Dedication of the Tabernacle and Offerings of Israel’s Leaders
Numbers 7 is a significant chapter in the book of Numbers, detailing the dedication of the Tabernacle and the offerings given by the leaders of Israel’s twelve tribes. This chapter points retrospectively back to when the Tabernacle had just been completed.
On the day “when Moses had finished setting up the tabernacle,” (v. 1) places these events a month before those described in chs. 1-6 (Ex. 40:2; Num. 1:1). If the opening chapters of Numbers had not been placed first, it would have been more difficult to grasp the significance of what is described in this chapter. Numbers 3-4 described the duties of the priests and Levites; ch. 7 shows how the other tribes were to support them. See the table below for the dated events from Exodus 40 to Numbers 10. After the Tabernacle was set up, anointed, and consecrated, the leaders of the 12 tribes brought gifts and offerings for its use and maintenance. All of the people participated—it was everyone’s Tabernacle.
The chapter begins with a communal offering given by the leaders of the tribes. In preparation for the move from Sinai to the Promised Land, the tribal leaders brought to the Lord gifts of six wagons and 12 oxen (v. 2-3). These, after being accepted by the Lord, were to be at the disposal of the Levites to help them in their work of transporting the Tabernacle and its contents as the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness (v. 4-5).
One of the striking aspects here is that God did not demand these offerings—they were freely given. The leaders of Israel understood that everything they had belonged to the Lord, and they responded with willing hearts. This echoes 2 Corinthians 9:7, which reminds us:
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” The Israelites’ giving was not out of obligation but out of love, gratitude, and worship. Their gifts honored God’s presence among them, just as our generosity and service today reflect our worship. Do you give to God willingly and joyfully, or do you see giving as a burden?
The carts were not to be distributed equally. The Gershonites, responsible for carrying the curtains and coverings of the Tabernacle, received two carts and four oxen (v. 7). The Merarites, who handled the heavier structural components, received four carts and eight oxen (v. 8). The Kohathites, who were tasked with transporting the holiest objects, including the Ark of the Covenant, received no carts at all, as they were required to carry these sacred items on their shoulders (v. 9).
The distribution of carts among the Levites and the unique responsibility of the Kohathites show that God assigns different tasks to different people. No role is greater or lesser, but each is essential to His plan. Every believer has a specific calling, and faithfulness in that calling is what matters most. Just as the Levites had specific duties, God has given each believer a role in His work. Are you using your gifts for His glory? Identify your spiritual gifts (Romans 12:6-8) and look for ways to serve in your church or community this week.
As the chapter continues, other offerings made at the dedication of the Tabernacle are listed. Each of the twelve tribal leaders has a day in which he brings a number of gifts and specified offerings. Although each leader brought the exact same offering, the Bible records them individually and in detail, reinforcing the idea that every act of worship is seen and valued by God. The leaders of Israel gave joyfully and sacrificially to support the Tabernacle. This, again, highlights that true worship is about giving God our best, whether in time, resources, or commitment (Romans 12:1). Are you giving your best to God, or are you offering Him only what is convenient? Choose one area where you can be more intentional in giving generously—whether financially, through serving, or by dedicating more time to prayer and worship.
The first to bring his gifts was Nashon, leader of Judah. His contribution, in addition to the carts and oxen, consisted of a silver plate of 130 shekels weight, and a silver sprinkling bowl of 70 shekels, each of which was filled with flour and oil (v. 13, 19, 25, etc.). This offering symbolized devotion and gratitude to God, as well as the provision of daily sustenance. The offering also included a golden dish weighing 10 shekels, filled with incense (v. 14, 20, 26, etc.). The incense represented prayers rising before God, a theme echoed later in Scripture (Psalm 141:2, Revelation 8:3-4).
One young bull, one ram, and one male lamb were offered for a burnt offering (v. 15, 21, 27, etc.). The burnt offering signified complete surrender to God and total dedication (Leviticus 1:3-9). One male goat was offered as a sin offering (v. 16, 22, 28, etc.). The sin offering was for atonement, cleansing the people from sin, and maintaining their relationship with God (Leviticus 4:22-26). Two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs were offered for fellowship offerings (v. 17, 23, 29, etc.). The fellowship (peace) offering was a symbol of fellowship between God and His people, signifying communion, gratitude, and shared blessings (Leviticus 3:1-5).
All the remaining tribal leaders brought identical gifts, each on consecutive days, demonstrating that no tribe was more important than another in God’s eyes. Though each tribe brought the exact same gifts, God had Moses record each offering individually, twelve separate times. This was not wasted space—it was a reminder that God sees and values each person’s worship personally. Even though their gifts were identical, each offering was unique in the eyes of God because it came from a different heart. God was not concerned with how much one tribe gave compared to another; rather, He valued the faithfulness and obedience of each leader in bringing their offering. This principle applies to us today—God is more interested in our faithfulness in worship and giving than in the size or outward appearance of our contributions (Mark 12:41-44).
The 12 days spanned by these offerings most likely commenced with the 1st day of the first month of the second year since the Exodus (Ex. 40:17) and continued through the 12th day of that month. The order of their coming with their gifts corresponds exactly with the arrangement of the tribes around the Tabernacle (Num. 2:3-31).
The chapter concludes with Moses entering the Tabernacle to hear the voice of God speaking to him from above the mercy seat on the Ark of the Covenant (v. 89). This is a profound moment, as it highlights that the ultimate purpose of worship and sacrifice is communion with God. The mercy seat, located between the two cherubim on the Ark, was where God’s presence dwelled among His people. Just as Moses encountered God after Israel’s offerings, genuine worship brings us closer to God (James 4:8). Worship isn’t just about what we give—it’s about drawing near to God and experiencing intimacy with Him.
Imagine hearing the very voice of God—Moses must have trembled at the sound! Yet, we have God’s words recorded in the Bible and should approach them with the same reverence and awe. Throughout history, God spoke directly to His people to guide them in righteous living, and these conversations reveal His character. How tragic it is when we take His words lightly. Like Moses, we have the privilege of communicating with God, though He now speaks to us through His written Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. To truly receive His direction, we must seek to know Him as Moses did. Are you taking time to truly listen to God? Dedicate intentional quiet time each day for prayer and Scripture, asking God to speak to you through His Word (Jeremiah 33:3).
In conclusion, Numbers 7 is more than a long list of offerings—it is a powerful picture of unified worship, obedient service, and personal communion with God. Every gift mattered, every role was significant, and God was present among His people. As we seek to offer our lives as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1), may we do so with joy, faithfulness, and a desire to hear His voice.
Table: Dated Events from Exodus 40 to Numbers 10 (ESV Study Bible)
*The date formula is day.month.year. For example, 1.1.2 = the first day of the first month of the second year. All of these events occurred in the second year after the exodus.
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