How does Numbers 7:36 connect to New Testament teachings on generosity? The Scene in Numbers 7 • Numbers 7 records the dedication offerings each tribal leader brought for the new altar. • Verse 36 introduces Day 5: “On the fifth day Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai, the leader of the Simeonites, drew near.” • The gift that follows (vv. 37-41) matches the offerings of every other tribe, showing unity and equality before the Lord. Shelumiel’s Offering Unpacked Shelumiel presented: • 1 silver dish (130 shekels) filled with fine flour mixed with oil • 1 silver basin (70 shekels) filled with fine flour mixed with oil • 1 gold bowl (10 shekels) filled with incense • Burnt offering: 1 bull, 1 ram, 1 male lamb (a year old) • Sin offering: 1 male goat • Peace offerings: 2 oxen, 5 rams, 5 male goats, 5 male lambs Each element cost real resources; each symbolized worship, atonement, fellowship, and gratitude. Old Testament Pattern, New Testament Principle 1. Voluntary giving: The leaders were not coerced. Their gifts sprang from gratitude for God’s presence among them. – New Testament echo: “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) 2. Proportionate generosity: Every tribe—large or small—brought the same costly offering. – Echo: The widow’s two mites were valued by Jesus because she gave “all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:44) 3. Corporate blessing: Combined gifts furnished the tabernacle for all Israel. – Echo: Early believers “had everything in common… distribution was made to each as anyone had need.” (Acts 4:34-35) From Shelumiel to the Church: Connecting Threads • Motivation: Shelumiel’s gift honored God’s holiness; our giving honors the finished work of Christ. • Equality: Just as Simeon’s offering matched Judah’s, New-Covenant giving is measured not by amount but by sacrifice and sincerity (2 Corinthians 8:12). • Worship: Offerings in Numbers culminated in atonement sacrifices; believers now offer themselves as “living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1), and material gifts become “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.” (Philippians 4:18) Key Take-Away Principles • Generosity begins with drawing near to God—Shelumiel “drew near,” then gave. • God remembers individual givers; Shelumiel’s name is recorded, echoing Jesus’ promise that even a cup of cold water given in His name “will certainly not lose its reward.” (Matthew 10:42) • Consistent, unified giving strengthens the whole community of faith. • True generosity flows from thankfulness for redemption, not from legal obligation. Living It Today • Set apart resources intentionally, mirroring Shelumiel’s prepared gift. • Give in unity with other believers—mission funds, benevolence, and local church needs are modern parallels to the tabernacle dedication. • Measure generosity by sacrifice and love, not by comparison. “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Luke 12:34) |
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