What is the meaning of Numbers 7:53? Two oxen “and a peace offering of two oxen” • In the peace (fellowship) offering, the worshiper and his family would share a communal meal with the priests after portions were placed on the altar (Leviticus 3:1-5; Leviticus 7:15-18). • Two oxen—large, valuable animals—demonstrate costly gratitude and the desire for rich fellowship with the LORD (2 Samuel 6:13). • Oxen often symbolize strength and service; dedicating them acknowledges that all power and productivity come from God (Deuteronomy 33:17; Psalm 144:14). • The peace offering points forward to the perfect peace secured in Christ, “our peace” who reconciles us to God (Ephesians 2:14-16). Five rams “five rams” • Rams were used in consecration (Exodus 29:18) and at covenant renewals (2 Chronicles 29:21). • The ram provided by God in place of Isaac (Genesis 22:13) foreshadows substitution; including five rams underscores gratitude for God’s provision. • The number five frequently marks grace and abundance (cf. Genesis 43:34; Matthew 14:17-21). Here it showcases overflowing thankfulness. Five male goats “five male goats” • Goats often appear in sin offerings (Leviticus 4:24; Leviticus 16:9-10). Presenting goats within a peace offering highlights that fellowship with God rests on atonement already made. • Five goats again stress the generous scale of Elishama’s gift, paralleling the lavish mercy God extends (Romans 5:20). Five male lambs a year old “and five male lambs a year old” • Year-old lambs were prime, spotless, and suitable for sacrifice (Exodus 12:5). • Daily morning and evening burnt offerings used year-old lambs (Exodus 29:38-42), so this gift signifies continual devotion. • Lamb imagery culminates in “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29; 1 Peter 1:19). These five lambs point ahead to the ultimate peace we enjoy through Christ. The offering of Elishama son of Ammihud “This was the offering of Elishama son of Ammihud.” • Elishama led the tribe of Ephraim (Numbers 1:10; 2:18). On the seventh day of tabernacle dedication each tribal leader brought the exact same gifts (Numbers 7:48-53), underscoring unity and equality among God’s people (Romans 2:11). • By naming Elishama, Scripture records individual faithfulness within corporate worship. God notes both the collective and the personal (Malachi 3:16). • The uniform offerings remind us that every believer approaches the LORD on equal footing—through the same sacrificial provision ultimately fulfilled in Christ (Hebrews 10:19-22). summary Numbers 7:53 records a tangible, costly peace offering: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five year-old lambs. Each element accents gratitude, atonement, and fellowship, while the repeated “five” signals overflowing grace. Elishama’s identical gift, alongside those of the other tribal leaders, celebrates unity in worship. Taken literally, the verse testifies that genuine peace with God requires sacrifice—an Old Testament shadow perfectly realized in Jesus, our once-for-all peace offering. |
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