Numbers 7:40
one male goat for a sin offering;
one male goat for a sin offering;

Alongside the gifts of tribute and fellowship offerings, the tribal leader brought a sin offering, acknowledging that dedication to God required cleansing from sin. The goat provided atonement according to the sacrificial law, demonstrating that Israel could not approach the holy God on the basis of generosity or ceremony alone. Although the leader represented Simeon in bringing the offering, the sacrifice testified to the need for purification throughout the congregation. Its blood foreshadowed the greater sacrifice of Christ, whose once-for-all offering accomplishes the cleansing that the blood of animals could only portray.

Lev 4:23-24 When he becomes aware of the sin he has committed,…
Lev 16:5-10 And he shall take from the congregation of Israel…
2Ch 29:21 They brought seven bulls, seven rams, and seven lambs…

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt, receiving instructions for worship and offerings.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who is overseeing the dedication of the altar and the offerings brought by the leaders of the tribes.

3. The Altar
The central place of worship and sacrifice for the Israelites, where offerings are made to God.

4. The Leaders of the Tribes
Representatives from each of the twelve tribes of Israel, bringing offerings for the dedication of the altar.

5. The Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the divine presence among the Israelites, where the altar is located.
Teaching Points
The Significance of Offerings
Offerings are a tangible expression of worship and dedication to God. They symbolize the giver's devotion and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty.

The Role of Incense in Worship
Incense represents the prayers of the people rising to God. It is a reminder of the importance of prayer and intercession in our spiritual lives.

The Weight of Worship
The specific weight of the gold dish (ten shekels) signifies the precision and intentionality required in worship. Our worship should be deliberate and heartfelt.

Unity in Worship
The collective offerings from the leaders of the tribes demonstrate unity among God's people. Worship is a communal act that brings believers together in faith.

The Holiness of God
The use of gold and incense underscores the holiness and majesty of God. Our approach to worship should be with reverence and awe.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the use of gold and incense in Numbers 7:40 teach us about the nature of worship and offerings to God?

2. How can we apply the principle of intentionality in our worship practices today, as seen in the specific weight of the gold dish?

3. In what ways does the communal aspect of the offerings in Numbers 7:40 encourage us to participate in corporate worship?

4. How does the role of incense in the Old Testament connect to the New Testament understanding of prayer and intercession?

5. Reflect on the holiness of God as depicted in this passage. How can this understanding influence our daily walk with God and our approach to worship?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 30:34-38
This passage provides instructions for making incense, highlighting its sacred use in worship and its connection to the offerings described in Numbers 7:40.

Leviticus 2:1-2
Discusses grain offerings and the use of incense, emphasizing the importance of offerings as a pleasing aroma to the Lord.

Hebrews 9:4
Mentions the golden altar of incense, connecting the Old Testament practices to the New Testament understanding of worship and the presence of God.
The Free-Will Offering of the PrincesE.S. Prout Numbers 7:1-88
The Princes and Their Princely OfferingW. Binnie Numbers 7:1-89
Communion with GodNumbers 7:10-89
Communion with GodNumbers 7:10-89
Indications of the IncarnationHenry, MatthewNumbers 7:10-89
Rich Givers and Rich GiftsHenry, MatthewNumbers 7:10-89
Such as have Greatest Blessings and GiftsW. Attersoll.Numbers 7:10-89
The Condescension of God, and the Privileges of ManW. Jones.Numbers 7:10-89
The Ear of the HeartNumbers 7:10-89
The Princes' Offerings for the Dedication of the AltarW. Jones.Numbers 7:10-89
The Speech of the Divine SpiritProfessor Gess.Numbers 7:10-89
The Support of Religious InstitutionsD. Lloyd.Numbers 7:10-89
People
Aaron, Abidan, Ahiezer, Ahira, Ammihud, Amminadab, Ammishaddai, Asher, Benjamin, Dan, Deuel, Eliab, Eliasaph, Elishama, Elizur, Enan, Gad, Gamaliel, Gershon, Gershonites, Gideoni, Helon, Issachar, Ithamar, Kohath, Levites, Manasseh, Merari, Merarites, Moses, Nahshon, Naphtali, Nethaneel, Ocran, Pagiel, Pedahzur, Reuben, Reuel, Shedeur, Shelumiel, Simeon, Zebulun, Zuar, Zurishaddai
Places
Sinai
Topics
Buck, Goat, Goats, Kid, Male, Offering, Sin, Sin-offering
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 7:29

     7364   fellowship offering

Numbers 7:28-29

     4651   goat

Library
Separation and Service.
Numbers vi, vii. INTRODUCTORY. For many years these chapters had no special interest to me; but I have never ceased to be thankful that I was early led to read the Word of GOD in regular course: it was through this habit that these chapters first became specially precious to me. I was travelling on a missionary tour in the province of CHEH-KIANG, and had to pass the night in a very wicked town. All the inns were dreadful places; and the people seemed to have their consciences seared, and their hearts
James Hudson Taylor—Separation and Service

Our Lord's Prayer for his People's Sanctification
In this wonderful prayer, our Lord, as our great High Priest, appears to enter upon that perpetual office of intercession which he is now exercising at the right hand of the Father. Our Lord ever seemed, in the eagerness of his love, to be anticipating his work. Before he was set apart for his life-work, by the descent of the Holy Ghost upon him, he must needs be about his Father's business; before he finally suffered at the hands of cruel men, he had a baptism to be baptized with, and he was straitened
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 32: 1886

Prophecy.
PROPHECY. Isaiah iii. 13; liii. "Behold, my servant shall deal prudently; he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high. As many were astonished at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men: so shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider. Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?
William Paley—Evidences of Christianity

Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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