Numbers 7:65
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 Abidan the son of Gideoni.
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
Peace offerings were voluntary expressions of thanksgiving, vow-fulfillment, or freewill devotion (Leviticus 7:11-16). The ritual involved laying hands on the animal (identifying with it), slaughter, blood manipulation by priests, burning fat on the altar, and communal eating. The worshiper's family could invite guests, making it a joyous, festive occasion—a rare opportunity for common Israelites to eat meat.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the peace offering's fellowship meal aspect (eating with God) anticipate the Lord's Supper and eternal wedding feast (Revelation 19:9)?
- What is the significance of the sacrificial order: consecration (burnt), atonement (sin), then communion (peace)—and how does this sequence reflect salvation's logic?
- Why were peace offerings so abundant (seventeen animals) compared to single burnt and sin offerings?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year—The shelamim (שְׁלָמִים, peace offerings) derives from shalom (שָׁלוֹם), meaning wholeness, completeness, and peace. Unlike burnt and sin offerings, the peace offering was partially eaten by the worshiper (Leviticus 7:15-18), making it a fellowship meal shared with God. The generous quantity—seventeen animals total—reflects abundant joy and celebration.
This was the offering of Abidan the son of Gideoni—Abidan ('my father is judge,' אֲבִידָן) brought offerings preceding Dan and Naphtali. The peace offering crowned the sacrificial sequence: burnt offering (consecration), sin offering (atonement), peace offering (communion). Romans 5:1 captures this progression: 'Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.' Peace follows justification, never precedes it.