| Date | Version | Reading Plan |
|---|---|---|
| February 20, 2026 | ESV (2016) | ESV Life Journal Plan – 2026 |
Numbers 7
Observation & Interpretation
The chapter recounts the offerings made by the tribal chieftains as a dedication offering for the altar. Over twelve consecutive days, the each tribal leader brought their offering (BBC):
| Day | Name of Prince | Tribe | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nahshon | Judah | vv. 12–17 |
| 2 | Nethanel | Issachar | vv. 18–23 |
| 3 | Eliab | Zebulun | vv. 24–29 |
| 4 | Elizur | Reuben | vv. 30–35 |
| 5 | Shelumiel | Simeon | vv. 36–41 |
| 6 | Eliasaph | Gad | vv. 42–47 |
| 7 | Elishama | Ephraim | vv. 48–53 |
| 8 | Gamaliel | Manasseh | vv. 54–59 |
| 9 | Abidan | Benjamin | vv. 60–65 |
| 10 | Ahiezer | Dan | vv. 66–71 |
| 11 | Pagiel | Asher | vv. 72–77 |
| 12 | Ahira | Naphtali | vv. 78–83 |
Following the description of each tribal offering, the totals are given in vv. 84-88. We then read that Moses went into the meeting to speak with the LORD and heard the voice speaking to him from above the mercy seat. “Moses could not enter the tent immediately after its construction because of the smoke from the cloud of the Lord that had descended (Ex 40:34–38), but now with the dedication of the tabernacle implements and sacrifices, he could once more seek counsel from God.” (CSB Notes)
It is important to capture the comprehensive devotion to God among all Israelite tribes in their dedication offering. What is more, each of the offerings were the same for every tribe regardless of size, denoting an equal share of commitment to God. As followers of Christ, we should draw from this that God is worthy and deserving of the very best from each of us.
Resources
- J. I. Packer et. al, The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016)
- Colin Hansen (Editor in Chief), TGC Bible Commentary (Columbia, MO: The Gospel Coalition, 2022)
- Iain M. Duguid (Series Editor), ESV Expository Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2018-2025)
- Faithlife Study Bible (Lexham Press, 2016)
- Believer’s Bible Commentary (Thomas Nelson, 2016)
- CSB Study Bible Notes (Holman Bible Publishers, 2017)
- The New American Commentary (Brentwood, TN: Holman Reference)
- Lane T. Dennis and Wayne Grudem (Editors), ESV Study Bible, Crossway, 2008.
