Numbers 7:12
On the first day Nahshon son of Amminadab from the tribe of Judah drew near with his offering.
On the first day
This phrase marks the beginning of a significant event in the Israelite community, the dedication of the altar. The first day signifies the start of a twelve-day period where each tribe presents offerings. This structured approach reflects the order and organization within the Israelite camp, as seen throughout the book of Numbers.

Nahshon son of Amminadab
Nahshon is a prominent figure in the tribe of Judah and is mentioned in several genealogies, including the lineage of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:4, Luke 3:32). His leadership role is highlighted as he is the first to present offerings, indicating his status and the importance of the tribe of Judah. Nahshon's presence underscores the fulfillment of Jacob's blessing that the scepter will not depart from Judah (Genesis 49:10).

from the tribe of Judah
Judah is one of the most significant tribes in Israel, known for its leadership and royal lineage. The tribe's prominence is evident in its encampment position and its role in leading the march (Numbers 2:3-9). Judah's offering first may symbolize its preeminence and foreshadow the coming of the Messiah from this tribe.

drew near with his offering
The act of drawing near with an offering is a form of worship and dedication to God. It reflects the Israelites' obedience and reverence. The offerings presented by each tribe were identical, symbolizing unity and equality among the tribes. This act of drawing near is a precursor to the New Testament concept of drawing near to God through Christ (Hebrews 10:22).

his offering
The offerings brought by Nahshon and the other leaders were substantial and included silver, gold, and animals for sacrifice. These offerings were not only acts of worship but also served practical purposes in the maintenance of the tabernacle. The detailed description of the offerings in Numbers 7 emphasizes the importance of giving and sacrifice in the worship of God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nahshon
He is the son of Amminadab and a leader of the tribe of Judah. Nahshon is significant as he is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus in the New Testament, highlighting his importance in the lineage of David and ultimately Christ.

2. Amminadab
The father of Nahshon, Amminadab is part of the genealogy of the tribe of Judah, which is a prominent tribe in Israel's history.

3. Tribe of Judah
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, Judah is a leading tribe known for its strength and leadership. It is the tribe from which King David and Jesus Christ descended.

4. Offering
The context of this verse is the dedication of the altar, where leaders from each tribe brought offerings. Nahshon's offering is the first, setting a precedent for the others.

5. Dedication of the Altar
This event marks the consecration of the altar in the Tabernacle, a significant moment in Israel's worship and relationship with God.
Teaching Points
Leadership and Legacy
Nahshon's role as the first to bring an offering demonstrates leadership and sets an example for others. In our lives, we are called to lead by example, especially in our faith and dedication to God.

The Importance of Firsts
Being the first to act in faith can inspire others. Just as Nahshon was the first to present his offering, we can be the first to step out in faith in our communities.

Generational Faithfulness
Nahshon's inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus reminds us of the importance of faithfulness across generations. Our actions today can have lasting impacts on future generations.

Worship and Dedication
The dedication of the altar signifies the importance of setting apart time and resources for God. We are encouraged to dedicate our lives and possessions to God's service.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from Nahshon's willingness to be the first to present his offering, and how can we apply this in our own acts of faith and service?

2. How does Nahshon's role in the genealogy of Jesus encourage us about God's faithfulness to His promises?

3. In what ways can we lead by example in our communities, similar to Nahshon's leadership among the tribes of Israel?

4. How does the dedication of the altar in Numbers 7:12 relate to our personal dedication to God in our daily lives?

5. Reflect on the significance of the tribe of Judah in biblical history. How does understanding this context enrich our understanding of Jesus' lineage and mission?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 6:23
This verse provides background on Nahshon, mentioning him as the brother-in-law of Aaron, Moses' brother, which highlights his prominent family connections.

Matthew 1:4
Nahshon is listed in the genealogy of Jesus, showing the fulfillment of God's promises through the lineage of Judah.

1 Chronicles 2:10
This verse reiterates Nahshon's place in the genealogy of Judah, emphasizing his role in the history of Israel.
The Free-Will Offering of the PrincesE.S. Prout Numbers 7:1-88
The Princes and Their Princely OfferingW. Binnie Numbers 7:1-89
Communion with GodNumbers 7:10-89
Communion with GodNumbers 7:10-89
Indications of the IncarnationHenry, MatthewNumbers 7:10-89
Rich Givers and Rich GiftsHenry, MatthewNumbers 7:10-89
Such as have Greatest Blessings and GiftsW. Attersoll.Numbers 7:10-89
The Condescension of God, and the Privileges of ManW. Jones.Numbers 7:10-89
The Ear of the HeartNumbers 7:10-89
The Princes' Offerings for the Dedication of the AltarW. Jones.Numbers 7:10-89
The Speech of the Divine SpiritProfessor Gess.Numbers 7:10-89
The Support of Religious InstitutionsD. Lloyd.Numbers 7:10-89
People
Aaron, Abidan, Ahiezer, Ahira, Ammihud, Amminadab, Ammishaddai, Asher, Benjamin, Dan, Deuel, Eliab, Eliasaph, Elishama, Elizur, Enan, Gad, Gamaliel, Gershon, Gershonites, Gideoni, Helon, Issachar, Ithamar, Kohath, Levites, Manasseh, Merari, Merarites, Moses, Nahshon, Naphtali, Nethaneel, Ocran, Pagiel, Pedahzur, Reuben, Reuel, Shedeur, Shelumiel, Simeon, Zebulun, Zuar, Zurishaddai
Places
Sinai
Topics
Amminadab, Ammin'adab, Bringing, Judah, Nahshon, Oblation, Offered, Offering, Presented, Tribe
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 7:10-17

     7266   tribes of Israel

Library
Separation and Service.
Numbers vi, vii. INTRODUCTORY. For many years these chapters had no special interest to me; but I have never ceased to be thankful that I was early led to read the Word of GOD in regular course: it was through this habit that these chapters first became specially precious to me. I was travelling on a missionary tour in the province of CHEH-KIANG, and had to pass the night in a very wicked town. All the inns were dreadful places; and the people seemed to have their consciences seared, and their hearts
James Hudson Taylor—Separation and Service

Our Lord's Prayer for his People's Sanctification
In this wonderful prayer, our Lord, as our great High Priest, appears to enter upon that perpetual office of intercession which he is now exercising at the right hand of the Father. Our Lord ever seemed, in the eagerness of his love, to be anticipating his work. Before he was set apart for his life-work, by the descent of the Holy Ghost upon him, he must needs be about his Father's business; before he finally suffered at the hands of cruel men, he had a baptism to be baptized with, and he was straitened
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 32: 1886

Prophecy.
PROPHECY. Isaiah iii. 13; liii. "Behold, my servant shall deal prudently; he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high. As many were astonished at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men: so shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider. Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?
William Paley—Evidences of Christianity

Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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