What can we learn from the dedication shown in Numbers 7:47? The Setting of Numbers 7 - Numbers 7 records the twelve tribal leaders bringing their offerings for the dedication of the altar in the wilderness tabernacle. - Each leader presents the exact same gifts on successive days, showing unity and equality before the LORD. - Verse 47 focuses on the sixth presentation—Eliasaph of Gad—detailing his peace-offering animals. Observing the Gifts in Verse 47 Numbers 7:47: “and the sacrifice of peace offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Eliasaph son of Deuel.” - Two oxen—costly, strong, symbolizing abundance. - Five rams—value for burnt offerings, pointing to complete devotion (Leviticus 1). - Five male goats—often tied to sin offerings, a reminder of cleansing (Leviticus 4:27-31). - Five male lambs a year old—pure, innocent, foreshadowing Christ (John 1:29). Lessons in Dedication • Wholehearted obedience – The exact prescription in Numbers 7 shows careful adherence to God’s revealed pattern (Deuteronomy 12:32). – Obedience is demonstrated not by novelty but by faithfulness to what God said. • Costly generosity – Each leader brings an offering that would have stretched tribal resources during desert travel. – Proverbs 3:9: “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest.” • Corporate worship and unity – Although twelve tribes offer separately, the gifts are identical, underscoring that all stand on equal footing before God (Galatians 3:28). – When the body of Christ unites in shared devotion, God is honored above tribal distinctives. • Peace with God produces worship – Peace offerings celebrate fellowship with the LORD (Leviticus 7:11-15). – Psalm 50:14: “Sacrifice a thank offering to God, and fulfill your vows to the Most High.” – Eliasaph’s peace-offering points forward to the reconciliation believers now possess through Christ’s blood (Romans 5:1). • Foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice – Repetition of spotless animals anticipates “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). – Hebrews 10:1 calls these offerings “a shadow of the good things to come” in Jesus. Applications for Today - Present yourself: “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1). - Give gladly: “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). - Honor God together: set aside personal spotlight; rejoice when another believer’s obedience mirrors your own. - Value details: careful, line-by-line obedience in finances, time, and service is not legalism but worship. - Celebrate peace: Jesus has made us right with the Father; let gratitude overflow in tangible acts of dedication (Hebrews 13:15-16). |
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