Numbers 7

February 12

Numbers 7

After the tabernacle was completed the people continued to bring gifts. The leaders of the tribes brought oxen and carts for carrying the tabernacle and it’s furnishings. God instructed Moses to take the offering and give them to the Levites to transport the materials. The furnishings the Kohathites were responsible for were to be carried by hand, so they were not given a cart. The Israelites did not hand off all responsibility for their ritual to the Levites; they still participated by providing the materials and the offerings necessary for proper worship.

When the leaders begin to bring the offerings for the dedication of the altar, each leader brings the same offering. As we read these verses, they become very repetitive. Beginning at verse 84, the author wraps it all up by giving us the total offerings. Why such repetition? Why not just the total and a reminder that each tribe gave an equal offering? The author wanted to make sure the reader understands that all the tribes were involved in the offering. Each tribe is named, the leader of the tribe is named, and the offering is listed.

In our day there are many hospitals, churches, and other buildings that have a wall or plaque that gives the names of donors and what they gave to build the building or provide furnishings. Each name is important. Each name reminds us that the community came together to provide the building and its furnishings. Numbers 7 is like those memorial walls.

We are reminded that all the Israelites participated in the construction, the furnishing, and the dedication of the tabernacle. This structure was for the community. It was built, as instructed by God, so that entire community could live as children of God. They gave from the gifts God had provided for them as they fled Egypt. God provided and they willingly gave. As they gave, God showed up and met with Moses, their representative.

God has given each of us gifts. We have spiritual gifts, we have resources, we have time. God wants us to give back to Him from what He has given us. Use our talents for the building of His Kingdom, use our resources to further His work in our community and world, give Him a portion of our time for Kingdom work. We are all a part of the Body of Christ and God invites all of us to invest in the work He is doing in our world.