Numbers 7:48-89
Q.1. What would the designation of a day for each tribal leader say to the tribes of Israel? What did the offerings signify? – (Num.7:48-88)
Each of the twelve tribal leaders of Israel brought a substantial offering to God – 13 and his offering was one silver dish whose weight was one hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering; 14 one gold pan of ten shekels, full of incense; 15 one bull, one ram, one male lamb one year old, for a burnt offering; 16 one male goat for a sin offering; 17 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five male goats, five male lambs one year old (Judah: Num.7:13-17 c.f. Issachar: Num.7:19-23; Zebulun: Num.7:25-29; Reuben: Num.7:31-35; Simeon: Num.7:37-41; Gad: Num.7:43-47; Ephraim: Num.7:49-53; Manasseh: Num.7:55-59; Benjamin: Num.7:61-65; Dan: Num.7:67-71; Asher: Num.7:73-77; Naphtali: Num.7:79-83). In Numbers 7:84-88 the staggering total offerings of silver, gold, incense, produce, and livestock was summarized. This enabled the Tabernacle to be beautified, and the altar to be dedicated, thus providing access for sinners before a holy God. The requirement of all the offerings and sacrifices, communicated to the people that God was to be a major part of their lives, because He is worthy. It also reminded them that sin was serious, so it required sacrifices of precious lifeblood, before they could approach Him.
Q.2. How did Moses know that God accepted the offerings representing the tribes of Israel? Why are answered prayers important? – (Num.7:89)
All the tribes of Israel had contributed toward the dedication of the altar. God was pleased and was not silent – Now when Moses went into the tent of meeting to speak with Him, he heard the voice speaking to him from above the mercy seat that was on the ark of the testimony, from between the two cherubim, so He spoke to him (Num.7:89). In this way Moses knew that God approved of him, and of the offerings of the people. Jesus told us that it glorifies God when He answers our prayers. He delights in our directing our praise and petitions to Him, because this reminds us that He is in control, and we are dependent on Him (c.f. Jn.15:7-16).