What is the meaning of Numbers 7:35? …and a peace offering • “Peace” (or fellowship) offerings were voluntary gifts celebrating restored relationship with God (Leviticus 3:1–17). • The worshiper ate a portion, picturing shared table-fellowship (Deuteronomy 27:7). • When Elizur brought this gift during the altar-dedication week, he affirmed that Reuben’s tribe was at peace with the LORD (Romans 5:1). • The offering anticipates Christ, our perfect Peace Offering, who “Himself is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14) and reconciles God and sinners. of two oxen • Oxen were the most valuable herd animals—symbols of strength and service (Proverbs 14:4). • A pair (“two”) echoes the dual parties now reconciled—God and His people (Amos 3:3). • Cattle were accepted for fellowship offerings (Leviticus 3:1), and Solomon later offered thousands of them at the temple’s dedication (1 Kings 8:63), linking Elizur’s act to Israel’s larger worship story. five rams • Rams signified consecration; one was slain to ordain priests (Exodus 29:20). • “Five” often marks grace—undeserved favor repeatedly shown to Reuben’s descendants despite their patriarch’s earlier sin (Genesis 35:22; Deuteronomy 33:6). • By including rams, Elizur highlighted commitment to serve the LORD under His gracious covenant. five male goats • Goats frequently bore sin in sacrificial rites (Leviticus 4:23; 16:8–10). • Their presence within a peace offering underscores that fellowship rests on atonement already made. • Again, the number five magnifies God’s grace covering sin (Romans 5:20). five male lambs a year old • Unblemished yearling lambs picture innocence in its prime (Exodus 12:5). • Lamb imagery points forward to “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). • Their inclusion celebrates purity restored to the worshiper (1 Peter 1:18–19). This was the offering of Elizur son of Shedeur • Elizur led Reuben, Israel’s firstborn tribe (Numbers 7:30). Though Reuben forfeited natural preeminence (Genesis 49:3–4), his leader still enjoyed equal footing before God—the offerings of all twelve chiefs were identical (Numbers 7:12–83). • The uniform gifts model unity among God’s people (Psalm 133:1; 1 Corinthians 1:10). • Elizur’s obedience shows that blessings flow when leaders follow God’s explicit pattern (Numbers 7:4–5). summary Numbers 7:35 records Reuben’s leader bringing a peace offering of two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five year-old male lambs. Each element illustrates aspects of fellowship—valuable sacrifice, consecration, atonement, and purity—all granted by God’s grace. Elizur’s identical gift with the other tribal chiefs emphasizes unity and obedience. Ultimately the verse directs us to Jesus, the complete and final Peace Offering who reconciles us to the Father and binds His people together in grace-filled worship. |
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