Numbers 7:32 – “one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

Numbers 7:32 describes part of the offering brought by Elizur, the leader of the tribe of Reuben, on the fourth day of the dedication of the altar. His offering included a gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense. The incense was significant in Israel’s worship, representing the prayers and praises of the people rising to God like a sweet-smelling aroma. It symbolized the connection between God and His people, emphasizing the importance of a sincere and heartfelt approach to worship.

The gold dish used to hold the incense added value and honor to the offering. Gold, being a precious metal, signified the worth and reverence that the Israelites placed on their acts of worship. The incense, carefully mixed and burned, was a visual and fragrant reminder of the prayers offered to God, showing that worship involved more than just physical offerings—it was about the heart reaching out to God.

Historical Context

This verse is set during the twelve-day dedication of the altar in the tabernacle at Mount Sinai. The tabernacle was the center of Israel’s worship and represented God’s presence among His people. The altar was critical in the worship system, serving as the place where various offerings, including burnt sacrifices, sin offerings, and incense, were made to honor and connect with God.

Incense played an important role in the daily rituals of the tabernacle. It was burned on the altar of incense, located in the Holy Place, just outside the Most Holy Place where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. The burning incense represented the prayers of the people ascending to God, and it served as a symbol of ongoing communication and relationship with Him. Elizur’s offering of a gold dish filled with incense reflected the tribe of Reuben’s dedication and desire to connect with God through prayer.

Theological Implications

Theologically, Numbers 7:32 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 merely about outward acts or rituals but about the heart’s connection to God, where our prayers and praises are received as a sweet aroma.

The gold dish filled with incense also underscores the idea that worship should be valuable and meaningful. It reminds us that our approach to God should not be casual or thoughtless but should reflect deep respect and gratitude. Worship is more than just a routine; it’s about offering our best to God in a spirit of humility and devotion.

Literary Analysis

Numbers 7:32 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 structure highlights the significance of each tribe’s contribution, with each offering carefully recorded to show the collective effort and unity involved in worshiping God.

The specific mention of the gold dish and its weight, along with the incense, emphasizes the thoughtfulness of Elizur’s offering. The repetitive listing of similar offerings by other leaders reinforces the shared commitment of the community in dedicating the altar. The narrative focuses on the details of each offering, underscoring the importance of every act of worship and the heart behind it.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 30:34-38: Describes the sacred recipe for the incense used in the tabernacle, emphasizing its importance and the need to use 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 incense with prayer, highlighting its symbolic significance in worship.
• Revelation 8:3-4: Depicts incense being offered with the prayers of the saints before God’s throne, demonstrating the continuity of this symbolism from the Old Testament to the New Testament.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For today’s Christian, Numbers 7:32 serves as a reminder of the importance of prayer and worship in our relationship with God. The gold dish filled with incense symbolizes the beauty of our prayers when offered sincerely and humbly. This verse encourages us to make prayer a central part of our walk with God, recognizing that He values our communication with Him.

The verse also challenges us to approach worship with intention and respect. Just as Elizur’s offering was valuable and carefully prepared, our acts of worship should be thoughtful and reflect a heart that truly seeks to honor God. It’s a call to ensure that our prayers and praises are not routine or empty but are filled with meaning and devotion.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Numbers 7:32 reflects God’s loving nature by showing that He values 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 cherishes our sincere efforts to connect with Him. God’s desire for incense in the tabernacle underscores His willingness to hear from His people and to be close to them through prayer.

God’s love is also seen in how He provides a way for His people to express their devotion. The use of incense in worship shows that God wants to hear from us, and He values our efforts to draw near to Him. This verse reminds us that God is attentive to our prayers and that He delights in our worship when it comes from a sincere heart.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

The offering of incense in Numbers 7:32 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, the prayers of the saints are likened to 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 7:32 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.