How does Numbers 7:26 connect to New Testament teachings on giving? A snapshot of the verse “one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense;” (Numbers 7:26) What the tribal leader actually brought • A dish of GOLD – costly, enduring, precious • Weight: TEN shekels – a fixed, measurable standard • FILLED with incense – fragrant material that rises in sweet aroma when burned New Testament echoes of the same themes • Fragrant giving – “the gifts you sent… are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” (Philippians 4:18) • Love expressed sacrificially – “Christ… gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God.” (Ephesians 5:2) • Incense and prayer intertwined – “The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, rose up before God.” (Revelation 8:3-4) Connecting points from Numbers to the New Covenant 1. Costly, voluntary generosity – Gold was the tribe’s best; New Testament believers are urged to give their best: “whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” (2 Corinthians 9:6) 2. Measured yet heartfelt – Ten-shekel weight shows intentional planning; Paul says, “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart… For God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) 3. Fragrance before God – Incense symbolized worship; similarly, material gifts become “a fragrant offering” when motivated by love (Philippians 4:18). 4. Participation by every tribe, every believer – Each leader in Numbers 7 brought the same gift, creating equality; Paul pursues the same principle: “your surplus will meet their need… then there will be equality.” (2 Corinthians 8:14). Practical take-aways for today • Give your BEST, not leftovers—gold, not bronze. • PLAN your generosity—know the “weight” of what you’re offering. • Aim for GOD’S PLEASURE, not human applause; let your gift rise like incense. • Remember we’re IN THIS TOGETHER; when each gives, the whole body is supplied. Living it out “Do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16) The gold dish of incense in Numbers 7:26 foreshadows New Testament giving that is costly, intentional, fragrant, and communal—an offering that still delights the heart of God today. |
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