of animals offered as peace offerings during the dedication of the altar after it was anointed: twenty-four bulls, sixty rams, sixty male goats, and sixty year-old lambs. This verse summarizes the collective offerings brought by the leaders of Israel as part of a special ceremony marking the altar’s readiness for worship.

The setting is the dedication ceremony for the altar in the Tabernacle, with Moses recording the contributions from each tribal leader. The verse highlights the scale and orderliness of the offerings, showing the importance placed on following God’s instructions for worship. The numbers reflect both the unity and generosity of the Israelite tribes in this significant moment.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 7:88

  • The word for "peace offerings" is שָׁלָמִים (shelamim), which refers to offerings meant to express fellowship and thanksgiving. This term emphasizes that these sacrifices were about relationship and gratitude, not just ritual.
  • The word for "dedication" is חֲנֻכָּה (chanukkah), meaning a formal setting apart or inauguration. This highlights that the altar was being officially set apart for its sacred purpose.
  • The word for "altar" is מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbeach), the central place for sacrifices. Its mention here underlines the focus on worship and obedience in Israel’s community life.

Why Numbers 7:88 matters

  • Numbers 7:88 clarifies that the dedication of the altar was a communal effort, with every tribe contributing equally, which shows the unity and shared responsibility of Israel.
  • The verse helps readers see the careful organization and reverence with which the Israelites approached worship, countering any idea that their rituals were haphazard or individualistic.
  • By summarizing the offerings, Numbers 7:88 connects the detailed lists earlier in the chapter to the larger purpose: the altar’s readiness for ongoing worship and sacrifice in the Tabernacle.

Where else these words appear

“dedication” Hebrew H2598 · used in 7 verses

  • Numbers 7:10 And the princes offered for dedicating of the altar in the day that it was anointed, even the princes offered their offering before the altar.
  • Numbers 7:84 This was the dedication of the altar, in the day when it was anointed, by the princes of Israel: twelve chargers of silver, twelve silver bowls, twelve spoons of gold:
  • Nehemiah 12:27 And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with singing, with cymbals, psalteries, and with harps.

“goats” Hebrew H6260 · used in 29 verses

  • Genesis 31:10 And it came to pass at the time that the cattle conceived, that I lifted up mine eyes, and saw in a dream, and, behold, the rams which leaped upon the cattle were ringstraked, speckled, and grisled.
  • Numbers 7:59 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 Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.
  • Proverbs 27:26 The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.

“sixty” Hebrew H8346 · used in 56 verses

  • Genesis 5:15 And Mahalaleel lived sixty and five years, and begat Jared:
  • Numbers 31:39 And the asses were thirty thousand and five hundred; of which the LORD'S tribute was threescore and one.
  • 2 Chronicles 12:3 With twelve hundred chariots, and threescore thousand horsemen: and the people were without number that came with him out of Egypt; the Lubims, the Sukkiims, and the Ethiopians.

“anointed” Hebrew H4886 · used in 66 verses

  • Genesis 31:13 I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred.
  • Numbers 6:15 And a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, and wafers of unleavened bread anointed with oil, and their meat offering, and their drink offerings.
  • 1 Kings 1:39 And Zadok the priest took an horn of oil out of the tabernacle, and anointed Solomon. And they blew the trumpet; and all the people said, God save king Solomon.