What can we learn from Shelumiel's offering about giving to God's work? Setting the Scene Numbers 7 describes the twelve tribal chiefs presenting offerings for the dedication of the altar. Verse 36 highlights the fifth day: “On the fifth day Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai, the leader of the Simeonites, brought his offering.” (Numbers 7:36) What Shelumiel Actually Gave Numbers 7:37-41 lists the specifics: • One silver dish (130 shekels) filled with fine flour mixed with oil • One silver bowl (70 shekels) with the same mixture • One gold pan (10 shekels) filled with incense • One young bull, one ram, one year-old male lamb for a burnt offering • One male goat for a sin offering • Two oxen, five rams, five male goats, five year-old male lambs for a peace offering Every leader brought this exact package, but each gift was still personal and costly. Lessons on Generosity • Costly, not careless – Shelumiel parted with silver, gold, and multiple animals. True giving costs us something (2 Samuel 24:24). • Ordered and obedient – He gave precisely what God prescribed, showing that generosity embraces God’s pattern rather than personal improvisation (Exodus 25:40). • Timely participation – Day five came and Shelumiel stepped forward on schedule. Consistent, timely giving keeps God’s work moving (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). • Equal yet personal – Each chief’s offering was identical, underscoring unity, yet each tribe still had to act. God measures faithfulness, not how “unique” the gift feels (Luke 16:10). • Multi-dimensional worship – Grain, burnt, sin, and peace offerings show giving that addresses thanksgiving, atonement, fellowship, and praise. Our support for God’s work likewise reaches missions, mercy, worship, and discipleship (Philippians 4:18-19). Heart Attitudes to Emulate • Willingness: “Each one should give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) • Reverence: “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your harvest.” (Proverbs 3:9) • Humility: David prayed, “Everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your hand.” (1 Chronicles 29:14) Echoes in the New Testament • The widow’s two mites (Luke 21:1-4) mirror Shelumiel’s spirit—value measured by devotion, not merely amount. • Early believers “were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.” (Acts 2:45) Unity in giving hearkens back to the twelve identical offerings. • Paul saw the Philippians’ gift as “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.” (Philippians 4:18) The same language links their generosity to the incense, grain, and animal sacrifices Shelumiel brought. Practical Takeaways Today • Budget generosity first; give before spending the rest. • Align gifts with biblical priorities—evangelism, teaching, mercy, worship. • Participate faithfully with the church body; unity makes a cumulative impact. • Give with gratitude for redemption already accomplished by Christ, not to earn favor. • Expect God’s provision; “Test Me in this… and see if I will not open for you the windows of heaven.” (Malachi 3:10) Shelumiel’s day at the altar reminds us that when God prescribes, His people respond—fully, freely, and joyfully—so that His dwelling among them is honored and His purposes advance. |
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