Numbers 7:12
And he that offered his offering the first day was Nahshon the son of Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah:
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֗י
H1961
וַיְהִ֗י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 11
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
הַמַּקְרִ֛יב
And he that offered
H7126
הַמַּקְרִ֛יב
And he that offered
Strong's:
H7126
Word #:
2 of 11
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
בַּיּ֥וֹם
day
H3117
בַּיּ֥וֹם
day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
3 of 11
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
הָֽרִאשׁ֖וֹן
the first
H7223
הָֽרִאשׁ֖וֹן
the first
Strong's:
H7223
Word #:
4 of 11
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
קָרְבָּנ֑וֹ
his offering
H7133
קָרְבָּנ֑וֹ
his offering
Strong's:
H7133
Word #:
6 of 11
something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
8 of 11
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Historical Context
Judah consistently held the place of prominence among Israel's tribes. They camped on the east side of the tabernacle (the most honored position), marched first in the wilderness progression, and Nahshon himself was an ancestor of David and Jesus. His offering first established the standard all others would match.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Judah's prominence in the offering pattern prefigure Christ's ultimate representative sacrifice?
- What does Nahshon's setting the standard teach about leadership responsibility and influence?
- In what ways should Christian leaders recognize their pattern-setting role for those who follow?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Nahshon, prince of Judah, offering on the first day establishes Judah's prominence among the tribes. This foreshadows Judah's role as the royal tribe from which David and ultimately Christ would come. His offering sets the pattern that all other princes will follow, making his leadership representative. The Reformed understanding of covenant headship is reflected—one leader represents and patterns behavior for those who follow. Christ, the Lion of Judah, ultimately fulfills this typology as the true Leader whose offering saves His people.