Numbers 7:30
On the fourth day Elizur the son of Shedeur, prince of the children of Reuben, 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
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
Historical Context
Reuben's loss of the birthright due to defiling his father's bed (Genesis 35:22) might have created shame, yet the tribe participated fully in tabernacle dedication. God's restoration of Reuben to equal standing among the tribes demonstrates divine grace overcoming human failure. The tribe would eventually settle east of the Jordan but remained part of Israel's covenant community.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Reuben's full participation despite past sin encourage those struggling with failure?
- What does God's restoration of failed tribes and individuals teach about His character?
- In what ways should the church balance accountability for sin with restoration to service?
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Analysis & Commentary
Elizur, prince of Reuben, offering on the fourth day continues the pattern despite Reuben's complicated tribal history. Reuben was Jacob's firstborn but lost his birthright due to sin. Yet here, his tribal representative offers the same gifts as Judah and all others. This demonstrates that God's grace overcomes past failure. The Reformed doctrine of irresistible grace is reflected—God's call and purpose are not thwarted by human sin. Past failure doesn't disqualify from present service.