one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; one gold dishThe phrase "one gold dish" signifies the offering's value and purity. Gold, in biblical times, was a symbol of wealth, divinity, and kingship. The Hebrew word for "dish" here is "קַעֲרָה" (qearah), which refers to a shallow bowl or dish used in sacred rituals. This offering reflects the Israelites' reverence and dedication to God, as gold was a precious metal, often associated with the divine presence and used in the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings (Exodus 25:11). The singular "one" emphasizes the unity and completeness of the offering, symbolizing the wholehearted devotion of the giver. weighing ten shekels filled with incense Persons / Places / Events 1. Tribe of JudahThe offering in Numbers 7:14 is part of the offerings brought by the leaders of the tribes of Israel during the dedication of the altar. The first offering was brought by Nahshon, the leader of the tribe of Judah. 2. Tabernacle The setting for these offerings is the Tabernacle, the portable dwelling place for the divine presence among the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness. 3. Dedication of the Altar This event marks the dedication of the altar, a significant moment in Israel's worship life, as it symbolizes the people's commitment to God and His covenant. Teaching Points Symbolism of IncenseIncense in the Bible often symbolizes prayer and worship. As believers, we are called to offer our prayers as a pleasing aroma to God, just as the incense was a fragrant offering in the Tabernacle. Generosity in Worship The gold dish filled with incense represents the best of what the Israelites could offer. In our worship, we should strive to give God our best, whether in time, resources, or talents. Community and Worship The collective offerings of the tribes highlight the importance of community in worship. Each tribe's contribution was part of a larger act of dedication, reminding us that our individual acts of worship contribute to the body of Christ. Obedience and Worship The detailed instructions for the offerings underscore the importance of obedience in worship. Our worship should align with God's instructions and desires, reflecting a heart of submission and reverence. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the offering of incense in Numbers 7:14 reflect the importance of prayer in our personal worship today?2. In what ways can we ensure that we are giving our best to God in our daily lives, similar to the gold dish offering? 3. How does the concept of community worship in Numbers 7 inspire us to engage with our church community? 4. What parallels can we draw between the obedience required in the offerings of Numbers 7 and our obedience to God's Word today? 5. How can the symbolism of incense as a pleasing aroma to God encourage us in our spiritual disciplines, such as prayer and worship? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 30:34-38This passage provides instructions for making incense, highlighting its sacred use in worship and its role in the offerings described in Numbers 7. Leviticus 2:1-2 Discusses grain offerings and the use of incense, emphasizing the pleasing aroma to the Lord, which parallels the offerings in Numbers 7. Revelation 8:3-4 Describes incense as a symbol of the prayers of the saints, connecting the physical offerings in Numbers to spiritual worship in the New Testament.
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, ZurishaddaiPlaces SinaiTopics Burning, Cup, Dish, Filled, Full, Gold, Golden, Incense, Ladle, Pan, Perfume, Shekels, Spice, Spoon, Ten, WeighingDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 7:10-17Library 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 Prophecy. Numbers Links Numbers 7:14 NIVNumbers 7:14 NLT Numbers 7:14 ESV Numbers 7:14 NASB Numbers 7:14 KJV Numbers 7:14 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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