Numbers 7:53
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 Elishama the son of Ammihud.
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
The peace offering meal included the offerer's family and could last two days (Leviticus 7:15-16), creating extended fellowship. This reflected ancient Near Eastern covenant meals where shared food ratified agreements. The tabernacle dedication was essentially a twelve-day national feast, uniting Israel in joyful worship after the golden calf apostasy (Exodus 32).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the peace offering as a communal meal challenge individualistic approaches to worship and fellowship today?
- What does the balance between prescribed form (identical offerings) and personal identity (named givers) teach about liturgy and authenticity in worship?
- In what ways might the extended feasting (lasting up to two days per Leviticus 7:15-16) inform your understanding of Sabbath rest and celebratory worship?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year—This concludes Elishama's (Ephraim's) offering with the shelamim meal. The abundance (13 animals total) contrasts with the singular burnt offering (3 animals) and sin offering (1 goat). Peace offerings involved communal feasting, symbolizing restored fellowship. The phrase this was the offering of Elishama the son of Ammihud personalizes the gift while conforming to the prescribed pattern.
The repeated pattern across all twelve tribes (7:12-83) creates liturgical rhythm—identical offerings prevent competition while allowing personal participation. Elishama's name appears three times in this section (7:48, 53), anchoring the offering in covenant identity. Worship unites prescribed form (identical offerings) with personal devotion (named givers).