Numbers 7 Commentary

The tabernacle’s construction is finished. Moses anoints the altar and the furnishings. Carts and oxen are set aside for the transport of the tabernacle.

The leaders of each tribe begin to bring offerings for the altar, a very holy object. All twelve tribes gave the same offerings. One tribe presented their offerings each day, making the celebration twelve days in length.

On the first day of the dedication of the tabernacle, the leader of the tribe of Judah brought offerings to the priests.

On the second day, the tribe of Issachar brought offerings to the tabernacle. Their offerings were the same as all the other tribes.

Zebulun brought offerings on the third day.

On the fourth day, the tribe of Reuben brought offerings to the tabernacle. Their offerings were the same as all the other tribes.

On the fifth day, the tribe of Simeon brought its gifts to the tabernacle. Its offerings were the same as all the other tribes.

On the sixth day, the tribe of Gad brought offerings to the tabernacle. Their offerings were the same as all the other tribes.

On the seventh day, the tribe of Ephraim brought offerings to the tabernacle. Their offerings were the same as all the other tribes.

On the eighth day, the tribe of Manasseh brought offerings to the tabernacle on the eighth day. Their offerings were the same as all the other tribes.

On the ninth day, the tribe of Benjamin brought offerings to the tabernacle. Their offerings were the same as all the other tribes.

On the tenth day, the tribe of Dan brought gifts to the tabernacle. Their offerings were the same as all the other tribes.

On the eleventh day, the tribe of Asher brought gifts to the tabernacle. Their offerings were the same as all the other tribes.

On the twelfth and final day, the tribe of Naphtali brought offerings to the tabernacle. Their offerings were the same as all the other tribes.

Numbers 7:84-88 provides a summary of the gifts that were given during the twelve days of celebrating the dedication of the tabernacle and the brazen altar.

Once the dedication ceremony (verses 10 – 83) was completed, Moses was allowed to enter into the tent of meeting to listen to the word of the LORD.