Numbers 7:47
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Numbers 7:47
47 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 Eliasaph the son of Deuel.
Chapter Context
Numbers 7 is a mixed narrative and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, mercy, discipleship. Written during Israel's wilderness period (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The wilderness journey occurred between Egypt's dominance and the Canaanite tribal systems.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-89: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Numbers and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Numbers 7:47
47 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 Eliasaph the son of Deuel.
Analysis
For a sacrifice of peace offerings (זֶבַח שְׁלָמִים, zevach shelamim)—The shelamim (from shalom, peace/wholeness) involved shared consumption: portions for God (burnt on altar), priests (breast and thigh), and offerer (remaining meat). This communal meal symbolized covenant fellowship. Eliasaph's offering—two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year—totaled thirteen animals, representing abundance and generosity.
The specific quantities weren't random but followed the prescribed pattern each tribal prince offered (7:13-83). The repetition across twelve tribes creates liturgical rhythm in Numbers 7, emphasizing Israel's unity in worship. Unlike burnt offerings (wholly consumed), peace offerings celebrated reconciliation through shared feasting.
Historical Context
This occurred at the tabernacle's dedication (1444 BC), immediately after its construction in Exodus 40. Eliasaph represented Gad's tribe (2:14). The twelve-day dedication ceremony (one prince per day) reflected both orderliness and equality—no tribe received preference. Each prince brought identical offerings, preventing competition or pride.
Reflection
- How does the 'peace offering' as a shared meal between God, priests, and offerer model the nature of true fellowship and reconciliation?
- What does the identical offering from each tribe teach about equality in worship and the danger of competitive giving?
- In what ways might the deliberate repetition in Numbers 7 (each tribe's offering described fully) challenge modern preferences for efficiency over liturgical thoroughness?
Word Studies
- Sacrifice: זֶבַח (Zevach) H2077 - Sacrifice, offering