Numbers 7:14 – “one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Numbers 7:14 describes part of the offering brought by Nahshon, the leader of the tribe of Judah, during the dedication of the altar. Among his gifts, he presented a gold dish filled with incense, weighing ten shekels. This offering was significant because incense was used in the worship of God, symbolizing the prayers and praises of the people rising to heaven. The use of gold, a precious metal, and the fragrant incense highlighted the value and beauty of worship when it is offered sincerely and thoughtfully.
Incense was an important part of the tabernacle’s rituals, often burned on the altar of incense as a sweet aroma pleasing to God. Nahshon’s offering of a gold dish filled with incense showed not only his personal dedication but also represented the devotion of his entire tribe. This act of giving was about more than just the material value—it was an expression of reverence and the desire to honor God in a way that was pleasing to Him.
Historical Context
This verse is set during the dedication of the altar in the newly constructed tabernacle at Mount Sinai. The tabernacle served as the center of Israel’s worship and represented God’s presence among His people. The altar, where sacrifices were made, played a crucial role in the Israelites’ relationship with God, providing a place for atonement, thanksgiving, and praise.
Incense was a key element in the tabernacle’s worship practices. It was burned daily as part of the priestly duties, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God. Nahshon’s offering of incense during the dedication of the altar was a significant contribution, underscoring the importance of prayer and worship in the life of the community. Each leader’s offering, including Nahshon’s, played a part in the collective dedication of the tabernacle, showing that worship was a communal act involving every tribe.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Numbers 7:14 emphasizes the significance of prayer and worship as offerings to God. The incense in the gold dish represents more than just a ritual—it symbolizes the prayers, praises, and heart of the people being lifted to God. This verse teaches that worship involves not only outward actions but also the inward devotion of the heart.
The use of a gold dish and the offering of incense highlight that worship is valuable and precious to God. It reminds us that our prayers and praises, when offered sincerely, are a pleasing aroma to Him. This verse also teaches the importance of intentionality in worship, showing that our offerings to God should be given with thought, care, and a desire to honor Him.
Literary Analysis
Numbers 7:14 is part of a larger narrative that details the offerings brought by the leaders of each tribe during the dedication of the altar. The verse’s specific mention of the weight of the gold dish and the inclusion of incense highlights the attention to detail and the deliberate nature of these offerings. The repetitive listing of each leader’s contribution underscores the communal effort and shared responsibility in worshiping God.
The description of incense, often associated with prayer and worship, adds a deeper symbolic layer to Nahshon’s offering. The narrative’s structured presentation of each tribe’s offerings creates a sense of order and reverence, reflecting the careful planning and thoughtfulness involved in the dedication process. Each item listed is not just a physical gift but a representation of the tribe’s dedication to God.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 30:7-8: Describes the daily burning of incense on the altar, showing its role in the tabernacle’s worship as a representation of prayers rising to God.
- Psalm 141:2: “May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.” This verse connects the idea of incense with prayer, emphasizing the pleasing nature of sincere worship to God.
- Revelation 5:8: Describes the prayers of the saints as incense before God, highlighting the continuity of this symbol from the Old Testament to the New Testament.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Numbers 7:14 serves as a reminder that our prayers and worship are valuable to God. Just as Nahshon’s incense was a pleasing aroma, our sincere prayers and praises are precious in God’s sight. This verse encourages us to approach worship thoughtfully, recognizing that what we bring to God—whether it’s our time, words, or actions—matters to Him.
The offering of incense in a gold dish also challenges us to give God our best, not just materially but in the quality of our devotion. It’s a call to be intentional in our worship, ensuring that our prayers are not just empty words but heartfelt expressions of our love and reverence for God. This verse reminds us that worship is not about going through the motions but about engaging with God with a sincere and dedicated heart.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Numbers 7:14 reflects God’s love for His people by showing that He values their prayers and acts of worship. God’s acceptance of Nahshon’s offering of incense demonstrates that He delights in the sincere devotion of His people. The imagery of incense rising as a sweet aroma symbolizes God’s openness to receive our prayers, no matter how simple or complex they may be.
God’s love is seen in His desire for relationship and communication with His people. The use of incense in the tabernacle’s worship highlights that God is not distant but actively listens to and values the prayers of His people. This verse assures us that God is attentive to our worship and that our efforts to honor Him are not in vain.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The offering of incense in Numbers 7:14 points forward to Jesus Christ, who is our ultimate mediator and intercessor before God. In the Old Testament, incense symbolized the prayers of the people, but through Jesus, we have direct access to God. Hebrews 7:25 tells us that Jesus “always lives to intercede” for us, making our prayers effective and pleasing to God.
In Revelation 8:3-4, incense is again used to represent the prayers of the saints, showing that through Jesus, our prayers are lifted directly to God. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross opened the way for us to approach God with confidence, knowing that our prayers are heard and valued. The connection between incense and prayer highlights the ongoing role of Jesus as our High Priest, who presents our worship before God.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How can you make your prayers and worship more sincere, reflecting the intentionality seen in Nahshon’s offering of incense?
- What does this verse teach you about the importance of bringing your best to God in worship?
- How can you ensure that your worship is not just a routine but a heartfelt expression of your devotion to God?
- In what ways does understanding Jesus as our intercessor encourage you to pray with confidence?
- How does recognizing the value God places on your prayers and worship inspire you to seek Him more earnestly?
Numbers 7:14 teaches us about the beauty and significance of worship, reminding us that our prayers and offerings are valuable to God. It challenges us to approach worship with sincerity and intention, knowing that through Jesus, our prayers rise like sweet incense before the Lord, pleasing and accepted in His sight.