Numbers 7:83

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

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 in Israel, where the 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 fully.

five male goats
Goats were often used in sin offerings, but here they are part of a peace offering, indicating a desire for reconciliation and peace with God. The male goats, being unblemished, represent purity and the removal of sin. The number five again emphasizes the grace and favor sought from God.

and five male lambs a year old
Lambs, especially those a year old, were considered ideal for sacrifices due to their innocence and purity. They are often seen as a type of Christ, the Lamb of God, who was sacrificed for the sins of the world. The repetition of the number five underscores the completeness and grace of the offering.

This was the offering of Ahira son of Enan.
Ahira, the leader of the tribe of Naphtali, presents this offering on behalf of his tribe. Each tribal leader brought identical offerings over twelve days, symbolizing unity and equality among the tribes of Israel. Ahira's offering, like those of the other leaders, demonstrates obedience and devotion to God, as well as a desire for communal peace and blessing. The mention of his lineage, "son of Enan," emphasizes the importance of family and heritage in Israelite society.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ahira son of Enan
Ahira is the leader of the tribe of Naphtali, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. His name means "brother of evil" or "brother of a friend," and he plays a role in the offerings made during the dedication of the altar.

2. Tribe of Naphtali
This is one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Naphtali, the sixth son of Jacob and Bilhah. The tribe is known for its warriors and is allotted land in the northern part of Canaan.

3. Dedication of the Altar
This event involves the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel bringing offerings for the dedication of the altar in the Tabernacle. Each leader presents identical offerings over twelve days.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Order and Structure
The detailed account of offerings in Numbers 7 highlights the importance of order and structure in worship. God values intentionality and preparation in our acts of worship.

Unity in Diversity
Although each tribe brought the same offering, the act of each leader presenting it individually underscores the unity and diversity within the body of believers. Each person and tribe has a unique role, yet all contribute to the common purpose of worshiping God.

Generosity in Worship
The leaders' offerings were generous and costly, reflecting the principle that worship involves giving our best to God. This challenges us to consider what we are willing to offer in our own worship and service.

Symbolism of the Altar
The altar represents a place of sacrifice and meeting with God. In the New Testament, Jesus becomes the ultimate sacrifice, and believers are called to approach God through Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the act of each tribe bringing identical offerings teach us about unity and equality in the body of Christ?

2. How can we apply the principle of order and structure in our personal and corporate worship today?

3. In what ways can we demonstrate generosity in our worship and service to God, similar to the leaders of the tribes?

4. How does the dedication of the altar in Numbers 7 foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ?

5. Reflect on a time when you have experienced unity in diversity within your church or community. How did it enhance your worship experience?

Connections to Other Scriptures

The offerings made by the leaders of the tribes in Numbers 7 can be connected to the dedication of the Temple by Solomon in 1 Kings 8, where offerings and sacrifices are also made to consecrate the holy place.

The concept of dedicating something to God through offerings is seen in Romans 12, where believers are urged to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.