Ella 
Read the Daily Bible Verse – Numbers 7:47 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
The Bible, in all its parts, is full of profound messages and rich meanings that speak to both historical events and timeless spiritual truths. One such verse is Numbers 7:47 in the King James Version (KJV). This verse is found within a detailed description of the offerings brought by the tribes of Israel during the dedication of the Tabernacle, which was a central act of worship and consecration for the people of Israel.
In this article, we will explore Numbers 7:47, its context, meaning, and how we can apply its teachings to our lives today. We will examine the significance of the sacrifices mentioned in the verse, the importance of offering peace offerings to God, and the implications of Eliasaph’s offering.
The Context of Numbers 7:47 KJV
The Book of Numbers: An Overview
The Book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible and part of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament. It tells the story of the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness after their miraculous exodus from Egypt. This book is filled with narratives about census-taking, laws, and the organization of the Israelites, as well as their struggles and victories in the desert.
Numbers 7 is part of a larger section that describes the dedication of the Tabernacle—a sacred, mobile structure designed to house the presence of God among His people. The Israelites had just completed the construction of the Tabernacle, and it was time to consecrate it. Each of the twelve tribes of Israel brought offerings to honor God and dedicate the Tabernacle. These offerings were part of a twelve-day ceremony, and Numbers 7 provides a detailed account of the offerings made by each tribe’s leader.
The Offering of Eliasaph, Son of Deuel
In Numbers 7:47, we encounter the offering of Eliasaph, the leader of the tribe of Gad. This offering was part of the final set of offerings made by the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel during the dedication of the Tabernacle. The tribe of Gad was one of the twelve tribes that descended from the twelve sons of Jacob. Eliasaph’s offering is part of a pattern seen throughout the chapter, where each tribal leader presents similar offerings to honor God.
The offerings described in this verse are peace offerings, which were a type of sacrifice in the Old Testament. These offerings were meant to express gratitude, reconciliation, and peace with God. They were distinct from other types of sacrifices because they were often shared among the people as part of a communal feast.
The Specific Offering
Numbers 7:47 gives a detailed description of the peace offerings brought by Eliasaph, the leader of Gad. The verse reads as follows:
Numbers 7:47 (KJV):
“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.”
This verse describes a large and generous offering from the tribe of Gad. It was meant to be a sacrifice of peace offerings, and the specific animals listed represent the richness and significance of the offering.
Numbers 7:47 (KJV)
Let’s break down the verse and examine each part in detail:
The Sacrifice of Peace Offerings
The peace offerings were an essential part of the Old Testament sacrificial system. They were typically offered as an expression of thanksgiving or reconciliation. The peace offering, unlike the sin offering or the burnt offering, was not primarily for atonement but was a way for the people to celebrate and maintain their relationship with God.
The peace offering was called the “Zebach Sh’lamim” in Hebrew, which means “a sacrifice of well-being.” These offerings were often accompanied by joyful feasts, where the offerings were shared by the priest, the offeror, and the worshiper’s family. It symbolized the peaceful relationship between God and His people.
The Specific Animals Offered
In Numbers 7:47, the animals offered are:
Two oxen – Oxen were large, powerful animals, often used for heavy labor in ancient times. They were also considered valuable, and offering oxen represented a significant gift to God.
Five rams – Rams were male sheep, and offering five of them symbolized a generous sacrifice. Rams were often used for specific types of sacrifices, including those for consecration and dedication.
Five he goats – Goats were also used in various sacrificial offerings. The he goats in this context were a significant part of the peace offering. Offering five he goats shows a dedication to God from the tribe of Gad.
Five lambs of the first year – Lambs were often considered one of the most valuable animals for sacrifice, as they were associated with purity and innocence. Offering lambs symbolizes a pure and unblemished offering to God.
Eliasaph, Son of Deuel
The name Eliasaph means “God has gathered,” and he was the leader of the tribe of Gad at the time. His offering reflects his leadership and responsibility to represent his tribe in the act of worship. As the leader, Eliasaph’s offering was not just for himself but for the whole tribe of Gad. The offering was a communal act of worship, signifying the tribe’s dedication to God.
The Generosity of the Offering
The offerings brought by Eliasaph demonstrate great generosity and sacrifice. The number of animals offered—two oxen, five rams, five he goats, and five lambs—indicates that this was a substantial offering, meant to honor God in a meaningful way. The offerings are not small or insignificant; they are costly, showing that true worship involves giving our best to God.
Numbers 7:47 Meaning
The Importance of Peace Offerings
In Numbers 7:47, the peace offerings represent more than just a ritual sacrifice. They reflect the Israelites’ desire for peace with God. Throughout the Old Testament, peace offerings symbolized reconciliation and gratitude. The Israelites were showing God that they were thankful for His provision and desiring to be at peace with Him. The peace offering was an acknowledgment of God’s goodness and faithfulness, and it was an opportunity for the people to celebrate their relationship with God.
For the Israelites, the peace offering was a way to express their faith in God’s covenant promises. It symbolized a desire for spiritual peace and physical well-being. This peace was not just about being free from conflict; it was about being in harmony with God and His will.
A Generous and Sacrificial Offering
Eliasaph’s offering also teaches us about the generosity and sacrifice that should characterize our own worship. The peace offerings were not small, and they required significant resources. The generosity of Eliasaph’s offering reflects the spiritual principle that God deserves the best we can give. Just as Eliasaph gave generously, we are called to offer our best to God in our worship, service, and daily lives.
A Representation of Israel’s Dedication
The offerings in Numbers 7 were not just individual acts; they represented the dedication of the entire nation of Israel. Each tribe, through their leader, offered gifts to God as a collective act of worship. This shows that worship is not just an individual act but a communal act. As members of the Body of Christ, we are called to worship God not only individually but also as a community of believers.
Numbers 7:47 Application in Life
Offering Generously to God
One of the key applications of Numbers 7:47 is the call to offer generously to God. Eliasaph’s offering was substantial and sacrificial, and it teaches us that true worship involves sacrifice. Whether we are offering our time, talents, or resources, we should give to God generously, without holding back. The Bible encourages us to honor God with our wealth (Proverbs 3:9), and this means giving God the first fruits of all we have.
Peace with God
The peace offering was a symbol of reconciliation and gratitude. We are called to live in peace with God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who made the ultimate peace offering by His death on the cross. Through Jesus, we are reconciled to God, and we are called to live in peace with Him. This means that, like the peace offerings in the Old Testament, we should approach God with a heart of thanksgiving, recognizing His grace and love.
Worshiping as a Community
Finally, the offerings in Numbers 7:47 remind us that worship is not just about the individual but about the community of believers. Just as the tribe of Gad brought offerings together as a collective act of worship, we are called to worship God not only as individuals but also as part of the Church. The Church is the Body of Christ, and we are called to serve and worship God together.
Conclusion
In Numbers 7:47, we find a profound lesson in generosity, sacrifice, and worship. Eliasaph, the leader of the tribe of Gad, offers a generous peace offering to God as part of the dedication of the Tabernacle. This offering teaches us that our relationship with God should be marked by gratitude, reconciliation, and sacrificial giving. Just as Eliasaph gave his best to God, we too are called to offer our best in worship and service.
As we reflect on this verse, we are reminded that worship is not just an individual act but a communal one. The peace offering points us to the ultimate peace offering of Jesus Christ, who reconciled us to God through His death on the cross. Through Him, we have peace with God, and we are called to live in harmony with one another as part of the Body of Christ.
Let us strive to offer our best to God in every area of our lives, just as Eliasaph did, and let us always seek peace and reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ.
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