Numbers 7:74
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 formula was divinely prescribed in Exodus 30:34-38 and could not be replicated for personal use on pain of excommunication. This exclusivity emphasized the holiness of approaching God and the seriousness of worship.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the fixed weight and recipe of the incense challenge contemporary views that authentic worship must be spontaneous or personalized?
- What does the connection between incense and prayer (Revelation 5:8) teach about the necessity of Christ's mediation in acceptable worship?
- Why might God insist on uniformity in the golden spoons when He created such diversity in human personalities and cultures?
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Analysis & Commentary
One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense (כַּף עֲשָׂרָה זָהָב מְלֵאָה קְטֹרֶת, kaf asarah zahav mele'ah qetoret)—The golden spoon or ladle weighs precisely ten shekels, the number of divine order and completeness. Filled with qetoret (fragrant incense), it prefigures the prayers of the saints rising before God's throne (Revelation 5:8, 8:3-4).
Gold represents deity and divine glory, while incense symbolizes prayer and worship. The specific weight—ten shekels—suggests measured, deliberate devotion, not spontaneous emotionalism. Every tribe brings the same amount, teaching that acceptable worship follows divine prescription, not human preference. The incense cannot be offered on unauthorized fire (Leviticus 10:1-2) or with altered ingredients (Exodus 30:34-38).