Numbers 7:72
On the eleventh day Pagiel son of Ocran, the leader of the Asherites, drew near.
On the eleventh day
This phrase marks the continuation of a sequence of events, specifically the offerings brought by the leaders of Israel during the dedication of the altar. The number eleven in biblical numerology often signifies disorder or incompleteness, yet here it is part of a divinely ordered sequence, showing God's meticulous attention to detail and the importance of each tribe's contribution. Historically, the dedication of the altar was a significant event, symbolizing the unity and collective worship of the Israelites.

Pagiel
Pagiel, whose name means "God intervenes" or "God meets," was the leader of the tribe of Asher. His name reflects a deep theological truth about God's active role in the lives of His people. In the context of Numbers, each leader's offering is a testament to their acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and provision. Pagiel's participation underscores the inclusivity of God's covenant with all the tribes of Israel.

son of Ocran
The mention of Pagiel as the "son of Ocran" serves to establish his lineage and authority within the tribe of Asher. In ancient Israel, genealogy was crucial for establishing identity and legitimacy. Ocran, though not much is known about him, is part of the narrative that ties the people of Israel to their ancestral promises and responsibilities.

the leader of the Asherites
As the leader of the Asherites, Pagiel held a position of significant responsibility. The tribe of Asher, named after one of Jacob's sons, was known for its prosperity and abundance, as reflected in Jacob's blessing in Genesis 49:20. This phrase highlights the role of leadership in guiding the people in worship and obedience to God, emphasizing the importance of godly leadership in maintaining the spiritual health of the community.

offered his offering
This phrase indicates the act of giving, which is central to the worship practices of Israel. The offerings were not just ritualistic but were expressions of gratitude, devotion, and acknowledgment of God's provision. The Hebrew root for "offered" conveys the idea of bringing something near, symbolizing the drawing near to God through acts of worship. This act of offering by Pagiel is a model of faithful stewardship and devotion.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Pagiel
He is the son of Ocran and the leader of the tribe of Asher. His name means "God intervenes" or "God meets."

2. Ocran
The father of Pagiel, mentioned in the context of the tribal leaders of Israel.

3. Asherites
The descendants of Asher, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Asher was the eighth son of Jacob and Zilpah, Leah's maidservant.

4. The Eleventh Day
This refers to the sequence of offerings made by the leaders of the tribes of Israel during the dedication of the altar.

5. Dedication of the Altar
A significant event where each tribe's leader brought offerings for the dedication of the altar in the Tabernacle.
Teaching Points
Leadership and Responsibility
Pagiel's role as a leader of the Asherites underscores the importance of leadership in fulfilling God's commands. Leaders are called to represent their people before God faithfully.

The Significance of Order and Obedience
The structured sequence of offerings by each tribe's leader reflects the importance of order and obedience in worship. God values our adherence to His instructions.

Community and Collective Worship
The dedication of the altar was a communal event, highlighting the importance of unity and collective worship in the faith community.

Generational Faithfulness
The mention of Pagiel as the son of Ocran reminds us of the importance of generational faithfulness and the passing down of spiritual leadership and responsibility.

God's Provision and Blessing
The tribe of Asher, known for its blessings, reminds us of God's provision and the blessings that come from obedience and dedication to Him.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from Pagiel's role as a leader in the context of Numbers 7:72, and how can we apply these lessons to our leadership roles today?

2. How does the structured sequence of offerings during the dedication of the altar reflect the importance of order in our worship practices?

3. In what ways does the communal aspect of the altar dedication inform our understanding of the importance of community in worship?

4. How can the generational aspect of leadership, as seen in Pagiel being the son of Ocran, inspire us to cultivate faithfulness in our families and communities?

5. Reflecting on the blessings associated with the tribe of Asher, how can we seek and recognize God's provision and blessings in our lives today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 30:12-13
This passage introduces Asher, the ancestor of the Asherites, highlighting the tribe's origins.

Deuteronomy 33:24-25
Moses' blessing over the tribe of Asher, emphasizing prosperity and strength, which connects to the tribe's role and identity.

1 Chronicles 7:40
Lists the descendants of Asher, providing a broader context of the tribe's lineage and significance.
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
Asher, Chief, Eleventh, Leader, Ochran, Ocran, Offered, Offering, Pagiel, Pa'giel, Prince, Sons
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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