Numbers 7:20 – “one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

Numbers 7:20 describes part of the offering brought by Nethanel, the leader of the tribe of Issachar, on the second day of the dedication of the altar. His offering included a gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense. The gold dish and the incense were significant components of worship, symbolizing the prayers and praises of the people rising to God like a sweet-smelling aroma. The incense represented the idea that worship is pleasing to God when offered with a sincere heart.

The use of gold, a precious metal, for the dish highlights the value that the Israelites placed on worshiping God. Incense, which was often burned as part of the daily rituals in the tabernacle, was a symbol of prayer and connection with God. Nethanel’s offering was a meaningful expression of devotion, signifying the importance of approaching God with reverence and honor.

Historical Context

This verse is set during the dedication of the altar in the tabernacle at Mount Sinai. The tabernacle was the center of Israel’s worship, symbolizing God’s presence among His people. The altar, where various sacrifices were made, was crucial in the worship system, serving as the place where offerings were presented to God.

Incense was a key element in the worship practices of the tabernacle. It was burned daily on the altar of incense, which was located inside the Holy Place, just outside the Most Holy Place where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. The incense symbolized the prayers of the people ascending to God, signifying a close and personal relationship with Him. Nethanel’s offering of a gold dish filled with incense was part of the broader dedication process, reflecting the tribe of Issachar’s commitment to honoring God.

Theological Implications

Theologically, Numbers 7:20 emphasizes the importance of prayer and the value of approaching God with sincerity and reverence. The incense represents the prayers of the people, showing that God delights in the genuine worship of His people. This verse teaches that worship is not just about ritual but about the heart behind the act, where our prayers and praises are received as a sweet-smelling aroma by God.

The use of a gold dish filled with incense also underscores the idea that worship should be valuable and meaningful. Worship is not meant to be a casual or thoughtless activity but should reflect our deep respect and gratitude for who God is. This verse challenges us to consider how we approach God and to ensure that our worship is intentional and heartfelt.

Literary Analysis

Numbers 7:20 is part of the repetitive and detailed account of the offerings brought by each leader of Israel’s tribes during the dedication of the altar. The narrative’s structure emphasizes the importance of each tribe’s contribution, with each offering carefully recorded to show the collective effort involved in the dedication process.

The specific mention of the gold dish and its weight, along with the incense, highlights the careful and deliberate nature of Nethanel’s offering. The repetitive listing of similar offerings by other leaders reinforces the unity and shared responsibility of the community in worshiping God. The verse’s focus on the details of the offering serves to underscore the importance of every part of the worship process.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 30:34-38: Describes the specific incense recipe given by God for use in the tabernacle, emphasizing its sacred nature and the importance of using it only for worship.
• 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 burning of incense with the act of prayer, highlighting its symbolic significance in worship.
• Revelation 8:3-4: Describes incense being offered with the prayers of the saints before God’s throne, showing the ongoing connection between incense and prayer from the Old Testament to the New Testament.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For today’s Christian, Numbers 7:20 serves as a reminder of the importance of prayer and the value of approaching God with a sincere heart. The gold dish filled with incense symbolizes the beauty of our prayers when offered genuinely and humbly. This verse encourages us to make prayer a central part of our relationship with God, recognizing that He values our communication with Him.

The verse also teaches us to approach worship with intention and reverence. Just as Nethanel’s offering was thoughtful and valuable, our acts of worship should reflect a similar level of care and respect. It’s a call to ensure that our prayers and praises are not routine or empty but are filled with meaning and genuine devotion to God.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Numbers 7:20 reflects God’s loving nature by showing that He delights in the prayers and worship of His people. The incense, rising like a sweet aroma, symbolizes the idea that our prayers are pleasing to God and that He values our efforts to connect with Him. God’s desire for incense in the tabernacle highlights His willingness to be close to His people, inviting them into His presence through prayer.

God’s love is also seen in the way He provides a means for His people to express their devotion. The use of incense in worship shows that God wants to hear from His people and that their prayers matter to Him. This verse reminds us that God is attentive to our prayers and that He cherishes our efforts to draw near to Him with sincere hearts.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

The offering of incense in Numbers 7:20 points forward to Jesus Christ, who serves as our ultimate mediator and intercessor before God. In the Old Testament, incense represented 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.

Jesus’ role as our High Priest ensures that our prayers are heard and valued. In Revelation 5:8, we see that the prayers of the saints are like incense before God’s throne, showing that through Christ, our worship is received by God. This connection reminds us that Jesus bridges the gap between us and God, allowing our prayers to rise like incense and be accepted by Him.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How can you make prayer a more intentional and meaningful part of your daily worship, reflecting the significance of incense in this verse?
2. What does this verse teach you about the importance of approaching God with sincerity and reverence in worship?
3. How can you ensure that your prayers and praises are offered with a genuine heart, not just as a routine?
4. In what ways does Jesus’ role as our intercessor encourage you to pray with confidence and sincerity?
5. How does recognizing the value God places on your prayers inspire you to draw closer to Him in worship?

Numbers 7:20 teaches us about the importance of prayer and the value of offering our worship with a sincere heart. It challenges us to approach God with reverence, knowing that our prayers are like a sweet aroma that pleases Him. Through Jesus, our ultimate intercessor, we are invited to draw near to God with confidence, knowing that our prayers are heard and cherished.