Numbers 7:74

one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense;

Study Bible

one gold dish
The phrase "one gold dish" signifies a singular, precious offering. In the Hebrew context, gold is often associated with purity, divinity, and kingship. The use of gold in the tabernacle and its offerings underscores the value and honor due to God. Archaeologically, gold artifacts from the ancient Near East reveal the metal's significance in religious and royal settings. This dish, therefore, represents a gift of great worth, symbolizing the worshiper's reverence and dedication to God.

weighing ten shekels
The "ten shekels" refers to a specific weight, indicating the precise and intentional nature of the offering. In ancient Israel, the shekel was a standard unit of weight and currency, reflecting the economic and cultural practices of the time. The number ten often symbolizes completeness or divine order in biblical numerology. Thus, the weight of the dish suggests a complete and perfect offering, aligning with God's standards and expectations.

filled with incense
"Filled with incense" highlights the purpose and content of the offering. Incense in the Bible is frequently associated with prayer, worship, and the presence of God. The Hebrew word for incense, "qetoret," is linked to the idea of a fragrant aroma pleasing to the Lord. Historically, incense was a valuable commodity, used in both religious and secular contexts for its aromatic properties. In the tabernacle, incense symbolizes the prayers of the people ascending to God, creating a connection between the divine and the earthly. This offering, therefore, represents the worshiper's desire to honor God and seek His presence through prayer and devotion.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Tribe of Dan
The offering in Numbers 7:74 is part of the dedication offerings brought by the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel. Each tribe's leader brought identical offerings over twelve days for the dedication of the altar.

2. Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai
He was the leader of the tribe of Dan, responsible for presenting the offering on behalf of his tribe.

3. Tabernacle
The central place of worship for the Israelites during their wilderness journey. The offerings were made for the dedication of the altar within the Tabernacle.

4. Incense
A significant element in Israelite worship, symbolizing prayer and the presence of God. The incense was placed in a gold dish, indicating its value and sacredness.

5. Altar Dedication
The event where the leaders of the tribes brought offerings to dedicate the altar, signifying the importance of worship and sacrifice in the community's relationship with God.

Teaching Points

The Value of Worship
The use of gold and incense in the offering highlights the value and reverence that should be attributed to worship. Worship is not a casual act but a sacred duty that requires our best.

Symbolism of Incense
Incense represents prayer and the presence of God. Our prayers should be a fragrant offering, rising to God with sincerity and devotion.

Unity in Worship
Each tribe brought the same offering, symbolizing unity and equality before God. In our worship communities, we should strive for unity, recognizing that we all stand equal before God.

Dedication and Commitment
The dedication of the altar with offerings signifies commitment to God. We are called to dedicate our lives and resources to God's service.

Leadership in Worship
Leaders like Ahiezer played a crucial role in guiding their tribes in worship. Spiritual leaders today have the responsibility to lead by example in worship and dedication to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the use of gold and incense in the offering teach us about the nature of worship?

2. How can the symbolism of incense as prayer influence our personal prayer life?

3. In what ways can we promote unity within our worship communities, following the example of the tribes of Israel?

4. How does the concept of dedication in Numbers 7:74 apply to our personal commitment to God today?

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

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 30:34-38
This passage provides instructions for making incense, emphasizing its sacredness and exclusive use for worship, connecting to the incense offering in Numbers 7:74.

Revelation 8:3-4
The imagery of incense in Revelation symbolizes the prayers of the saints, drawing a parallel to the incense offering in Numbers as a representation of prayer and worship.

Psalm 141:2
The psalmist likens prayer to incense, reinforcing the idea of incense as a symbol of communication with God.