Numbers Chapter 7
After the Sanctuary was dedicated, the leaders of the people—the same ones who helped with the census—presented their gifts. The gifts consisted of wagons for transportation of the Tabernacle articles.
Not everything was carried on wagons. The sacred items were to be carried on people’s shoulders. The LORD desires a personal relationship. The items that represented the LORD and were considered sacred (all made of pure gold) were carried by people.
Even now, the LORD still desires a personal relationship with His people. Our prayers need not be recorded. The meaning of a ‘closet time’ with one’s Creator can be expanded to include an effort aimed at prioritizing God in our lives.
As the young rich ruler discovered, wagons, riches, gifts…are not enough for a healthy relationship with the LORD. The LORD desires ‘the person’.
Other gifts were presented by the leaders. The gift list is long. There are a couple of notes on the gifts.
The items presented were of value and could be used in ministry at the Sanctuary. Secondly, the items were similar. The leaders were instructed on what to bring to the Sanctuary. We learn a couple of items: Our giving should be of value and usable in the ministry. Secondly, our church leaders can guide what can be brought to church.
Depending on the version, you could end up with a long chapter – one of the longest chapters in the Bible – among the top 10. Some versions like the Good News Translation have tables to shorten the chapter. But we shouldn’t miss the important items by shortening the chapter!
Each leader presents a prayer before the LORD God by their gifts. Each leader’s gift is special to the LORD God and is treated like that. There is no repetition if two people say the same prayer! God wants to hear prayer from each individual.
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