Numbers 7:44
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 incense burning on the golden altar created a barrier of fragrant smoke between the holy place and the Most Holy Place. This smoke symbolized both the ascending prayers of the people and the glory cloud that represented God's presence. The priests' intercession connected the people's prayers with God's presence.
Questions for Reflection
- How does viewing prayer as precious change our approach to personal and corporate prayer?
- What does fullness in prayer look like beyond simply asking for what we want?
- In what ways does Christ's ongoing intercession inform and encourage our own prayer lives?
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Analysis & Commentary
The golden spoon of ten shekels full of incense represents prayer that is both precious (gold) and abundant (full). This combination teaches that our prayers should reflect both the value we place on communion with God and the completeness with which we engage in it. Prayer is not a last resort or perfunctory duty but a precious privilege exercised fully and regularly. The Reformed emphasis on prayer as a means of grace is reflected—through prayer we receive what God has already purposed to give.