Numbers 7:12 — English ERV 2006 - Only For Website
Each of the twelve leaders brought these gifts: Each leader brought one silver plate that weighed 3 pounds. Each leader brought one silver bowl that weighed 1 pounds. Both of these gifts were weighed by the official measure. The bowl and the plate were each filled with fine flour mixed with oil. This was to be used as a grain offering. Each leader also brought a large gold spoon that weighed about 4 ounces. The spoon was filled with incense. Each leader also brought 1 young bull, 1 ram, and 1 male lamb a year old. These animals were for a burnt offering. Each leader also brought 1 male goat to be used as a sin offering. Each leader brought 2 cattle, 5 rams, 5 male goats, and 5 male lambs a year old. All of them were sacrificed for a fellowship offering. On the first day, the leader of the tribe of Judah, Nahshon son of Amminadab brought his gifts. On the second day, the leader of the tribe of Issachar, Nethanel son of Zuar brought his gifts. On the third day, the leader of the tribe of Zebulun, Eliab son of Helon brought his gifts. On the fourth day, the leader of the tribe of Reuben, Elizur son of Shedeur brought his gifts. On the fifth day, the leader of the tribe of Simeon, Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai brought his gifts. On the sixth day, the leader of the tribe of Gad, Eliasaph son of Deuel brought his gifts. On the seventh day, the leader of the tribe of Ephraim, Elishama son of Ammihud brought his gifts. On the eighth day, the leader of the tribe of Manasseh, Gamaliel son of Pedahzur brought his gifts. On the ninth day, the leader of the tribe of Benjamin, Abidan son of Gideoni brought his gifts. On the tenth day, the leader of the tribe of Dan, Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai brought his gifts. On the eleventh day, the leader of the tribe of Asher, Pagiel son of Ocran brought his gifts. On the twelfth day, the leader of the tribe of Naphtali, Ahira son of Enan brought his gifts.
What Does This Mean?
This verse describes Nahshon, the son of Amminadab from the tribe of Judah, as the first to offer an offering on the first day of the dedication of the tabernacle. No one is speaking directly; this is a narrative detail.
Explained for Children
Imagine you're in a big class where each student brings a gift for the teacher on the first day of school. Nahshon is like the first kid who brings the gift, and he's from the group called Judah.
Historical Background
The Book of Numbers was written by Moses around 1400 BC. This particular verse is part of the detailed account of the offerings made by the leaders of each tribe during the dedication of the tabernacle, which was a portable sanctuary for the Israelites in the wilderness.
Living It Out Today
In modern life, when a new project or community space opens, the first person to contribute or offer support can set a positive example. Like Nahshon, your early contribution can inspire others to follow suit.
Nahshon was chosen as the first to offer because he was the leader of the tribe of Judah, which was the first tribe listed in the order of offerings for the dedication of the tabernacle.
What kind of offering did Nahshon bring?
The specific offerings brought by Nahshon are detailed in subsequent verses, including gold, silver, bronze, clothing, and food items typical for offerings.
How does Nahshon's offering relate to the rest of the offerings?
Nahshon's offering sets the pattern for the offerings of the other tribal leaders, each of whom brings a similar set of offerings over the next twelve days.
What does Nahshon's offering tell us about the value of leadership?
Nahshon's offering shows that leaders are expected to take the lead in acts of service and dedication, inspiring others to follow their example.
