What is the meaning of Numbers 7:23? and a peace offering • Numbers 7 is a record of the leaders of the twelve tribes bringing gifts for the dedication of the altar (Numbers 7:10–11). • A “peace offering” (also called “fellowship” or “well-being” offering) was voluntary, expressing gratitude, fulfilled vows, or celebrated joyful communion with God (Leviticus 3:1–17; 7:11–15). • The worshiper and the priest shared portions of the meat after the fat was burned, picturing friendship with the LORD (Deuteronomy 27:7). • By listing the peace offering first, the text highlights that Israel’s leaders sought fellowship with God before any public service. two oxen • Oxen were the costliest animals available to ordinary Israelites—symbols of labor, strength, and prosperity (Proverbs 14:4). • Presenting two showed lavish gratitude rather than minimal compliance (2 Samuel 24:24). • In larger national sacrifices, oxen often stood at the head of the herd (1 Kings 8:63). Nethanel’s gift encouraged the tribe of Issachar to value God above their strongest assets. five rams • Rams appear in key substitutionary moments (Genesis 22:13). Their horns picture victory and authority (Joshua 6:4-5). • The number five frequently signals grace and abundance (Genesis 45:22). • Offering five rams publicly affirmed Issachar’s trust in God’s gracious rule over them (Psalm 23:1). five male goats • Goats were common sin offerings (Leviticus 4:23-28), so including them in a peace offering acknowledged forgiveness as the basis of fellowship (Psalm 32:1-2). • Again, the number five stresses overflowing mercy. • For the congregation, seeing these goats reminded everyone that even leaders needed cleansing (2 Chronicles 29:21). five male lambs a year old • A first-year male lamb was the choicest, viewed as entirely pure (Exodus 12:5). • Lambs quietly foreshadow the ultimate Lamb of God who brings lasting peace (Isaiah 53:7; John 1:29). • Five lambs underlined that God’s grace would cover the coming year for Issachar, assuring hope for the next generation (Psalm 100:5). this was the offering of Nethanel son of Zuar • Nethanel (“God has given”) served as the tribal prince of Issachar (Numbers 2:5). • He appears second in the parade of leaders, matching Issachar’s camp position beside Judah (Numbers 2:3-5). • By matching exactly what Judah’s leader had given the previous day (Numbers 7:17), Nethanel demonstrated unity among the tribes—no rivalry, only shared devotion (Philippians 2:1-2). • His precise obedience also illustrates how honoring God involves following His pattern down to the detail (Exodus 39:42-43). summary Numbers 7:23 records a generous, carefully ordered peace offering from Nethanel of Issachar: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five year-old lambs. Each element carries rich meaning—costly devotion, gracious abundance, forgiveness, purity, and shared fellowship with the LORD. Nethanel’s gift mirrors those of the other tribal leaders, reinforcing unity and wholehearted worship as Israel dedicated the altar. The verse invites us to respond with the same joyful, exact, and generous gratitude toward the God who has made peace with us. |
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