What is the meaning of Numbers 7:41? The peace offering “and a peace offering” (Numbers 7:41) locates Shelumiel’s gift within the fellowship‐sacrifice system set out earlier (Leviticus 3; 7:11-38). Peace offerings celebrated restored relationship—God had drawn near, sins were covered, and now the worshiper enjoyed a shared meal in His presence (Deuteronomy 27:7). Just as Gideon built an altar called “The LORD Is Peace” after meeting the Angel of YHWH (Judges 6:24), Shelumiel’s offering proclaims gratitude and communion. New-covenant believers see in these sacrifices a foreshadowing of Christ who “Himself is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14). Two oxen Oxen symbolized strength, wealth, and service (Proverbs 14:4; Psalm 50:10). In sacrifice they represented substantial cost and wholehearted surrender (Leviticus 4:13-21). By bringing two, Shelumiel demonstrates generosity and doubles the expression of dedication—much like David who refused to offer “burnt offerings that cost me nothing” (2 Samuel 24:24). The picture anticipates the greater cost paid at Calvary (1 Peter 1:18-19). Five rams Rams featured prominently in priestly ordination (Exodus 29:15-26) and in the substitute provided for Isaac (Genesis 22:13). Their horns later became the trumpets announcing God’s presence (Joshua 6:4-5). Offering five underscores the theme of grace often linked with the number five in Scripture (e.g., five loaves feeding thousands, Matthew 14:17-20). Shelumiel’s five rams broadcast confidence that God’s grace empowers consecration. Five male goats Goats were central to sin offerings (Leviticus 4:23-28) and to the Day of Atonement ritual (Leviticus 16:8-10). By presenting five, Shelumiel acknowledges both personal and tribal guilt and seeks cleansing. The abundance echoes Paul’s assurance that “where sin increased, grace abounded all the more” (Romans 5:20). Five male lambs a year old Year-old lambs were prime, flawless, and full of life (Exodus 12:5). They pointed forward to “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Offering five emphasizes completeness and celebration; fellowship with God overflows into joyful worship, reminiscent of the shepherds’ praise when they met the newborn Savior (Luke 2:20). Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai Numbers 1:6 and 2:12 identify Shelumiel as the chief of the tribe of Simeon. Simeon had a violent past (Genesis 34; 49:5-7), yet his prince now brings a lavish gift at the dedication of the tabernacle. Grace is restoring a troubled lineage, mirroring how Christ redeems every background (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). “Zurishaddai” means “My Rock is the Almighty,” quietly reminding us that stable worship springs from trusting the unmovable God (Psalm 18:2). summary Numbers 7:41 records Shelumiel’s portion of the tabernacle dedication offerings. Each element—peace offering, two oxen, five rams, five goats, five lambs—highlights fellowship, costly devotion, consecration, atonement, and joyful gratitude. The verse shows a once-wayward tribe publicly celebrating restored relationship with God, prefiguring the perfect peace, forgiveness, and communion secured for us through Jesus Christ. |
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