Numbers 7:68 – “one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Numbers 7:68 describes part of the offering brought by Ahiezer, the leader of the tribe of Dan, on the tenth 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 as a fragrant and pleasing aroma. This act of offering incense wasn’t just about ritual; it represented the ongoing relationship between God and His people, where their prayers were valued and heard.
The use of a gold dish emphasizes the honor and reverence given to God in worship. Gold was considered highly valuable, and offering it showed deep respect and recognition of God’s worthiness. Incense, when burned, created a fragrant smoke that symbolized the prayers of the people ascending to God. This act of worship was meaningful, reflecting a desire for a closer relationship with God and a heartfelt expression of devotion.
Historical Context
This verse is set during the dedication of the altar in the tabernacle at Mount Sinai. The tabernacle was the focal point of Israel’s worship, representing God’s presence among His people. The altar played a critical role in their worship system, serving as the place where offerings were made to express gratitude, seek forgiveness, and celebrate fellowship with God.
Incense was especially important in the tabernacle’s daily practices. 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 of incense symbolized ongoing prayers rising before God, a vital aspect of Israel’s worship. Ahiezer’s offering of a gold dish filled with incense underscored the tribe of Dan’s commitment to maintaining their worship and communication with God.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Numbers 7:68 highlights the importance of prayer and sincere worship. Incense symbolizes the prayers of the people, showing that God values genuine communication with His followers. This act of worship teaches that God desires not just outward rituals but also heartfelt connection with His people, where their prayers are sincere and pleasing to Him.
The gold dish filled with incense also emphasizes the need for reverence in worship. Using valuable materials shows that approaching God should be done with respect and honor. This verse challenges us to reflect on how we approach God in prayer, encouraging us to come before Him with sincerity and a genuine heart of worship.
Literary Analysis
Numbers 7:68 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 presentation of each offering emphasizes the communal nature of worship and the significance of each leader’s participation in the dedication process.
The mention of the gold dish and its specific weight, along with the incense it contained, reflects the careful and thoughtful nature of the offering. The repetitive listing of similar offerings by other leaders reinforces the theme of unity and shared commitment to worshiping God, showing that each act of dedication added to the collective worship experience.
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: Describes 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 7:68 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 Ahiezer’s offering was valuable and carefully prepared, our acts of worship should not be casual or routine. This passage encourages us to come before God with a heart that seeks to honor Him, valuing our time spent in prayer and worship.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Numbers 7:68 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 ways for His people to express their devotion. The use of incense in worship shows that God wants to hear from us and values our efforts to draw near to Him. This verse reminds us that God is attentive to our prayers and delights in our worship when it comes from a sincere heart.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The offering of incense in Numbers 7:68 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 7:68 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.