Tyndale Open Study NotesNumbers 7

This is a detailed description of the offerings made by Israel's 12 tribes during the dedication of the tabernacle. They dedicated these gifts for 12 days.

• Moses set up the tabernacle on the first day of the second year after the exodus from Egypt (Exodus 40:1–2).

• Moses finished setting up the tabernacle. Then he anointed and consecrated it and all its furnishings, along with the altar and all its utensils (compare Exodus 40:9–10; Leviticus 8:10–11). The altar, as the place of sacrifice, was especially important among the holy furniture.

• The same tribal leaders who helped with the registration in chapter 1 also appear in 7:2–3. The non-Levitical tribes gave the Gershonites and Merarites wagons and oxen to move the heavy parts of the tabernacle and other items (see chapter 4).

• These vehicles and animals were the first offerings from the Hebrew tribes (7:2). The tribal leaders also presented these practical gifts along with the more elaborate offerings they dedicated (7:10, 12–83).

Later, the Israelites tried to move the ark of the covenant using a cart, but it ended tragically (1 Samuel 6:8, 11; 2 Samuel 6:3, 6–7).

When they anointed the altar, the tribal leaders gave the wagons and oxen, silver and gold vessels, and other religious offerings for the altar. Starting with the tribe of Judah, the leaders brought these gifts to the tabernacle for 12 days. They collected these gifts from the Egyptians when Israel left Egypt (compare Exodus 12:35–36; 25:3).

One by one, the tribal leaders brought their gifts for the dedication of the altar. Each tribe participated until the whole Hebrew confederation (the united group of twelve tribes) had taken part.

The text repeats the description of each tribe’s gift. This repetition highlights the shared nature of the ceremony. Every tribe had a role in setting apart their place of worship for God.

The careful listing of the gifts may reflect detailed record keeping, like an archive or ledger (an official written record). The text notes that the silver bowls and plates contained grain offerings. The gold dishes held incense.

Each tribe also brought animals for a burnt offering, a sin offering, and a peace offering, as required in Leviticus. These offerings showed worship, repentance, and fellowship with God.

This paragraph first summarizes the gifts and offerings from each tribe. Then it lists expensive containers, offerings, incense, and sacrificial animals. These large and costly gifts showed the importance of the altar, the tabernacle, and the God who was served there. The law required these sacrifices, but the Hebrews gave the special gifts generously.

• After dedicating the Tent of Meeting (the tabernacle) and setting it apart as holy, it became the center of divine revelation. There, Moses spoke with God, who revealed his will and presence (Leviticus 16:2, 13–17). This communication came from the ark of the covenant. It was specifically between the two cherubim above the ark's cover, also called "the mercy seat" (compare Exodus 25:17–22).

• For the Israelites, this was the special place for atonement, similar to the significance in the Christian faith of the cross where Jesus died (see Hebrews 9–10, especially Hebrews 9:5). God's voice, heard by Moses the mediator, fulfilled the promise in Exodus 25:22 and Numbers 30:6. The Lord's presence ensured the holiness of Israel's wilderness place of worship.