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.
and a peace offering of two oxen,

The peace offering celebrated restored fellowship with the Lord and was shared in a sacred meal by the worshiper, the priests, and, in prescribed portions, the altar. The costly oxen showed that gratitude and communion with God were not treated lightly.

Exo 24:5 Then he sent out some young men of Israel,…
1Ki 8:63 And Solomon offered as peace offerings to the LORD…
2Ch 7:5 And King Solomon offered a sacrifice of 22,000 oxen…

five rams,

Rams added valuable animals suited for sacrifice, reflecting the generous provision brought by Gad’s representative for the dedication of the altar.

2Ch 29:21 They brought seven bulls, seven rams, and seven lambs…
Ezk 45:23 Each day during the seven days of the feast,…
Ezr 6:17 For the dedication of the house of God they offered…

five male goats,

Male goats were also acceptable offerings under the law. Their inclusion enlarged the feast of fellowship and expressed the tribe’s willing participation in Israel’s worship.

Lev 16:5 And he shall take from the congregation of Israel…
Num 15:24 and if it was done unintentionally…
Lev 4:23 When he becomes aware of the sin he has committed,…

and five male lambs a year old.

Year-old lambs were in their strength and without the weakness of age. The lambs anticipate the greater sacrifice of Christ, the Lamb of God, through whom lasting peace with God is secured.

Lev 14:10 On the eighth day he is to bring two unblemished male lambs…
Exo 29:38 This is what you are to offer regularly on the altar…
Ezk 46:13 And you shall provide an unblemished year-old lamb…

This was the offering of Eliasaph son of Deuel.

Eliasaph, whose name means “God has added,” presented these gifts as the leader of Gad, acting on behalf of his tribe. His offering matched those of the other tribal leaders, displaying Israel’s unity before the Lord as the tabernacle and its altar were dedicated.

Num 10:20 Eliasaph son of Deuel was over the division…
Num 1:14 from Gad, Eliasaph son of Deuel;

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.
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
Cattle, Deuel, Deu'el, Eliasaph, Eli'asaph, Fellowship, Goats, He-goats, He-lambs, Lambs, Male, Oblation, Offering, Offerings, Oxen, Peace, Peace-offering, Peace-offerings, Rams, Reuel, Sacrifice, Sacrificed, Sheep, Sons, Yearling
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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