How does Numbers 7:67 connect with New Testament teachings on generosity? “and his offering was one silver dish weighing 130 shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering;” A Snapshot of Old-Covenant Generosity • The gift is costly—solid silver vessels outweighing three pounds apiece. • It is carefully measured—“according to the sanctuary shekel,” showing respect for God’s standards, not personal convenience. • It is purposeful—filled with flour and oil for a grain offering, immediately usable in worship. • It is representative—Ahiezer gives on behalf of the entire tribe of Dan, modeling corporate responsibility. New-Testament Echoes • 2 Corinthians 9:7 – “God loves a cheerful giver.” Like Ahiezer, believers give willingly, not reluctantly. • 1 Corinthians 16:2 – “On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income.” Planned gifts mirror the measured shekels. • Romans 12:8 – “If it is giving, give generously.” The valuable silver vessels foreshadow generous New-Covenant giving. • Acts 4:34-35 – Early Christians lay resources at the apostles’ feet, just as tribal leaders lay offerings before the tabernacle. • Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it will be given to you… pressed down, shaken together, and running over.” Old-Testament grain offerings anticipate this overflowing motif. • Hebrews 13:16 – “Do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” Grain and peace offerings become acts of sharing under grace. Continuous Threads Between the Covenants • Value: costly silver vessels → sacrificial New-Testament generosity (Mark 12:41-44). • Order: sanctuary shekel standards → Spirit-led, orderly giving (1 Corinthians 14:40). • Purpose: offerings sustain worship → gifts today fuel gospel ministry (Philippians 4:15-18). • Representation: tribal leader gives for many → believers steward resources for the whole body (2 Corinthians 8:14). Living It Out Today • Budget generosity first, just as weights and measures came before the gift reached the altar. • Give corporately as well as individually—support church and missions so the whole body benefits. • Offer what truly costs something; generosity that never touches comfort zones is foreign to both covenants. • Let every gift serve worship: funding the preaching of Christ, relieving saints in need, and spreading peace—the New-Testament counterpart to the grain and peace offerings of Numbers 7:67. |
    |