Numbers 7:56 – “one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Numbers 7:56 describes part of the offering brought by Gamaliel, the leader of the tribe of Manasseh, on the eighth day of the dedication of the altar. His offering included a gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense. Incense played a significant role in Israel’s worship, symbolizing the prayers of the people rising up to God like a sweet aroma. This offering represented the deep, ongoing connection between the worshipers and God, showing that their prayers were valuable and pleasing to Him.
The use of gold for the dish underscored the honor and reverence given to this act of worship. Gold, being a precious metal, reflected the value and respect the people had for God. Incense, when burned, created a fragrant smoke that symbolized the prayers and praises of the people reaching God. This wasn’t just a ritual—it was an expression of devotion and a desire to maintain close communication 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 worship for the Israelites and represented God’s presence among His people. The altar was a critical 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 was meant to symbolize ongoing communication with God, and it was to be a pleasing aroma before Him. Gamaliel’s offering of a gold dish filled with incense showed the tribe of Manasseh’s deep commitment to keeping their relationship with God alive and sincere.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Numbers 7:56 highlights the importance of prayer and sincere worship. Incense symbolizes the prayers of the people, illustrating that God values genuine communication with His followers. This act of worship teaches that God is not just interested in outward actions; He deeply desires a heartfelt connection with His people, where their prayers are precious to Him.
The gold dish filled with incense also emphasizes the need for reverence in worship. Using precious materials shows that approaching God is something to be taken seriously. 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 with our words and actions.
Literary Analysis
Numbers 7:56 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 of each offering highlights the communal nature of worship, emphasizing that each tribe’s contribution was significant and honored by 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 unity and shared responsibility in worship, illustrating that every act of worship was a meaningful part of the collective dedication.
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 7:56 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 Gamaliel’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 7:56 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 7:56 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
- How can you make prayer a more intentional and meaningful part of your daily worship, reflecting the significance of incense in this verse?
- What does this verse teach you about the importance of approaching God with sincerity and reverence in worship?
- How can you ensure that your prayers and praises are offered with a genuine heart, not just as a routine?
- In what ways does Jesus’ role as our intercessor encourage you to pray with confidence and sincerity?
- How does recognizing the value God places on your prayers inspire you to draw closer to Him in worship?
Numbers 7:56 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.