What is the meaning of Numbers 7:48? On the seventh day “On the seventh day Elishama son of Ammihud, the leader of the Ephraimites, drew near.” (Numbers 7:48) • Numbers 7 records twelve identical offerings over twelve consecutive days; the “seventh day” marks the midpoint, underscoring God’s orderly design (cf. Genesis 1:31–2:3; Leviticus 23:36). • Throughout Scripture the number seven highlights completeness and covenant rest. Here it signals that the dedication of the altar is progressing precisely as God prescribed, with no tribe overlooked or allowed to hurry ahead (cf. Joshua 6:15; Revelation 1:20). • The literal, chronological note affirms the historic reliability of the passage: real leaders brought real offerings on specific calendar days, testifying to God’s faithfulness in real time. Elishama son of Ammihud • Elishama is first introduced in the wilderness census (Numbers 1:10) and again when the tribal camps are arranged (Numbers 2:18) and when the armies march (Numbers 10:22). • His name, meaning “God has heard,” echoes the Lord’s attentive care for Israel (cf. Exodus 2:24). • As “son of Ammihud,” Elishama stands in an authenticated lineage, reminding readers that spiritual leadership is rooted in accountable, traceable family lines (cf. 1 Chronicles 7:26–27). • The text emphasizes real people within God’s unfolding plan, linking Elishama to Joseph’s favored line through Ephraim (Genesis 48:19–20). the leader of the Ephraimites • Ephraim descends from Joseph, the son who preserved Israel in Egypt; Moses blesses this tribe with greatness (Deuteronomy 33:13–17). • Ephraim later becomes influential in the Promised Land (Joshua 17:17; Judges 8:1), and eventually lends its name to the northern kingdom (Isaiah 7:2). • By naming Elishama “leader,” Numbers underscores delegated authority: each tribe is responsible to worship and obey through its appointed head (cf. Exodus 18:25; Hebrews 13:17). • The presence of Ephraim on day seven quietly foreshadows the tribe’s strategic role in Israel’s future, yet reminds that every tribe submits equally to God’s instructions. drew near • “Drew near” describes approaching the altar with the prescribed gifts (Numbers 7:49-53). It is worship language borrowed from the sacrificial system (Leviticus 9:7; Psalm 65:4). • Elishama represents his entire tribe; collective worship flows through representative headship, pointing forward to Christ who draws near on our behalf (Hebrews 4:14-16; 10:22). • The phrase stresses that access to God is by invitation and obedience, not presumption (Exodus 19:21-24). Elishama obeys, and the tribe of Ephraim shares in the blessing. • His approach on schedule also demonstrates patience and unity: Ephraim waits its turn, illustrating submission to God-given order (1 Corinthians 14:40). summary Numbers 7:48 records a literal event within the twelve-day dedication of the altar. On the divinely appointed seventh day, Elishama—legitimate head of Ephraim—approached with his tribe’s offering. The verse highlights God’s perfect timing, authentic leadership, tribal representation, and reverent access to His presence. It assures believers that the Lord notices both the collective and the individual who come to Him in faithful obedience, and it quietly anticipates the ultimate Representative who would draw near for all God’s people. |
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