Topical Bible: Tabernacle: Free-Will offerings Made at the Dedication of the Altar of

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Topical Encyclopedia

The dedication of the altar of the Tabernacle is a significant event in the history of Israel, marked by the generous free-will offerings of the leaders of the twelve tribes. This event is recorded in the Book of Numbers, specifically in chapter 7, which details the offerings made by each tribal leader over a twelve-day period.

The Tabernacle, also known as the Tent of Meeting, was the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wanderings in the wilderness. It served as the central place of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The altar, located in the courtyard of the Tabernacle, was the site for burnt offerings and sacrifices, symbolizing atonement and communion with God.

Biblical Account

The account of the dedication of the altar is found in Numbers 7. After the Tabernacle was set up, the leaders of Israel, representing their respective tribes, brought offerings to the Lord. These offerings were voluntary and given out of devotion and gratitude to God.

Each leader presented identical offerings, which included:

· One silver plate weighing 130 shekels and one silver basin weighing 70 shekels, both filled with fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering.
· One gold dish weighing 10 shekels, filled with incense.
· One young bull, one ram, and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering.
· One male goat for a sin offering.
· Two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old for a peace offering.

The offerings were presented over twelve days, with one leader offering each day. This systematic and orderly presentation underscores the unity and collective dedication of the tribes in their worship and service to God.

Spiritual Significance

The free-will offerings at the dedication of the altar highlight several key spiritual principles:

1. Generosity and Willingness: The leaders' offerings were given freely and generously, reflecting their willingness to honor God and support the worship life of the community. This act of giving set a precedent for the importance of voluntary offerings in worship.

2. Unity and Equality: Each tribe's offering was identical, symbolizing equality and unity among the tribes. Despite their individual identities and roles, the tribes came together in a unified act of worship and dedication.

3. Holiness and Consecration: The offerings were part of the consecration of the altar, setting it apart as holy and dedicated to the Lord. This act of consecration was essential for maintaining the sanctity of the Tabernacle and the worship conducted there.

4. Covenant Relationship: The dedication of the altar and the accompanying offerings reaffirmed the covenant relationship between God and Israel. It was a tangible expression of the people's commitment to follow God's commandments and maintain His presence among them.

Scriptural Reference

The Berean Standard Bible provides a clear account of these events in Numbers 7. For example, Numbers 7:10-11 states: "When the altar was anointed, the leaders brought their offerings for its dedication and presented them before the altar. And the LORD said to Moses, 'Each day one leader is to present his offering for the dedication of the altar.'"

This passage emphasizes the divine instruction and orderly process by which the offerings were made, underscoring the importance of obedience and reverence in worship practices.

The dedication of the altar through free-will offerings remains a powerful example of worship, generosity, and communal faithfulness in the biblical narrative, reflecting enduring principles for believers.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 7:10-87
And the princes offered for dedicating of the altar in the day that it was anointed, even the princes offered their offering before the altar.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Princely Service.
... in connection with the setting up of the Tabernacle, and had ... As we read of the offerings
of the twelve ... offered his offering"for a glad free-will offering it ...
/.../taylor/separation and service/part iii princely service.htm

Results of Transgression
... material was required, but the Lord accepted only freewill offerings. ... call to
self-sacrifice was made when David ... the builders of the earthly tabernacle; yet in ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 4 results of transgression.htm

Scriptural Types.
... subdivisions"thank-offering, votive offering, free-will offering (Lev ... left that he
might tabernacle among men ... of these solemn sin-offerings made it necessary ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm

Nature of Covenanting.
... formerly quoted, it is described as a free-will-offering ... ever."[95] "I will abide
in thy tabernacle for ever ... of the Nazarite, the vows paid by offerings laid on ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter i nature of covenanting.htm