Numbers 7:65
and a peace offering of two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Abidan son of Gideoni.
and a peace offering of two oxen,

The peace offering celebrated restored fellowship with the Lord and expressed thanksgiving for His covenant mercies. Its meat was shared by the offerer, the priests, and others permitted to join the sacred meal, displaying peace with God and communion among His people. The two oxen represented a costly and abundant gift from Benjamin’s leader.

1Ki 8:63 And Solomon offered as peace offerings to the LORD…
Lev 3:1-5 If one’s offering is a peace offering…

five rams,

Rams were valuable animals associated with strength and consecration. Their inclusion added to the fullness of Abidan’s offering and recalled the sacrifices used in the ordination of Aaron and his sons, linking worship with holy service before the Lord.

Ezr 8:35 Then the exiles who had returned from captivity…
1Ch 29:21 The next day they offered sacrifices to the LORD…

five male goats,

Male goats were appointed for several sacrificial purposes, including offerings dealing with sin and uncleanness. Their presence in the peace offering acknowledged that fellowship with God rests upon His provision for cleansing and forgiveness.

2Ch 29:21 They brought seven bulls, seven rams, and seven lambs…
Ezk 45:23 Each day during the seven days of the feast,…

and five male lambs a year old.

Year-old lambs were in their prime and suitable for sacrifice. The unblemished lamb anticipated Christ, the Lamb of God, whose sacrifice alone secures lasting peace between God and sinners.

Lev 14:10-13 On the eighth day he is to bring two unblemished male lambs…
Exo 29:38-42 This is what you are to offer regularly on the altar…

This was the offering of Abidan son of Gideoni.

Abidan, whose name means “my father is judge,” presented these gifts as the leader of Benjamin during the dedication of the altar. Benjamin’s offering matched those of the other tribes, bearing witness that every tribe stood equally responsible to honor the Lord and shared fully in the worship of His covenant people.

Num 2:22 Next will be the tribe of Benjamin. The leader…
Num 10:24 and Abidan son of Gideoni was over the division…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Abidan
He is the son of Gideoni and the leader of the tribe of Benjamin. Abidan's offering is part of the dedication of the altar, representing his tribe's participation in the communal worship and dedication to God.

2. Tribe of Benjamin
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, known for its warriors and later for being the tribe of King Saul and the Apostle Paul.

3. Peace Offerings
These offerings were a type of fellowship offering, symbolizing peace and communion with God. They were part of the sacrificial system established by God for Israel.

4. Oxen, Rams, Goats, Lambs
These animals were used in various offerings and sacrifices, each having specific symbolic meanings and purposes in the sacrificial system.

5. Dedication of the Altar
This event involved the leaders of the twelve tribes bringing offerings over twelve days to dedicate the altar in the Tabernacle, signifying the unity and commitment of the entire nation to God.
Teaching Points
Symbolism of Peace Offerings
The peace offerings symbolize reconciliation and fellowship with God. As believers, we are called to live in peace with God and others, reflecting the peace that Christ has made possible through His sacrifice.

Unity in Worship
The collective offerings of the tribes demonstrate the importance of unity in worship. In the church today, unity among believers is crucial for effective worship and witness.

Generosity in Giving
The offerings were generous and costly, reminding us of the importance of giving our best to God. Our time, talents, and resources should be offered willingly and joyfully.

Role of Leadership
Abidan's role as a leader highlights the responsibility of spiritual leaders to guide their communities in worship and dedication to God. Leaders today should model commitment and integrity.

Spiritual Dedication
Just as the altar was dedicated, our lives should be dedicated to God. This involves daily surrender and commitment to His purposes.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the peace offering symbolize, and how can we apply this concept of peace and fellowship in our daily lives?

2. How does the unity of the tribes in offering sacrifices relate to the unity of the church today?

3. In what ways can we demonstrate generosity in our offerings to God, and what might this look like in practical terms?

4. What responsibilities do spiritual leaders have in guiding their communities, and how can we support them in this role?

5. How can we dedicate our lives to God in a manner similar to the dedication of the altar, and what practical steps can we take to live as living sacrifices?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 3
Provides detailed instructions on peace offerings, highlighting their purpose in maintaining a right relationship with God and community.

Hebrews 13:15-16
Discusses the concept of offering sacrifices of praise and doing good, connecting the Old Testament sacrificial system to New Testament practices of worship and service.

Romans 12:1
Encourages believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel between the physical offerings of the Old Testament and the spiritual dedication expected of Christians.
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
Abidan, Abi'dan, Cattle, Fellowship, Gideoni, Gideo'ni, Goats, He-goats, He-lambs, Lambs, Male, Oblation, Offering, Offerings, Oxen, Peace, Peace-offering, Peace-offerings, Rams, Sacrifice, Sacrificed, Sheep, Sons, Yearling
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 7:29

     7364   fellowship offering

Numbers 7:28-29

     4651   goat

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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