Numbers 7:35
And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Elizur the son of Shedeur.
Original Language Analysis
וּלְזֶ֣בַח
And for a sacrifice
H2077
וּלְזֶ֣בַח
And for a sacrifice
Strong's:
H2077
Word #:
1 of 17
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
הַשְּׁלָמִים֮
of peace offerings
H8002
הַשְּׁלָמִים֮
of peace offerings
Strong's:
H8002
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks
בָּקָ֣ר
oxen
H1241
בָּקָ֣ר
oxen
Strong's:
H1241
Word #:
3 of 17
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
אֵילִ֤ם
rams
H352
אֵילִ֤ם
rams
Strong's:
H352
Word #:
5 of 17
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
עַתֻּדִ֣ים
he goats
H6260
עַתֻּדִ֣ים
he goats
Strong's:
H6260
Word #:
7 of 17
prepared, i.e., full grown; spoken only (in plural) of he-goats, or (figuratively) leaders of the people
בֶּן
of the first
H1121
בֶּן
of the first
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
10 of 17
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
קָרְבַּ֥ן
this was the offering
H7133
קָרְבַּ֥ן
this was the offering
Strong's:
H7133
Word #:
14 of 17
something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present
Historical Context
Peace offering meals were eaten within the tabernacle courtyard within prescribed time limits to prevent spoilage and maintain the meal's sacred character. Families invited guests to share their portion, creating networks of relationship and hospitality. These communal meals built social cohesion alongside spiritual communion.
Questions for Reflection
- How does sharing meals in God's presence strengthen both our relationship with Him and with each other?
- What does the joyful nature of peace offerings teach about the Christian life?
- In what ways can Christian communities recover the connection between worship and shared meals?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The peace offerings creating fellowship meals transformed worship from individual sacrifice into communal celebration. Eating together in God's presence fostered unity among the tribes while celebrating vertical reconciliation with God. These meals were not somber but joyful, reflecting the truth that reconciliation produces joy. The abundant provision—twelve animals total—ensured everyone could participate fully in the celebration. The Lord's Supper in the New Testament echoes this pattern of reconciliation expressed through shared meals.