Numbers 7:10

Authorized King James Version

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And the princes offered for dedicating of the altar in the day that it was anointed, even the princes offered their offering before the altar.

Original Language Analysis

וַיַּקְרִ֧יבוּ offered H7126
וַיַּקְרִ֧יבוּ offered
Strong's: H7126
Word #: 1 of 14
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
הַנְּשִׂיאִ֛ם And the princes H5387
הַנְּשִׂיאִ֛ם And the princes
Strong's: H5387
Word #: 2 of 14
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
אֵ֚ת H853
אֵ֚ת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 3 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
חֲנֻכַּ֣ת for dedicating H2598
חֲנֻכַּ֣ת for dedicating
Strong's: H2598
Word #: 4 of 14
initiation, i.e., consecration
הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃ of the altar H4196
הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃ of the altar
Strong's: H4196
Word #: 5 of 14
an altar
בְּי֖וֹם in the day H3117
בְּי֖וֹם in the day
Strong's: H3117
Word #: 6 of 14
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הִמָּשַׁ֣ח that it was anointed H4886
הִמָּשַׁ֣ח that it was anointed
Strong's: H4886
Word #: 7 of 14
to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint
אֹת֑וֹ H853
אֹת֑וֹ
Strong's: H853
Word #: 8 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַיַּקְרִ֧יבוּ offered H7126
וַיַּקְרִ֧יבוּ offered
Strong's: H7126
Word #: 9 of 14
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
הַנְּשִׂיאִ֛ם And the princes H5387
הַנְּשִׂיאִ֛ם And the princes
Strong's: H5387
Word #: 10 of 14
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 11 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
קָרְבָּנָ֖ם their offering H7133
קָרְבָּנָ֖ם their offering
Strong's: H7133
Word #: 12 of 14
something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present
לִפְנֵ֥י before H6440
לִפְנֵ֥י before
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 13 of 14
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃ of the altar H4196
הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃ of the altar
Strong's: H4196
Word #: 14 of 14
an altar

Analysis & Commentary

The princes offered for the altar's dedication 'on the day that it was anointed.' Their voluntary, generous gifts demonstrated joyful worship - bringing beyond required offerings. Each tribe's identical offering (v.13-83) showed equality before God regardless of tribe size or prominence. The repetitive recording of each tribe's offering honors every giver - God notices and values each act of worship, no matter how similar to others'. This teaches that worship isn't competition but united offering to God. The New Testament continues this: believers are 'lively stones... built up a spiritual house' (1 Pet 2:5), each contributing to God's temple with their gifts.

Historical Context

This twelve-day dedication ceremony occurred after the tabernacle's erection and anointing (v.1). Each tribal leader brought his offering on a successive day, creating an extended celebration. The gifts included wagons and oxen for transport, plus offerings of silver, gold, incense, and animals for sacrifice. The total offerings were substantial, demonstrating both Israel's gratitude for God's dwelling among them and their commitment to supporting worship. The detailed recording (each day described identically) fills most of Numbers 7, showing God values our worship's details and remembers each offering.

Questions for Reflection

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