Numbers 7:38
One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
Original Language Analysis
כַּ֥ף
spoon
H3709
כַּ֥ף
spoon
Strong's:
H3709
Word #:
1 of 6
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
עֲשָׂרָ֥ה
of ten
H6235
עֲשָׂרָ֥ה
of ten
Strong's:
H6235
Word #:
3 of 6
ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)
זָהָ֖ב
golden
H2091
זָהָ֖ב
golden
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
4 of 6
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
Historical Context
The daily incense offering morning and evening created a rhythm of prayer punctuating Israel's day. When the people saw smoke ascending, they joined their hearts in prayer, creating corporate intercession even as individuals pursued daily activities. This rhythm shaped personal and communal spirituality.
Questions for Reflection
- How can regular prayer rhythms shape our daily lives without becoming empty ritual?
- What does the fullness of the incense spoon challenge about the depth of our prayer lives?
- In what ways does corporate prayer discipline strengthen individual prayer habits?
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Analysis & Commentary
The repeated golden spoon of ten shekels full of incense emphasizes the constancy and fullness of prayer that should characterize God's people. Day by day, the same precious prayer ascends. This teaches that effective prayer is not dependent on novelty or creativity but on faithful, consistent communion with God. The fullness indicates wholehearted devotion—not empty ritual but genuine engagement. The Reformed emphasis on regular, disciplined prayer finds support in this repeated, full offering of incense.