What is the meaning of Numbers 7:36? On the fifth day Numbers 7 records twelve consecutive days of dedication offerings for the altar. The verse before us marks the midpoint of that orderly schedule: “On the fifth day Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai, the leader of the Simeonites, drew near.” The careful mention of each day underscores God’s love of order (1 Corinthians 14:40) and His desire that every tribe have equal opportunity to worship. Earlier days featured Judah (v. 12), Issachar (v. 18), Zebulun (v. 24), and Reuben (v. 30). By the fifth day the camp’s south side (Numbers 2:10–16) begins to participate, reminding us that no place in God’s people is too hidden for His notice. Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai Shelumiel first appears in the census: “From Simeon, Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai” (Numbers 1:6). The Spirit repeats his name here to connect leadership with worship. His father’s name, Zurishaddai, is preserved as well, anchoring the narrative in real families and real history (cf. Exodus 6:14–16). Just as God knew Abraham by name (Genesis 22:11), He knows every leader He appoints. That certainty encourages believers today that their service is never anonymous before the Lord (Hebrews 6:10). Leader of the Simeonites The tribe of Simeon had a mixed legacy—marked by violence with Levi (Genesis 49:5–7) yet still counted among Israel’s hosts (Numbers 1:22–23). Their leader offering on day five shows: • God’s covenant faithfulness overrules past sin and grants fresh opportunity for devotion (Lamentations 3:22–23). • Every tribe brings the same gifts (compare Numbers 7:37–41 with vv. 13–17), illustrating equal standing before God (Acts 10:34). Simeon later receives land within Judah (Joshua 19:9) and is finally sealed among the redeemed in Revelation 7:7, proof that the Lord finishes what He begins. Drew near “Drew near” points to a deliberate approach to God. In the sanctuary context it meant physically advancing to present offerings; spiritually it highlights reverence and obedience. Other leaders “came forward” in identical fashion (Numbers 7:12, 18, 24). The pattern teaches: • Access to God is granted on His terms—through the prescribed sacrifice (Leviticus 9:6-7). • Drawing near must be personal; Shelumiel could not delegate this act. Likewise, believers are urged: “Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith” (Hebrews 10:22). • The constancy of these presentations foreshadows the once-for-all offering of Christ, who “has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself” (Hebrews 9:26). summary Numbers 7:36 highlights the fifth day’s offering by Shelumiel, leader of Simeon. The verse affirms God’s orderly worship, His personal knowledge of each servant, the equal standing of every tribe despite past failures, and the necessity of intentionally drawing near to Him. Through these truths we see a faithful God inviting His people—then and now—to participate fully in covenant fellowship. |
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