Numbers 7:80
one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense;
one gold dish
The phrase "one gold dish" signifies a singular, precious offering. In the Hebrew context, the word for "dish" (קְעָרָה, qe'arah) refers to a shallow bowl, often used in sacred rituals. Gold, a symbol of purity and divinity, underscores the value and reverence of the offering. Historically, gold was a rare and treasured commodity, indicating the wealth and dedication of the giver. This offering reflects the Israelites' commitment to honoring God with their best resources, a principle that resonates with the call for believers to offer their finest to God in worship and service.

weighing ten shekels
The weight "ten shekels" provides a specific measure, emphasizing the precision and intentionality in offerings to God. A shekel, an ancient unit of weight and currency, was approximately 11.4 grams. Thus, ten shekels would be about 114 grams. This precise measurement indicates the importance of order and obedience in worship. In a broader scriptural context, numbers often carry symbolic meaning; ten can represent completeness or divine order, suggesting that the offering was complete and sufficient in the eyes of God.

filled with incense
The phrase "filled with incense" highlights the purpose and content of the dish. Incense, in biblical times, was a fragrant substance burned in worship, symbolizing prayers ascending to God. The Hebrew word for incense (קְטֹרֶת, qetoreth) is associated with the sacred and the divine presence. Incense was a key component in the tabernacle and temple rituals, representing the sweet aroma of a life devoted to God. This offering of incense signifies a heart posture of worship and intercession, reminding believers of the importance of prayer and the pleasing aroma of a life lived in devotion to God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received the offerings from the leaders of the tribes during the dedication of the altar.

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

3. Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the divine presence among the Israelites, where the altar was located.

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

5. Gold Dish and Incense
Part of the offerings brought by the leaders, symbolizing purity and prayer.
Teaching Points
Symbolism of Incense
Incense represents the prayers of the people rising to God. In our lives, we should prioritize prayer as a fragrant offering to the Lord.

Generosity in Worship
The leaders' offerings were generous and costly, reflecting their devotion. We are called to give our best to God, not just in material offerings but in our time and talents.

Unity in Worship
Each tribe contributed equally, symbolizing unity among the people of God. In the church, unity in purpose and worship strengthens the body of Christ.

Holiness and Purity
The use of gold and incense signifies purity and holiness. As believers, we are called to live holy lives, set apart for God's purposes.

Dedication to God’s Service
The dedication of the altar was a commitment to serving God. We should dedicate our lives to His service, continually seeking ways to honor Him.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the offering of incense in Numbers 7:80 relate to the concept of prayer in your personal life?

2. In what ways can you demonstrate generosity in your worship and service to God, similar to the leaders' offerings?

3. How can the unity displayed by the Israelite tribes in their offerings inspire unity within your church community?

4. What steps can you take to ensure that your life reflects the holiness and purity symbolized by the gold dish and incense?

5. How can you dedicate your daily activities to God’s service, following the example of the altar dedication?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 30:34-38
This passage describes the composition and use of incense in the Tabernacle, highlighting its sacredness and role in worship.

Revelation 5:8
Incense is associated with the prayers of the saints, symbolizing the connection between the offerings and intercessory prayer.

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.
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
Cup, Dish, Filled, Full, Gold, Golden, Incense, Pan, Perfume, Shekels, Spice, Spoon, Ten, Weighing
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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