How does Numbers 7:20 connect to New Testament teachings on giving? The setting in Numbers 7 • The leaders of the twelve tribes each bring identical gifts to dedicate the altar (Numbers 7:10-88). • These gifts are voluntary, costly, and public, demonstrating united worship and shared responsibility for God’s house. Key insight from Numbers 7:20 “For the sin offering he offered one male goat.” (Numbers 7:20) What stands out: • Each leader’s first animal is a sin offering, not a prestige item. Giving begins with humble acknowledgement of sin. • The male goat foreshadows the substitutionary sacrifice that removes guilt (cf. Leviticus 16:15-16). • Only after atonement is made do the burnt and fellowship offerings follow (Numbers 7:21-23), showing that restored fellowship fuels generous giving. Connecting threads to New-Testament teaching on giving 1. Atonement precedes generosity • The sin-offering goat points to Christ, “who gave Himself for us to redeem us” (Titus 2:14). • Because “Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2), believers respond with material offerings. 2. Equality in participation • Every tribe brings the same gift; no one is left out or exalted. • Paul echoes this balance: “At this present time your abundance will supply their need… so there may be equality” (2 Corinthians 8:14-15). 3. Voluntary, joyful spirit • Numbers 7 lists no command on exact amounts; the leaders give willingly. • “Each one should give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). 4. Public testimony that inspires others • The presentation occurs before the whole congregation (Numbers 7:10-11). • Early believers “laid what was sold at the apostles’ feet” (Acts 4:34-35), a visible act that encouraged the church. 5. The gift follows ability • Tribal leaders, people of means, carry the financial load. • “If the readiness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have” (2 Corinthians 8:12). Practical takeaways for today • Let giving flow from the cross: we give because the ultimate sin offering has already been made. • Aim for cheerful, proportionate, and united generosity—neither showy nor stingy. • See your gift as partnership in God’s house, just as Israel’s leaders funded tabernacle ministry. • Recognize that every believer, regardless of status, has a part to play; equal participation fosters family unity. • Allow visible acts of generosity to encourage the body, affirming that stewardship is worship, not mere philanthropy. |
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