Numbers 7

Numbers 7:1

F. The Offering of the Princes (Chap. 7)7:1-9 This chapter takes us back to Exo_40:17, when the tabernacle had been set up. The leaders of Israel were the heads of the various tribes. Their names were already given in Num_1:5-16 and in Numbers 2. They first of all brought an offering of six covered carts and twelve oxen (v. 3). Moses distributed two carts and four oxen . . . to the sons of Gershon, and four carts and eight oxen . . . to the Merarites to be used in carrying their share of the tabernacle fixtures. No wagons or oxen were given to the Kohathites because they bore the precious burden of the sacred vessels on their shoulders. 7:10-83 The tribal leaders brought offerings on twelve consecutive days for the dedication of the altar. These offerings are described in minute detail, as follows:

DayName of PrinceTribeReference1NahshonJudahvv. 12-172NethanelIssacharvv. 18-233EliabZebulunvv. 24-294ElizurReubenvv. 30-355ShelumielSimeonvv. 36-416EliasaphGadvv. 42-477ElishamaEphraimvv. 48-538GamalielManassehvv. 54-599AbidanBenjaminvv. 60-6510AhiezerDanvv. 66-7111PagielAshervv. 72-7712AhiraNaphtalivv. 78-837:84-89 The total of all the gifts is given in verses 84-88. God doesn’t forget any service that is done for Him. He keeps a careful record. At the close of the offering, Moses went into the Most Holy Place and heard the voice of God speaking to him from above the mercy seat, perhaps expressing satisfaction with the gifts of the leaders (v. 89). Although Moses was of the tribe of Levi, he was not a priest. Yet God made an exception in his case, not only authorizing him to enter the Most Holy Place but commanding him to do so (Exo_25:21-22).