The Tribe of Gad, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, is named after Gad, the seventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. The tribe is known for its valor and warrior spirit, as reflected in the blessings and prophecies concerning Gad in the Scriptures. At the dedication of the altar, as recorded in the Book of Numbers, the tribe of Gad participated in the offerings that were made by the leaders of the tribes of Israel.

Biblical Context

The dedication of the altar is detailed in Numbers 7, where each tribe of Israel brought offerings over a twelve-day period. This event took place after the tabernacle was set up and anointed, marking a significant moment in the religious life of the Israelites as they journeyed through the wilderness.

Offering of the Tribe of Gad

On the sixth day of the dedication, it was the turn of the leader of the tribe of Gad to present their offering. The leader at that time was Eliasaph son of Deuel. The offering made by the tribe of Gad was identical to those made by the other tribes, signifying unity and equality among the tribes in their devotion and service to God.

Scriptural Reference

The offering of the tribe of Gad is described in Numbers 7:42-47 :

"On the sixth day Eliasaph son of Deuel, the leader of the Gadites, drew near. His offering was one silver platter weighing 130 shekels and one silver basin weighing 70 shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering; one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering; one male goat for a sin offering; and two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old, for the peace offering. This was the offering of Eliasaph son of Deuel."

Significance of the Offering

The offerings made by the tribe of Gad, like those of the other tribes, were rich in symbolism and significance. The silver and gold items represented purity and value, while the animals offered for burnt, sin, and peace offerings symbolized atonement, reconciliation, and fellowship with God. The uniformity of the offerings across the tribes underscored the collective commitment of the Israelites to the covenant with God and their shared identity as His chosen people.

Role of the Tribe of Gad

The tribe of Gad, known for its strength and military prowess, played a crucial role in the defense and expansion of Israel's territory. Their participation in the dedication offerings reflects their integral part in the spiritual and communal life of the nation. The dedication of the altar was not only a religious ceremony but also a reaffirmation of the tribes' unity and dedication to the Lord.

In summary, the offering of the tribe of Gad at the dedication of the altar was a significant act of worship and devotion, aligning with the broader narrative of Israel's journey and covenant relationship with God.Numbers 7:42-47
On the sixth day Eliasaph the son of Deuel, prince of the children of Gad, offered:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Nature of Covenanting.
... The children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh ... the
Lord, or if to offer thereon burnt-offering, or meat-offering, or if to ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter i nature of covenanting.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... the Jordan at the time that Gad and Reuben ... all the families which constituted the
half-tribe of Manasseh ... foes, expressed their gratitude by offering the crown ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... by the blessing of Jacob, in which the tribe of Judah ... to Judah; that Reuben, Simeon,
and Gad, that Ephraim ... place: "And he that offered his offering the first ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... isolated districts, and by thus restricting each tribe to a ... achieved at one blow,
the enemy offering an obstinate ... have come to light, but the dedication of one ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... the couplet recited by Solomon at the dedication of the ... 10-16, where Ahaz is described
as offering sacrifice and ... they came in time to form a tribe by themselves ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

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