Numbers 7:68

one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense;

Study Bible

one gold dish
Gold in the Bible often symbolizes purity, divinity, and kingship. The use of gold in the tabernacle and its furnishings reflects the holiness and majesty of God. In the context of Numbers 7, the gold dish is part of the offerings brought by the leaders of Israel for the dedication of the altar. This reflects the wealth and devotion of the tribes towards the worship of God. Gold was a precious metal, indicating the value and importance of the offering.

weighing ten shekels
A shekel was a unit of weight used in ancient Israel, approximately 11.4 grams or 0.4 ounces. The specific weight of ten shekels signifies a standard measure, ensuring that the offering was consistent and fair among the tribes. This standardization reflects the order and precision in the worship practices of Israel. The number ten often symbolizes completeness or divine order in the Bible, suggesting the offering was complete and acceptable to God.

filled with incense
Incense in the Bible is often associated with prayer and worship. In the tabernacle, incense was burned on the altar of incense, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God. The use of incense in this offering highlights the spiritual aspect of the dedication ceremony, emphasizing the importance of prayer and communion with God. Incense is also a type of Christ, as it represents His intercessory role and the sweet aroma of His sacrifice. In Revelation 8:3-4, incense is directly linked to the prayers of the saints, showing its continued symbolic significance in the New Testament.

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 tribe of Ephraim, represented by its leader, is one of the tribes making an offering.

2. Sin Offering
The male goat mentioned in this verse is designated as a sin offering, a significant aspect of the sacrificial system in the Old Testament, symbolizing atonement and purification from sin.

3. Tabernacle Dedication
The context of this verse is the dedication of the Tabernacle, a central place of worship for the Israelites, where God’s presence dwelt among His people.

Teaching Points

Understanding Sin Offerings
The sin offering in the Old Testament was a tangible reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement. It points us to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law and provided a once-for-all atonement for sin.

The Role of Sacrifice in Worship
Sacrifices were central to Israelite worship, symbolizing dedication and obedience to God. Today, our worship involves offering our lives as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1).

The Importance of Repentance
The sin offering underscores the necessity of repentance and seeking forgiveness. As believers, we are called to regularly examine our hearts, confess our sins, and rely on God’s grace for cleansing and renewal.

Community and Worship
The collective offerings of the tribes during the Tabernacle dedication highlight the communal aspect of worship. As a church, we are called to come together in unity, supporting one another in our spiritual journeys.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of a sin offering in Numbers 7:68 help us understand the nature of sin and the need for atonement?

2. In what ways does the dedication of the Tabernacle reflect the importance of setting apart sacred spaces and times for worship in our lives today?

3. How can we apply the principle of offering sacrifices to God in our modern context, considering Romans 12:1?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that our worship remains sincere and focused on God, rather than merely ritualistic?

5. How does understanding the communal aspect of the offerings in Numbers 7 encourage us to engage more deeply with our church community?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 4
This chapter provides detailed instructions on sin offerings, emphasizing the importance of atonement and the role of sacrifices in maintaining a right relationship with God.

Hebrews 10
This New Testament passage discusses the insufficiency of animal sacrifices and points to Christ as the ultimate and perfect sacrifice for sin.

1 John 1:9
This verse highlights the ongoing need for confession and forgiveness, connecting the Old Testament practice of sin offerings to the New Testament understanding of forgiveness through Christ.