Numbers 7:38 – “one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

Numbers 7:38 describes part of the offering brought by Shelumiel, the leader of the tribe of Simeon, on the fifth day of the dedication of the altar. His offering included a gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense. The incense was an important part of Israel’s worship, symbolizing the prayers of the people rising to God like a sweet-smelling aroma. This offering highlighted the intimate connection between the worshipers and God, showing that their prayers and praises were valuable and precious.

The gold dish used to hold the incense added significance to the offering, reflecting the reverence and honor that the people placed on their worship. Gold was a precious metal, and its use in the offering symbolized the high value the Israelites placed on their relationship with God. The incense, when burned, created a fragrant reminder of the presence of God, showing that worship was more than rituals—it was about heartfelt communication with the Creator.

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 worship for the Israelites and represented God’s dwelling among His people. The altar was essential in the worship system, serving as the place where various sacrifices, including burnt offerings and incense, were made to honor God and maintain a close relationship with Him.

Incense played a vital role in the daily rituals of the tabernacle. It was burned on the altar of incense, which was 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. Shelumiel’s offering of a gold dish filled with incense reflected the tribe of Simeon’s dedication to maintaining a strong connection with God through prayer and worship.

Theological Implications

Theologically, Numbers 7:38 emphasizes the importance of prayer and sincere worship. The incense represents the prayers of the people, illustrating that God values genuine communication with His followers. This verse teaches that worship goes beyond physical acts; it’s about the heart reaching out to God, where our prayers are received as a pleasing aroma.

The gold dish filled with incense also underscores the need for respect and honor in worship. The use of precious materials shows that worship should be approached with care and reverence. This verse challenges us to consider the quality of our prayers and our approach to God, encouraging us to offer the best of our hearts in worship.

Literary Analysis

Numbers 7:38 is part of a detailed and repetitive account of the offerings brought by each leader of Israel’s tribes during the dedication of the altar. The structured and orderly presentation of each offering highlights the intentional and communal nature of worship. Each leader’s contribution is recorded individually, emphasizing that every tribe played a significant role in the dedication process.

The mention of the gold dish and its weight, along with the incense it contained, reflects the deliberate and thoughtful nature of the offering. The repetition of similar offerings by other leaders reinforces the shared commitment of the community in honoring God. The narrative’s attention to detail illustrates that worship was not a random event but a carefully planned and meaningful act of devotion.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 30:34-38: Describes the sacred recipe for the incense used in the tabernacle, emphasizing its importance and its exclusive use 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 7:38 serves as a reminder of the importance of prayer and the value of offering our worship 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 walk with God, recognizing that He values our communication with Him.

The verse also challenges us to approach worship with respect and thoughtfulness. Just as Shelumiel’s offering was valuable and carefully prepared, our acts of worship should be intentional 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 7:38 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 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 shows that He is eager 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 7:38 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 7:38 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.