Numbers 7:50 – “one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

Numbers 7:50 describes part of the offering brought by Elishama, the leader of the tribe of Ephraim, on the seventh day of the dedication of the altar. His offering included a gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense. Incense was a significant element in Israel’s worship, symbolizing the prayers of the people rising up to God like a sweet aroma. This offering represented the intimate connection between the worshipers and God, highlighting that their prayers and praises were valuable and pleasing to Him.

The use of gold in the dish underscored the honor and reverence placed on this act of worship. Gold, being a precious metal, reflected the value and respect the people had for God. The incense, when burned, produced a fragrant smoke that symbolized the prayers of the people reaching God, reminding them of God’s presence and their dependence on Him. This was more than a ritual—it was an act of devotion that symbolized a heart longing to connect with God.

Historical Context

This verse takes place during the dedication of the altar in the tabernacle at Mount Sinai. The tabernacle was the center of Israel’s worship and symbolized God’s presence among His people. The altar was a crucial component, serving as the place where various sacrifices and offerings, including incense, were made to maintain a relationship with God.

Incense had a special role in the tabernacle’s daily rituals. It was burned on the altar of incense, which was placed in the Holy Place just outside the Most Holy Place where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. The burning of incense symbolized ongoing communication with God, and it was meant to be a pleasing aroma before Him. Elishama’s offering of a gold dish filled with incense showed that the tribe of Ephraim valued this connection with God through prayer and worship.

Theological Implications

Theologically, Numbers 7:50 emphasizes the importance of prayer and sincere worship. The incense symbolizes the prayers of the people, illustrating that God values genuine communication from His followers. This verse teaches that worship is not just about outward actions but about a heartfelt connection with God, where our prayers are received with delight by Him.

The gold dish filled with incense also highlights the need for reverence in worship. Using precious materials shows that approaching God requires respect and intentionality. This verse challenges us to consider how we approach God in prayer, encouraging us to come before Him with sincere hearts and a desire to honor Him in all that we do.

Literary Analysis

Numbers 7:50 is part of the detailed and repetitive narrative that records the offerings brought by each leader of Israel’s tribes during the dedication of the altar. The structured and orderly presentation highlights the communal nature of worship, with each leader’s offering carefully documented to show the unity and shared responsibility in honoring God.

The mention of the gold dish and its specific weight, along with the incense it contained, reflects the thoughtful and deliberate nature of the offering. The repetitive listing of similar offerings by other leaders reinforces the theme of collective worship, showing that each tribe’s participation was valued and contributed to the overall dedication of the altar.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 30:34-38: Describes the sacred recipe for the incense used in the tabernacle, emphasizing its importance and 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 7:50 serves as a reminder of the importance of prayer and the value of sincere worship. 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, knowing that He values our communication with Him.

The verse also challenges us to approach worship with respect and intentionality. Just as Elishama’s offering was valuable and carefully prepared, our acts of worship should be deliberate and reflective of 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 7:50 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 evident 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 7:50 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 7:50 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.