Numbers 7:47
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 Eliasaph the son of Deuel.
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
This occurred at the tabernacle's dedication (1444 BC), immediately after its construction in Exodus 40. Eliasaph represented Gad's tribe (2:14). The twelve-day dedication ceremony (one prince per day) reflected both orderliness and equality—no tribe received preference. Each prince brought identical offerings, preventing competition or pride.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the 'peace offering' as a shared meal between God, priests, and offerer model the nature of true fellowship and reconciliation?
- What does the identical offering from each tribe teach about equality in worship and the danger of competitive giving?
- In what ways might the deliberate repetition in Numbers 7 (each tribe's offering described fully) challenge modern preferences for efficiency over liturgical thoroughness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For a sacrifice of peace offerings (זֶבַח שְׁלָמִים, zevach shelamim)—The shelamim (from shalom, peace/wholeness) involved shared consumption: portions for God (burnt on altar), priests (breast and thigh), and offerer (remaining meat). This communal meal symbolized covenant fellowship. Eliasaph's offering—two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year—totaled thirteen animals, representing abundance and generosity.
The specific quantities weren't random but followed the prescribed pattern each tribal prince offered (7:13-83). The repetition across twelve tribes creates liturgical rhythm in Numbers 7, emphasizing Israel's unity in worship. Unlike burnt offerings (wholly consumed), peace offerings celebrated reconciliation through shared feasting.