Numbers 7:77

and a peace offering of two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Pagiel son of Ocran.

Study Bible

and two oxen
The oxen, in ancient Israelite culture, were symbols of strength and service. The Hebrew word for oxen, "בָּקָר" (baqar), often denotes domesticated cattle used for labor and sacrifice. In the context of Numbers 7, the offering of oxen signifies a substantial and valuable gift, reflecting the giver's dedication and the importance of the peace offering. The use of two oxen underscores the completeness and sufficiency of the offering, as the number two often symbolizes witness and confirmation in biblical numerology.

five rams
Rams, or "אֵילִים" (elim) in Hebrew, were significant in sacrificial rituals, representing leadership and strength. The number five is often associated with grace and favor in biblical symbolism. The inclusion of five rams in the peace offering highlights the abundance of God's grace and the favor bestowed upon the Israelites. Historically, rams were also used in covenantal contexts, emphasizing the renewal and strengthening of the relationship between God and His people.

five male goats
The male goat, "עַתּוּד" (attud), is often associated with sin offerings in the Old Testament. However, in this context, the goats are part of a peace offering, symbolizing reconciliation and fellowship with God. The repetition of the number five again emphasizes grace, suggesting that through this offering, the Israelites seek to experience God's grace and maintain harmony within the community and with the Divine.

and five male lambs a year old
Lambs, or "כְּבָשִׂים" (kevasim), are frequently used in sacrificial contexts, symbolizing innocence and purity. The specification of "a year old" indicates that these lambs are in their prime, representing the best of what the offerer can give. The number five, repeated once more, reinforces the theme of grace. The offering of these lambs as part of the peace offering signifies a desire for purity and a fresh start in the relationship with God, aligning with the themes of renewal and grace.

to be sacrificed as a peace offering
The peace offering, or "שֶׁלֶם" (shelem), is a voluntary sacrifice expressing thanksgiving, fulfillment of vows, or freewill offerings. It symbolizes communion and fellowship with God, as portions of the offering were consumed by the offerer, the priests, and symbolically, by God. This act of sacrifice is a profound expression of gratitude and a desire for ongoing peace and relationship with the Creator. In the broader scriptural context, peace offerings foreshadow the ultimate peace brought through Christ, the Prince of Peace, who reconciles humanity to God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
- The leader of the Israelites who received the offerings from the leaders of the tribes for the dedication of the altar.

2. Israelite Leaders
- The heads of the tribes who brought offerings for the dedication of the altar.

3. Tabernacle
- The portable dwelling place for the divine presence among the Israelites, where the offerings were brought.

4. Altar
- The structure in the Tabernacle where sacrifices and offerings were made to God.

5. Dedication of the Altar
- A significant event where offerings were made by the leaders of the tribes to consecrate the altar for worship.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Dedication
Just as the altar was dedicated to God, we are called to dedicate our lives to His service. This involves setting apart our time, resources, and talents for His glory.

The Role of Leadership in Worship
The leaders of the tribes took the initiative in bringing offerings. This highlights the responsibility of leaders in guiding and setting an example in worship and dedication to God.

Symbolism of Offerings
The offerings brought by the leaders symbolize gratitude, obedience, and commitment to God. In our lives, we are encouraged to offer our best to God, reflecting our devotion and thankfulness.

Unity in Worship
The collective act of bringing offerings by all the tribes signifies unity in worship. As believers, we are called to come together in unity to worship and serve God.

God’s Presence Among His People
The dedication of the altar and the Tabernacle signifies God’s desire to dwell among His people. This is a reminder of the importance of creating space in our lives for God’s presence.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the dedication of the altar in Numbers 7:77 inspire you to dedicate aspects of your life to God?

2. In what ways can leaders today set an example in worship and dedication, similar to the leaders of the tribes in Numbers 7?

3. Reflect on the symbolism of offerings in your own life. What are some ways you can offer your best to God?

4. How can the unity displayed by the tribes in bringing their offerings be applied to fostering unity within your church or community?

5. Considering God’s desire to dwell among His people, how can you create space in your daily life to experience His presence more fully?

Connections to Other Scriptures

The dedication of the altar in Numbers 7 can be connected to the dedication of the Temple by Solomon in 1 Kings 8, where offerings and sacrifices were also made to consecrate the place of worship.

The concept of offerings and sacrifices is further explored in Leviticus, where the laws and types of offerings are detailed, providing a deeper understanding of their significance.

Hebrews 9 discusses the role of Christ as the ultimate sacrifice, connecting the Old Testament practices to the New Testament fulfillment in Jesus.