Read Numbers 7
Highlights:
The princes’ offerings for the dedication of the Tabernacle
And it came to pass on the day that Moses had fully set up the Tabernacle, and had anointed it, and sanctified it (set it apart for, dedicated it for sacred use), and all the instruments thereof, both the altar and all the vessels thereof, and had anointed them, and sanctified them; That the princes of Israel, heads of the house of their fathers, who were the princes of the tribes, and (who) were over them that were numbered, offered: And they brought their offering before the Lord, six covered wagons, and twelve oxen; a wagon for two of the princes, and for each one an ox: and they brought them before the Tabernacle. And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Take it of them, that they may be to do the service (used in the work) of the Tabernacle of the congregation; and thou shalt give them unto the Levites, to every man according to his service (Numbers 7:1-5).
Although all the gifts were identical, each prince was recognized for his gift. From this we learn that every gift and act of service to our Lord is faithfully remembered. Mount Sinai is sometimes associated with the severity of the Law. But the Tabernacle that was built there illustrates the loving concern of God to communicate and fellowship with His people and to direct them through life. All the princes revealed their gratitude through their generous freewill gifts. All responded equally to the need.
These gifts were not equally divided among the Levites. The family of the Gershonites received two wagons and four oxen for their duties (compare 4:25-26; 7:7). The Merarites, who had much heavier burdens to bear (4:31-32; 7:8), received four wagons and eight oxen. But the Kohathites received none. They were required to carry the Tabernacle furniture: Unto the sons of Kohath he gave none: because the service of the Sanctuary belonging unto them was that they should bear upon their shoulders the Candlestick of Pure Gold, Table of Shewbread, Altar of Incense, Brass Laver, Brasen Altar, and Mercy Seat on the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant (7:9; see also 3:29-31; 4:1-15). These were all symbolic of Jesus Christ.
Giving always benefits the giver. Your gift to missions can lift burdens, provide happiness, answer prayers, and save a soul from eternal hell. God has said: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete (measure) withal it shall be measured to you again (Luke 6:38).
Thought For The Day:
Notice the importance that God places on each sacrificial gift. Word Studies: 7:13 charger, large dish; 7:21 bullock, young bull; 7:44 spoon, bowl.
Christ Revealed:
Through the voluntary offerings of the leaders which were sufficient to meet the needs (Numbers 7). Jesus gave His life to meet our very need. My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
Prayer Suggestion: Give praise to God that His Word will stand forever (Isaiah 40:8).
Optional Reading: Luke 2
Memory Verse for the Week: Hebrews 4:14
