Numbers 7:67

His offering was one silver platter weighing a hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel and filled with fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering;

Study Bible

His offering was one silver platter weighing a hundred and thirty shekels
The offering of a silver platter signifies the wealth and dedication of the leader presenting it. In ancient Israel, silver was a valuable commodity, often used in trade and religious offerings. The weight of one hundred and thirty shekels indicates a substantial gift, reflecting the leader's commitment to God and the community. The use of the sanctuary shekel, a standard weight used in the tabernacle, underscores the importance of precision and uniformity in offerings, ensuring fairness and consistency in worship practices.

and one silver bowl weighing seventy shekels
The silver bowl, like the platter, is a symbol of wealth and devotion. Weighing seventy shekels, it complements the platter, together forming a significant offering. The bowl's purpose was likely practical, used in the preparation or presentation of offerings. The specific weight again highlights the importance of adhering to the sanctuary shekel, emphasizing the need for offerings to meet divine standards. This reflects the broader biblical theme of giving one's best to God, as seen in other scriptures such as Malachi 1:14, where God condemns offerings that are less than the best.

both according to the sanctuary shekel
The sanctuary shekel was a specific standard of weight used in the tabernacle, ensuring that all offerings were measured equally. This standardization reflects the order and structure God established for worship in Israel, as detailed in Exodus 30:13. It also points to the broader biblical principle of justice and fairness, as seen in Leviticus 19:36, where God commands the use of honest scales and measures. The sanctuary shekel serves as a reminder of God's holiness and the need for integrity in worship.

and filled with fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering
The grain offering, consisting of fine flour mixed with oil, was a common form of sacrifice in ancient Israel, symbolizing dedication and thanksgiving to God. The use of fine flour indicates the quality of the offering, as only the best was to be given to God. Oil, often associated with anointing and the Holy Spirit, adds a spiritual dimension to the offering. This type of offering is detailed in Leviticus 2, where it is described as a pleasing aroma to the Lord. The grain offering can also be seen as a type of Christ, who is the Bread of Life (John 6:35), symbolizing sustenance and spiritual nourishment.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Tribe of Ephraim
This verse is part of the offerings brought by the leaders of the tribes of Israel during the dedication of the altar. The leader of the tribe of Ephraim, Elishama son of Ammihud, is the one presenting this offering.

2. Tabernacle
The central place of worship for the Israelites during their wilderness journey. The offerings were made for the dedication of the altar within the Tabernacle.

3. Sanctuary Shekel
A standard unit of weight used in the sanctuary, ensuring that offerings were consistent and fair.

4. Grain Offering
A type of offering made to God, consisting of fine flour mixed with oil, symbolizing dedication and thanksgiving.

5. Dedication of the Altar
A significant event where each tribe's leader presented offerings over twelve days, symbolizing unity and commitment to God.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of Offerings
The silver dish and bowl filled with fine flour and oil symbolize purity, dedication, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Believers are called to offer their lives as living sacrifices, pure and dedicated to God.

Unity in Worship
The collective offerings of the tribes highlight the importance of unity in worship. As the body of Christ, believers are encouraged to come together in worship and service, reflecting the unity of the Spirit.

Consistency in Giving
The use of the sanctuary shekel as a standard emphasizes the importance of consistency and fairness in our giving. Believers are encouraged to give generously and consistently, as God has prospered them.

Dedication to God
The dedication of the altar serves as a reminder of the need for personal dedication to God. Believers are called to dedicate their lives, time, and resources to God's service.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the offering of fine flour mixed with oil represent in the context of our spiritual lives today?

2. How can the concept of the sanctuary shekel guide us in our financial stewardship and giving?

3. In what ways can we, as a church community, reflect the unity demonstrated by the tribes of Israel during the dedication of the altar?

4. How does the dedication of the altar in Numbers 7 inspire us to dedicate our own lives to God?

5. What are some practical ways we can offer "sacrifices of praise" in our daily lives, as encouraged in Hebrews 13:15-16?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 2
Provides detailed instructions on grain offerings, emphasizing the importance of offerings made with fine flour and oil, which are symbols of purity and the Holy Spirit.

Exodus 30:13
Discusses the sanctuary shekel, providing context for the weight and value of the offerings made.

Hebrews 13:15-16
Encourages believers to offer sacrifices of praise and good deeds, drawing a parallel to the physical offerings made in the Old Testament.