Numbers 7
The Records of the Gifts and Offerings that the Leaders of the Twelve Tribes Gave at the Dedication of the Tabernacle and the Altar

Lesson 7

background notes

doctrinal points

1. Every gift to God is an offering before the Lord.
2. Every gift of God is recorded in His book.

practical application

Speak to God so that He can speak to you.

questions

1. What is the longest chapter in the Pentateuch? What is the longest chapter in the Bible?
2. When does Numbers 7 take place?
3. Why were the leaders of the twelve tribes bringing all of these gifts and offerings?
4. Why did the twelve tribes each bring their offerings on successive days, rather than all on one day?

answers

1. Numbers 7 is the longest chapter in the Pentateuch and the second longest in the Bible. Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible.
2. This chapter records the events immediately following the set up of the tabernacle, even before the military census of Numbers chapter 1.
3. For the dedication of the new tabernacle and altar.
4. One reason would be the considerable time it would take to sacrifice so many animals.

discuss consider

1. The twelve tribes gave many gifts for the dedication of the tabernacle. These gifts came in many different forms – carts, oxen, silver, incense, etc. Whatever you give for the service of the Lord is a gift to God, and therefore an offering before Him. How can you give to the service of the Lord? Think beyond tithing your money. List some creative ideas.
2. These gifts to God were offerings to the Lord, and therefore they were worship. Even though each tribe offered the same gifts every day, God did not have Moses skip over them when he was writing Numbers. Every gift to God is important to Him. Do you think of your singing on Sunday morning as a gift to God? Are you giving Him your best? Remember God is never bored with our worship.

challenge

The Levites were responsible for transporting the pieces of the tabernacle. In Numbers 7, the other tribes gave carts and oxen to help the Levites perform their service. God always provides for the needs of His people to do the work He has called them to do. Has God called you to do a certain work for Him? Pray, believing that He will provide what you need to carry out this service.

memorize

• “Then the leaders of Israel, who were the leaders of the tribes, made an offering.” Numbers 7:89
• “Now when Moses went into the tabernacle of meeting to speak with Him…thus He spoke to him.” Numbers 7:89
• “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name.” Hebrews 6:10