Numbers 7:47

and a peace offering of two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Eliasaph son of Deuel.

Study Bible

and a peace offering of two oxen
The peace offering, also known as a fellowship offering, was a voluntary sacrifice made to express gratitude and fellowship with God. The use of oxen, which were valuable animals, signifies the importance and sincerity of the offering. Oxen were often used in significant sacrifices due to their size and value, symbolizing strength and service. This offering reflects the communal aspect of worship in Israel, where peace offerings were shared among the priests, the offerer, and God.

five rams
Rams were often used in sacrificial offerings and symbolized leadership and strength. The number five can represent grace or God's goodness in biblical numerology. The inclusion of rams in the peace offering highlights the completeness and abundance of the offering, as well as the offerer's desire to honor God with valuable livestock.

five male goats
Goats were commonly used in various offerings, including sin offerings. In this context, the male goats contribute to the peace offering, emphasizing the offerer's desire for reconciliation and fellowship with God. The number five, repeated here, reinforces the theme of grace and favor.

and five male lambs a year old
Lambs, especially those a year old, were considered pure and ideal for sacrifice. They symbolize innocence and purity, often associated with Christ, the Lamb of God. The repetition of the number five again underscores the abundance and grace inherent in the offering. The use of lambs in the peace offering points to the future sacrifice of Jesus, who would bring ultimate peace between God and humanity.

This was the offering of Eliasaph son of Deuel.
Eliasaph, a leader of the tribe of Gad, presents this offering on behalf of his tribe. His name means "God has added," which may reflect the blessings and increase that come from faithful worship and obedience. The mention of his father, Deuel, situates Eliasaph within the genealogical and tribal structure of Israel, emphasizing the communal and representative nature of the offering. This act of giving reflects the unity and collective worship of the Israelite community as they dedicate the tabernacle.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Eliasaph son of Deuel
Eliasaph was a leader of the tribe of Gad, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. His name means "God has added," reflecting the blessings and increase from God.

2. Tribe of Gad
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Gad, the seventh son of Jacob and Zilpah. The tribe was known for its warriors and settled on the east side of the Jordan River.

3. Peace Offerings
These were offerings made to express gratitude and fellowship with God. They symbolized peace and reconciliation between the offerer and God.

4. Tabernacle Dedication
The context of this verse is the dedication of the Tabernacle, where each tribe brought offerings over twelve days to celebrate and consecrate the Tabernacle.

5. Sacrificial Animals
The specific animals mentioned (oxen, rams, goats, lambs) were part of the sacrificial system, each with its symbolic meaning and purpose in worship and atonement.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Dedication
Just as the Israelites dedicated the Tabernacle with offerings, we are called to dedicate our lives and resources to God’s service.

Symbolism of Peace Offerings
Peace offerings symbolize reconciliation and gratitude. In our lives, we should seek to live in peace with God and others, expressing gratitude for His blessings.

Community Worship
The collective offerings of the tribes highlight the importance of community in worship. We are encouraged to participate in communal worship and support one another in faith.

Generosity in Giving
The offerings were generous and costly, reminding us to give sacrificially and joyfully to God’s work, trusting in His provision.

Christ as Our Peace Offering
Jesus Christ is the ultimate peace offering, reconciling us to God. Our faith in Him brings us peace and calls us to live in harmony with others.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the offering of Eliasaph son of Deuel teach us about the role of leadership in worship and dedication to God?

2. How can the concept of peace offerings in the Old Testament enhance our understanding of peace and reconciliation in our relationships today?

3. In what ways can we dedicate our resources and talents to God’s service, similar to the offerings made by the tribes of Israel?

4. How does the communal aspect of the Tabernacle dedication inform our approach to worship and fellowship within the church?

5. Reflect on how Jesus Christ fulfills the role of the peace offering. How does this understanding impact your daily walk with God and interactions with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 3
This chapter provides detailed instructions on peace offerings, highlighting their purpose in maintaining a harmonious relationship with God.

Hebrews 13:15
This verse speaks of offering a "sacrifice of praise," connecting the Old Testament sacrificial system to New Testament worship through Jesus Christ.

Romans 12:1
Paul urges believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the dedication and offerings made in the Old Testament.