What does Numbers 7:46 teach about the value of obedience in faith? A Snapshot of the Moment Numbers 7 records twelve tribal leaders bringing offerings for the dedication of the altar. Verse 46 describes part of Elishama’s gift from the tribe of Ephraim: “two bulls, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old, for the peace offering.” (Numbers 7:46) Why the Details Matter • Every tribe brought precisely the same items on its appointed day. • Nothing was added, nothing held back. • The gifts were costly livestock—real sacrifices, not token gestures. • The peace (or fellowship) offering symbolized restored relationship and shared table fellowship with God (Leviticus 3:1–17). What This Teaches About Obedient Faith 1. Exact obedience honors God’s specific word – God had laid out the pattern (Numbers 7:10–11). – Elishama followed it to the letter, showing that faith is proved by doing exactly what God says (James 2:17). 2. Obedience is worth the cost – Bulls and rams represented significant wealth. – True faith places God’s command above personal expense (2 Samuel 24:24). 3. Obedience fosters peace with God – A peace offering ends estrangement and celebrates fellowship. – Walking in His ways keeps that peace (Isaiah 26:3). 4. Obedience blesses the community – Every tribe’s identical gift built unity around the altar. – Shared obedience prevents rivalry and strengthens fellowship (Psalm 133:1). 5. Obedience is remembered by God – Each leader’s offering is recorded in Scripture, showing that God notices faithful actions (Malachi 3:16). Threaded Through the Rest of Scripture • 1 Samuel 15:22 – “To obey is better than sacrifice.” • John 14:15 – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • Hebrews 11:4 – Even Abel’s offering still “speaks,” underscoring that obedient worship echoes through time. • Romans 12:1 – Our bodies are now the living sacrifice, continuing the pattern of costly, wholehearted obedience. Living It Out Today • Take God’s instructions seriously—no edits, no shortcuts. • Give Him what actually costs you time, energy, and resources. • Seek peace with God first; obedience clears the way. • Celebrate and encourage obedience in others; it strengthens the whole body. • Remember: God writes down acts of faith. Nothing done in obedient love is ever forgotten (Hebrews 6:10). |
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