Numbers 7:59

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

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 sacrifices due to their size and value, symbolizing strength and service. This offering reflects the communal aspect of worship, as the peace offering was shared among the priests, the offerer, and God.

five rams
Rams were commonly 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 significant resources.

five male goats
Goats were also used in various offerings, including sin offerings. In this context, the male goats contribute to the peace offering, emphasizing the offerer's dedication and the desire for reconciliation and fellowship with God. The repetition of the number five 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 seen as a type of Christ, the Lamb of God. The use of five lambs further underscores the offerer's commitment to presenting a complete and gracious offering to God.

This was the offering of Gamaliel son of Pedahzur.
Gamaliel, a leader of the tribe of Manasseh, is noted for his role in the dedication of the altar. His offering is part of a larger narrative where each tribal leader presents offerings for the dedication of the tabernacle. This act of giving reflects the unity and collective worship of the Israelites. Gamaliel's lineage, being the son of Pedahzur, connects him to the heritage and promises given to the tribes of Israel, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant with His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received the instructions for the offerings from God.

2. Israelites
The people of God who are bringing offerings as part of the dedication of the altar.

3. Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the divine presence, where the offerings are made.

4. Burnt Offering
A sacrificial offering that is completely consumed by fire, symbolizing total dedication to God.

5. Tribe of Gad
The tribe making the offering on this particular day as part of the dedication ceremony.

Teaching Points

Total Dedication to God
The burnt offering symbolizes complete surrender to God. As believers, we are called to dedicate our lives wholly to Him, just as the offering was wholly consumed.

The Importance of Obedience
The Israelites followed God's specific instructions for offerings. This teaches us the importance of obedience to God's Word in our own lives.

Symbolism of Sacrifice
The sacrificial system points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. Understanding this helps us appreciate the depth of Christ's sacrifice and its implications for our salvation.

Community Worship and Participation
Each tribe participated in the dedication of the altar, highlighting the importance of communal worship and collective dedication to God.

God's Provision and Order
The structured nature of the offerings reflects God's order and provision. Recognizing this can encourage us to trust in God's plan and provision in our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of a burnt offering in Numbers 7:59 relate to the idea of being a "living sacrifice" in Romans 12:1?

2. In what ways can we demonstrate total dedication to God in our daily lives, similar to the burnt offering?

3. How does the sacrificial system in the Old Testament enhance our understanding of Jesus' sacrifice as described in Hebrews 10?

4. What can we learn from the Israelites' obedience in following God's instructions for offerings, and how can we apply this to our own spiritual practices?

5. How does participating in communal worship and dedication, as seen in the dedication of the altar, strengthen our faith and community today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 1
Provides detailed instructions on how burnt offerings are to be made, emphasizing the importance of sacrifice and atonement.

Hebrews 10
Discusses the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, connecting the Old Testament sacrificial system to the New Covenant.

Romans 12:1
Encourages believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the concept of total dedication seen in burnt offerings.