Ella 
Read the Daily Bible Verse – Numbers 7:87 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Numbers 7:87 is a verse in the Old Testament that provides details about the offerings made by the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel during the dedication of the tabernacle. This verse is part of a broader passage that describes the ceremonial offerings the Israelites made to honor God. The offerings mentioned in this verse—oxen, rams, lambs, and goats—were part of the sacrificial system that God established for His people. The purpose of these sacrifices was to seek atonement for sin, to express worship, and to dedicate the tabernacle for God’s presence. Understanding the meaning of Numbers 7:87 helps to illuminate the themes of sacrifice, worship, and God’s relationship with His people. In this article, we will break down the verse, explore its meaning, and discuss how its principles apply to our lives today.
The Context of Numbers 7:87 KJV
To fully understand the meaning of Numbers 7:87, we must first explore the context in which it is found. Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible and contains a detailed account of the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. It is a book of laws, rituals, and instructions for the people of Israel as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.
The Dedication of the Tabernacle
Numbers 7 takes place after the construction of the tabernacle, a portable sanctuary where God would dwell among His people. This moment is significant because the tabernacle marked the place where God’s presence would reside, and it would serve as the central location for the Israelites’ worship. In this chapter, the twelve leaders of Israel bring offerings to dedicate the tabernacle and its altar.
The offerings brought by the leaders are detailed in Numbers 7, and these offerings are significant because they represent the peoples’ desire to honor God and seek His favor. In Numbers 7:87, the specific offerings for the burnt offering and the sin offering are described. These sacrifices were an essential part of the Israelites’ worship and were required by the Mosaic law as a means of seeking atonement for sins.
The Role of Sacrifices in Israelite Worship
The sacrificial system was central to Israelite worship and served several purposes: to atone for sin, to express gratitude to God, and to seek His favor. The offerings made by the Israelites were a way for them to approach God and seek reconciliation for their wrongdoings. The sacrificial animals, such as oxen, rams, and goats, were used in various types of offerings.
Burnt Offerings: These were offerings made to God as an expression of devotion and worship. The entire animal was burned on the altar as a way of showing complete surrender to God.
Sin Offerings: These were offerings made to atone for sin. The sin offering involved the sacrifice of an animal, and its blood was used to purify the individual or community from sin.
Meat Offerings: These offerings were typically grain offerings that were often presented alongside animal sacrifices. They symbolized the people’s gratitude and recognition of God’s provision.
Numbers 7:87 focuses on the specific animals used for these offerings, particularly the oxen for the burnt offering, the rams and lambs, and the goats for the sin offering. These offerings were part of the larger context of Israel’s worship and a way for the people to acknowledge God’s holiness and their need for forgiveness.
Numbers 7:87 (KJV)
The verse reads:
“All the oxen for the burnt offering were twelve bullocks, the rams twelve, the lambs of the first year twelve, with their meat offering: and the kids of the goats for sin offering twelve.” – Numbers 7:87 (KJV)
The Oxen (Bullocks) for the Burnt Offering
The first animals mentioned are the oxen, specifically twelve bullocks, which were used for the burnt offerings. The number twelve is significant here because it represents the twelve tribes of Israel. Each tribe brought a sacrifice to God as a collective offering, signifying unity and worship from the whole nation. The oxen were a valuable offering, as they were large, strong animals used for labor, and offering them to God symbolized the Israelites’ willingness to give their best to God in worship.
The burnt offering was a comprehensive act of worship. The entire animal was burned on the altar, with the smoke rising to God as a symbol of complete surrender and devotion. This act demonstrated the Israelites’ desire to give everything to God and acknowledge His supremacy.
The Rams and Lambs of the First Year
In addition to the oxen, twelve rams and twelve lambs of the first year were offered. Rams were typically used in peace offerings, and lambs, particularly those of the first year, were considered pure and unblemished. These animals symbolized the sacrifice of the best that the Israelites had to offer. The use of young animals, free from defects, reflected the need for purity and holiness in the offerings made to God.
The lambs, specifically mentioned as being of the first year, highlight the importance of offering something without blemish. This foreshadowed the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who was without sin and offered Himself for the sins of humanity (John 1:29).
The Meat Offerings
Alongside the animal sacrifices, the Israelites also presented meat offerings. These were grain offerings, typically made from flour, oil, and frankincense. The meat offering, though not involving an animal sacrifice, was an essential part of the worship ritual. It symbolized gratitude for God’s provision and recognition of His goodness. The grain offerings were often burned on the altar, and the fragrance was considered a pleasing aroma to God.
The Kids of the Goats for the Sin Offering
Finally, the verse mentions the goats, specifically twelve kids of the goats, which were used for the sin offerings. The sin offering was an essential part of the sacrificial system because it provided a way for the people to be cleansed from sin. The goats represented the substitutionary atonement, where the blood of the animal was shed in place of the individual’s sin. This concept of substitutionary atonement points forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who took the punishment for the sins of humanity upon Himself.
Numbers 7:87 Meaning
Numbers 7:87 provides specific details about the animals used for sacrifices during the dedication of the tabernacle. While these specific offerings are not directly applicable to our modern-day worship practices, they hold great spiritual significance and teach us many lessons about worship, sacrifice, and the holiness of God.
The Meaning of the Burnt Offering
The burnt offering was the most comprehensive type of sacrifice in the Old Testament system. The entire animal was burned, symbolizing the worshiper’s complete surrender to God. It was a voluntary act of devotion, representing the worshiper’s desire to offer everything to God. For the Israelites, this offering signified their desire to be in right relationship with God and to demonstrate their total dependence on Him.
In our own lives, we are called to offer ourselves as living sacrifices to God (Romans 12:1). This means living lives of devotion and surrender, where we give all of ourselves—our time, talents, and resources—to serve God and His purposes.
The Role of the Sin Offering
The sin offering was specifically designed to atone for sin. It highlighted the serious nature of sin and the need for a substitute to bear the consequences of wrongdoing. The sin offering pointed forward to Jesus Christ, the ultimate sin offering, who bore the weight of our sin on the cross. Through His sacrifice, we are cleansed and forgiven (1 Peter 2:24).
As believers, we can reflect on the sin offering by acknowledging our need for forgiveness and turning to Christ for cleansing. The sin offering serves as a reminder that sin has serious consequences, but through Jesus, we have access to grace and reconciliation with God.
The Significance of the Number Twelve
The number twelve is significant in this verse because it symbolizes the completeness of Israel. There were twelve tribes, and the twelve offerings of each type of animal represent the collective worship of the entire nation. In the same way, as Christians, we are called to offer our worship as a collective body, the Church. Each believer has a part to play in offering worship to God, and together we make up the body of Christ.
The Importance of Purity
The use of unblemished animals in the sacrifices highlights the importance of purity when approaching God. The Israelites were required to offer the best of what they had, symbolizing the need for holiness in their worship. In the New Testament, we are also called to live lives of purity and holiness, offering ourselves to God as vessels for His use (Romans 6:13).
Numbers 7:87 Application in Life
The principles in Numbers 7:87 can be applied to our lives in various ways. Although we no longer offer animal sacrifices, the heart behind the sacrifices remains relevant. Here are some ways we can apply the message of this verse to our daily lives:
Offering Our Best to God
Just as the Israelites gave the best of their animals in sacrifice, we are called to give our best to God. This includes not only our material possessions but also our time, talents, and energy. When we offer our best to God, we honor Him and recognize that He deserves our utmost devotion.
Acknowledging the Need for Atonement
The sin offering reminds us of our need for forgiveness. Just as the Israelites relied on the blood of goats for atonement, we rely on the blood of Jesus Christ for our forgiveness. His sacrifice on the cross made a way for us to be reconciled to God. We should regularly acknowledge our need for His grace and turn to Him in repentance.
Living a Life of Purity
The unblemished animals offered in sacrifice remind us of the importance of purity in our lives. God calls us to be holy, as He is holy (1 Peter 1:16). This means striving to live lives that reflect His character, avoiding sin, and seeking to honor Him in all that we do.
Collective Worship
The offerings of the twelve tribes represent the collective worship of the people of Israel. Similarly, we are called to worship together as the body of Christ. Our corporate worship strengthens our faith and encourages one another as we seek to honor God together.
Conclusion
Numbers 7:87 offers valuable lessons about the importance of sacrifice, purity, and devotion in our worship. The specific offerings made during the dedication of the tabernacle highlight the seriousness with which God views worship and sin. While we no longer offer animal sacrifices, the heart behind these offerings remains relevant. As believers in Christ, we are called to offer ourselves fully to God, recognizing our need for His forgiveness and striving to live lives that reflect His holiness. Through the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we have access to God’s grace and are empowered to worship Him in spirit and truth.
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