Numbers 7:24
On the third day Eliab the son of Helon, prince of the children of Zebulun, did offer:
Original Language Analysis
בַּיּוֹם֙
day
H3117
בַּיּוֹם֙
day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
1 of 8
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
הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֔י
On the third
H7992
הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֔י
On the third
Strong's:
H7992
Word #:
2 of 8
third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)
נָשִׂ֖יא
prince
H5387
נָשִׂ֖יא
prince
Strong's:
H5387
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
בֶּן
of the children
H1121
בֶּן
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 8
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
זְבוּלֻ֑ן
of Zebulun
H2074
זְבוּלֻ֑ן
of Zebulun
Strong's:
H2074
Word #:
5 of 8
zebulon, a son of jacob; also his territory and tribe
Cross References
Historical Context
Zebulun would later settle in Galilee, the region where Jesus conducted much of His ministry. The tribe's faithful offering during the wilderness period prefigured the region's eventual role in the incarnation and ministry of Christ. Geographic and tribal distinctions mattered for identity but not for access to God.
Questions for Reflection
- How does equal participation in worship across all tribes challenge modern divisions and hierarchies?
- What does God's impartial reception of each tribe's offering teach about His character?
- In what ways should recognition of equal access to God shape church practice and attitudes?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Eliab, prince of Zebulun, offering on the third day maintains the pattern. His tribe's equal participation demonstrates that geographic location (Zebulun would settle in the north) or tribal status did not diminish the expectation of full devotion. Every tribe had equal access to God and equal responsibility to worship Him fully. This reflects the New Testament truth that in Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek, bond nor free—all have equal standing before God.