Numbers 7:74

one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense;

Study Bible

one gold dish
Gold was a precious metal often used in the construction of sacred objects in the tabernacle and later the temple. Its use here signifies the value and holiness of the offering. Gold's incorruptibility symbolizes purity and divinity, often associated with God's presence. In the context of the tabernacle, gold was used extensively, including in the Ark of the Covenant and the lampstand, indicating the sacredness of the space and the offerings made within it.

weighing ten shekels
A shekel was a standard unit of weight in ancient Israel, approximately 11.4 grams or 0.4 ounces. The specific weight of ten shekels indicates a precise and significant offering, reflecting the importance of order and obedience in worship. The number ten often symbolizes completeness or divine order in the Bible, as seen in the Ten Commandments.

filled with incense
Incense was a crucial element in Israelite worship, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God. The use of incense in the tabernacle was commanded by God, as seen in Exodus 30:34-38, where a specific blend was prescribed. Incense represents the intercessory work of Christ, as seen in Revelation 8:3-4, where the prayers of the saints are offered with incense before God. The fragrant aroma of incense also signifies the pleasing nature of sincere worship and devotion.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Tribe of Dan
The offering in Numbers 7:74 is part of the dedication offerings brought by the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel. Each tribe's leader brought identical offerings over twelve days for the dedication of the altar.

2. Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai
He was the leader of the tribe of Dan, responsible for presenting the offering on behalf of his tribe.

3. 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.

4. Incense
A significant element in Israelite worship, symbolizing prayer and the presence of God. The incense was placed in a gold dish, indicating its value and sacredness.

5. Altar Dedication
The event where the leaders of the tribes brought offerings to dedicate the altar, signifying the importance of worship and sacrifice in the community's relationship with God.

Teaching Points

The Value of Worship
The use of gold and incense in the offering highlights the value and reverence that should be attributed to worship. Worship is not a casual act but a sacred duty that requires our best.

Symbolism of Incense
Incense represents prayer and the presence of God. Our prayers should be a fragrant offering, rising to God with sincerity and devotion.

Unity in Worship
Each tribe brought the same offering, symbolizing unity and equality before God. In our worship communities, we should strive for unity, recognizing that we all stand equal before God.

Dedication and Commitment
The dedication of the altar with offerings signifies commitment to God. We are called to dedicate our lives and resources to God's service.

Leadership in Worship
Leaders like Ahiezer played a crucial role in guiding their tribes in worship. Spiritual leaders today have the responsibility to lead by example in worship and dedication to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the use of gold and incense in the offering teach us about the nature of worship?

2. How can the symbolism of incense as prayer influence our personal prayer life?

3. In what ways can we promote unity within our worship communities, following the example of the tribes of Israel?

4. How does the concept of dedication in Numbers 7:74 apply to our personal commitment to God today?

5. What responsibilities do spiritual leaders have in guiding their communities in worship, and how can we support them in this role?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 30:34-38
This passage provides instructions for making incense, emphasizing its sacredness and exclusive use for worship, connecting to the incense offering in Numbers 7:74.

Revelation 8:3-4
The imagery of incense in Revelation symbolizes the prayers of the saints, drawing a parallel to the incense offering in Numbers as a representation of prayer and worship.

Psalm 141:2
The psalmist likens prayer to incense, reinforcing the idea of incense as a symbol of communication with God.