Bible Notes Online - Numbers 7 - ESV
Commentary

v1: See Ex 40, where Moses had set up the Tabernacle.

v2-5: Like the Nazirite, the leaders of the tribes each brought a freewill offering to the Lord; they wanted to give more. The Lord's command to Moses was to accept the offerings (v5). Above and beyond obedience to the letter of the law, the Lord always looked for real devotion; compare 2 Chr 30, where Hezekiah celebrated the Passover in the second month, instead of the first.

Such devotion was spontaneous, not disorderly; the Israelites still had to do what the Lord commanded (v11).

v6-9: The offerings were very practical, including six carts and twelve oxen. These were to be used for carrying items of the Tabernacle. The exception was that the Kohathites still had to carry the precious things of God on their shoulders; see 1 Chr 13, 15.

v10-11: Each leader brought their offerings, one each day; the same order was followed as in ch2.

v12-17: The offering of each tribe was made up of;

  • a silver plate, full of fine flour mixed with oil, for a grain offering;
  • a silver bowl, also full of fine flour mixed with oil;
  • a gold pan, filled with incense;
  • a burnt offering of a young bull, a ram, and a male lamb;
  • a goat kid as a sin offering;
  • a fellowship offering of 2 oxen, 5 rams, 5 male goats, and 5 male lambs.

v84: These offerings are described as an offering for dedication for the altar. Here is mutual dedication; God is for them; they are for God; the Tabernacle is for God. This people belonged to the Lord. The fellowship offerings, which were the largest, indicated a relationship of peace with God.

v89: At the conclusion of this offering, and the dedication of the altar, the Lord spoke again to Moses, bringing further instructions.