Numbers 7:56
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 golden incense altar (Exodus 30:1-10) stood before the veil separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, symbolizing prayer's intimate access to God's presence. The high priest burned incense twice daily (morning and evening). These golden spoons at the dedication supplemented regular worship, expressing extraordinary devotion during the tabernacle's consecration.
Questions for Reflection
- How does gold's incorruptibility as a symbol of eternal prayer encourage persistence in intercession even when immediate results aren't visible?
- What does the cumulative incense cloud from all twelve tribes teach about the power of corporate, united prayer?
- In what ways does the connection between incense and evening prayer (Psalm 141:2) inform your daily rhythm of devotion?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense—Gamaliel's golden ladle matches the previous pattern precisely. The repetition of ten shekels across all twelve tribes meant 120 shekels of gold total (about 1.38 kg), substantial wealth dedicated to prayer and worship. Gold's incorruptibility symbolized the eternal nature of prayer—petitions offered in faith never decay or lose value before God.
The incense (qetoret) ascending from each tribe's golden spoon created a cumulative cloud of prayer rising to God throughout the twelve-day dedication. This corporate intercession united Israel in worship. Psalm 141:2 later connects incense to evening prayer: 'Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense.' The identical spoons emphasize prayer's equal access—no tribe needed more gold for God to hear.