Numbers 7:86 – “The total number of gold dishes filled with incense weighed twelve; each gold dish weighed ten shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Numbers 7:86 provides a summary of the gold dishes filled with incense that were offered by the leaders of the twelve tribes during the dedication of the altar. Each leader brought a gold dish weighing ten shekels, and there were twelve in total, one for each tribe. These dishes were filled with incense, which played an important role in worship as a symbol of prayers rising to God.
The offering of incense in gold dishes highlights the value and reverence the Israelites placed on their worship. Incense was not just a pleasing aroma; it represented the prayers and devotion of the people. By presenting these offerings in gold dishes, the leaders demonstrated the importance of approaching God with honor, respect, and a heart full of worship.
Historical Context
This verse is set during the dedication of the altar in the tabernacle at Mount Sinai, a pivotal moment in Israel’s history. The tabernacle was the place where God’s presence dwelt among His people, and the altar was central to their worship, serving as the place of sacrifice, atonement, and thanksgiving. The dedication ceremony lasted twelve days, with each tribe’s leader bringing offerings to honor God and consecrate the altar.
The use of incense in worship was significant in ancient Israel. Incense was burned daily on the altar of incense in the Holy Place, just outside the Most Holy Place where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. The burning of incense symbolized the prayers of the people ascending to God, creating a fragrant atmosphere that represented the sweet relationship between God and His people.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Numbers 7:86 emphasizes the importance of prayer and sincere worship. The incense in the gold dishes symbolizes the prayers of God’s people, showing that God values and cherishes our communication with Him. This offering teaches that worship is not just about outward actions but about an inner connection with God, where our prayers are like a sweet-smelling fragrance before Him.
The gold dishes also represent the honor and value placed on worship. Gold was a precious metal, signifying wealth, beauty, and purity. By offering incense in gold dishes, the leaders demonstrated that worship should be approached with the highest respect and with a heart that seeks to honor God above all else. It reminds us that our worship should reflect our best, not out of obligation, but as a heartfelt response to who God is.
Literary Analysis
Numbers 7:86 is part of the detailed account of the offerings brought by each leader during the dedication of the altar. The verse summarizes the total number and weight of the gold dishes filled with incense, highlighting the unity and collective nature of the worship. The careful recording of each item reflects the importance of each tribe’s participation in the dedication and the shared responsibility of worship.
The repetitive structure of the passage emphasizes that every tribe’s offering was equally important, underscoring the unity of the nation. The use of specific details, such as the weight of the gold dishes, adds a sense of precision and value to the narrative, showing that every act of worship was intentional and deeply significant.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 30:7-8: Describes the burning of incense on the altar every morning and evening, symbolizing the continual prayers of the people before God.
- 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 directly connects incense with prayer, highlighting its symbolic importance in worship.
- Revelation 8:3-4: Describes incense offered with the prayers of the saints before God’s throne, showing that the imagery of incense as a symbol of prayer continues in the New Testament.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Numbers 7:86 serves as a reminder of the value of prayer and the importance of sincere worship. The gold dishes filled with incense represent the beauty of our prayers when offered with a true heart. 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 honor. Just as the gold dishes symbolized the value placed on worship, we are reminded to bring our best to God, whether through prayer, service, or praise. Worship should not be a casual routine but a meaningful act that reflects our gratitude, respect, and love for God.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Numbers 7:86 reflects God’s loving nature by showing that He cherishes the prayers and worship of His people. The incense rising like a sweet aroma represents that our prayers are pleasing to God, and He welcomes our sincere expressions of devotion. God’s desire for incense in the tabernacle reflects His longing for a close, ongoing relationship with His people, where their prayers are a vital part of that connection.
God’s love is evident in how He invites His people to communicate with Him through prayer. The act of offering incense symbolizes God’s openness to hearing from His people and His delight in their devotion. This verse assures us that God is attentive to our prayers and that He values our sincere worship.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The offering of incense in Numbers 7:86 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 acceptable to God.
Through Jesus, our prayers are heard and treasured by God. 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 and valued by God. This connection reminds us that Jesus bridges the gap between us and God, allowing our prayers to rise like incense and be welcomed 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 7:86 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.