Numbers 7:83
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 Ahira the son of Enan.
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 (Leviticus 3, 7:11-21) included thanksgiving, vow, and freewill categories. Portions were burned on the altar (God's portion), given to priests (Aaron's sons), and eaten by the offerer and family. This three-way sharing symbolized covenant fellowship—God, mediator, and worshiper dining together.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the fellowship meal aspect of peace offerings enrich our understanding of the Lord's Supper as covenant communion?
- What does the greater abundance of peace offerings (versus one sin offering) reveal about God's desire for relationship over transaction?
- Why might Naphtali's offering be recorded with as much detail as Judah's, and what does this teach about God's impartiality?
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 was the offering of Ahira the son of Enan (זֶבַח הַשְּׁלָמִים, zevach hashelamim)—The peace offering (shelamim, from shalom) celebrates restored fellowship. Unlike burnt offerings (wholly consumed) or sin offerings (for priests), portions of the peace offering were eaten by the worshiper, symbolizing covenant communion with God.
The abundance—two oxen, five rams, five goats, five lambs—demonstrates lavish gratitude. The number five represents grace; the total of seventeen animals suggests completeness in worship. Ahira's offering, though last chronologically, is equal in value and acceptance. This concludes the twelve-tribe dedication with the same joy as it began, teaching that God's presence makes the last equal to the first (Matthew 20:16).