When the altar was anointedThe anointing of the altar signifies its consecration and setting apart for holy use. In the context of the Tabernacle, anointing with oil was a common practice to symbolize the presence and blessing of God. This act parallels the anointing of priests and kings, indicating a special role or purpose. The altar's anointing can be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate anointed one (Messiah), set apart for the redemption of humanity.
the leaders approached
The leaders here refer to the heads of the twelve tribes of Israel. Their approach signifies unity and collective responsibility in worship and dedication to God. This act of leadership in worship reflects the importance of godly leadership in guiding the people in spiritual matters. It also emphasizes the communal aspect of worship, where leaders represent their people before God.
with their offerings for its dedication
The offerings brought by the leaders were part of the dedication ceremony of the altar. These offerings included silver plates, gold bowls, and various animals for sacrifice, as detailed in the surrounding verses. The dedication offerings symbolize the people's commitment to God and their desire to honor Him. This act of giving is a precursor to the New Testament teaching of offering oneself as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1).
and presented them before the altar
Presenting the offerings before the altar signifies an act of worship and submission to God. The altar, as the place of sacrifice, represents the meeting point between God and man. This act foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, where He presented Himself as the perfect offering for sin. The presentation of offerings also highlights the importance of approaching God with reverence and humility.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Leaders of IsraelThese were the heads of the tribes of Israel, responsible for bringing offerings for the dedication of the altar. Their role was significant in representing their respective tribes before God.
2.
The AltarThis was the altar of burnt offering in the Tabernacle, which had been anointed and was now being dedicated. It was central to the worship and sacrificial system of Israel.
3.
Dedication OfferingThis was a special offering made by the leaders of Israel to consecrate the altar for its sacred purpose. It symbolized the commitment of the people to God and His covenant.
4.
AnointingThe act of anointing the altar signified its sanctification and setting apart for holy use. It was a common practice in the Old Testament to anoint objects and people for divine service.
5.
TabernacleThe portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wanderings in the desert. It was the dwelling place of God among His people and the center of their worship.
Teaching Points
The Importance of DedicationJust as the altar was dedicated to God, we are called to dedicate our lives to His service. This involves setting ourselves apart for His purposes and living in obedience to His commands.
Leadership and ResponsibilityThe leaders of Israel took the initiative in offering the dedication gifts. In our communities, leaders are called to set an example of faithfulness and commitment to God.
Symbolism of AnointingAnointing signifies being set apart for a holy purpose. As believers, we are anointed by the Holy Spirit, called to live lives that reflect God's holiness and love.
Community WorshipThe collective offering by the leaders highlights the importance of community in worship. We are encouraged to come together as a body of believers to honor God and support one another in faith.
Christ as Our AltarThe altar in the Tabernacle points to Christ, who is the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. Our faith and worship are centered on His redemptive work on the cross.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Numbers 7:10?
2.How does Numbers 7:10 illustrate the importance of offerings in worship today?
3.What can we learn from the leaders' dedication in Numbers 7:10?
4.How does Numbers 7:10 connect to New Testament teachings on giving?
5.In what ways can we emulate the leaders' obedience in our lives?
6.How does Numbers 7:10 encourage us to prioritize God in our daily actions?
7.What is the significance of the offerings in Numbers 7:10 for Israel's worship practices?
8.How does Numbers 7:10 reflect the importance of community in religious observance?
9.Why were the leaders' offerings detailed in Numbers 7:10 important for the tabernacle's dedication?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 7?
11.Numbers 7:10–11: Why would God require each tribe to offer exactly the same items rather than reflecting different tribal resources?
12.Numbers 7:1-3: How could the Israelites, while wandering in the wilderness, assemble such large quantities of metals and animals for offerings?
13.Numbers 7:12-29: Is the repetitive listing of identical offerings by each tribe historically realistic, or does it suggest a literary formula?
14.Why does 2 Corinthians 9:7 emphasize cheerful giving if Old Testament laws (e.g., tithing in Malachi 3:10) demand mandatory giving?What Does Numbers 7:10 Mean
When the altar was anointed• The altar stood finished, but it was not yet usable until it was set apart.Exodus 40:9 says, “Take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and all that is in it; consecrate it and all its furnishings, and it will be holy.”
• Anointing signified that the altar now belonged to the LORD alone, just asLeviticus 8:10–11 portrays Moses anointing the tabernacle and its furniture.
• By recording this moment,Numbers 7:10 confirms that worship in Israel always begins with God’s initiative—He designates what is holy and fit for His presence.
The leaders approached• The “leaders” were the twelve heads of Israel’s tribes (Numbers 1:16). Their movement toward the altar shows corporate responsibility: they lead the people in responding to God.
•Exodus 35:27 notes that these same men had supplied precious stones for the priestly garments; now they step forward again.
• Godly leadership never stays distant from sacrifice. First Chronicles 29:6 describes a similar pattern when the officials gave willingly for the temple. Leading means modeling devotion.
With their offerings for its dedication• “Dedication” (chanukkah) points to a fresh beginning, echoed later in2 Chronicles 7:9 when Solomon dedicates the temple.
• Verses 11–88 list identical offerings from each tribe—carts, oxen, silver, gold, grain, and animals. Uniform gifts underscore unity and equality before the LORD (Romans 2:11).
• By funding worship, the leaders declare that what matters most is God’s dwelling among them, foreshadowing the church’s calling to present “spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God” (1 Peter 2:5).
And presented them before the altar• “Presenting” means bringing the offerings as near as possible without bypassing God’s ordained mediator.Leviticus 1:3–5 explains that an offering must be brought “to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting… before the LORD.”
• The altar stands between sinful people and a holy God, anticipating Christ, “who loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2).
•Hebrews 10:22 invites believers to “draw near with a sincere heart,” echoing this scene: once an altar is sanctified, God welcomes worshipers through sacrifice.
summaryNumbers 7:10 captures a pivotal moment: once God sanctified the altar, Israel’s leaders immediately brought unified gifts to inaugurate continual worship. Their example teaches that consecrated worship starts with God’s sanctifying work, is led by responsible, generous leadership, and is expressed through offerings brought near to Him in faith—ultimately fulfilled in Christ, our perfect altar and sacrifice.
Verse 10. -
For dedicating of the altar. The altar was "dedicated" in the sense of being consecrated, by the anointing with the sacred oil and with the blood of the appointed sacrifices (
Leviticus 8:10, 15). But it could still be "dedicated" in another sense by the sacrificial gifts, freely offered for the purpose, of the people. No rules appear to have been made as to dedications, but there is an allusion in
Deuteronomy 20:5 to the dedication of houses, which may have been accompanied with religions rites, and we know that as a fact the temple was dedicated by Solomon (
2 Chronicles 7:5), and re-dedicated by the Maccabees (1 Macc. 4:54,
sq.), and the wall of Jerusalem was dedicated by Nehemiah (
Nehemiah 12:27, sq.). The Septuagint has here
εἰς τὸν ἐγκαινισμὸν, as in 1 Macc. 4:56, and cf.
John 10:22.
Offered their offeringbefore the altar. This assuredly points to an offering made in common, and made at one time, via, on the day when the altar was anointed. It may be that the twelve princes all came for the purpose of making their offerings on that day, the day they would naturally choose for the purpose; but on account of the great number of other sacrifices, and the fewness of the priests,
their offerings were postponed by the Divine command, and were actually received later. Thus in will and in meaning the offerings were made "on the day" of the consecration, but were publicly and solemnly received at some subsequent time.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Whenבְּי֖וֹם(bə·yō·wm)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117:A day[the altar] was anointed,הִמָּשַׁ֣ח(him·mā·šaḥ)Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 4886:To rub with oil, to anoint, to consecrate, to paintthe leadersהַנְּשִׂאִ֗ים(han·nə·śi·’îm)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5387:An exalted one, a king, sheik, a rising mistapproachedוַיַּקְרִ֣יבוּ(way·yaq·rî·ḇū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7126:To come near, approachwith their offeringsקָרְבָּנָ֖ם(qā·rə·bā·nām)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 7133:Something brought near the altar, a sacrificial presentfor [its] dedicationחֲנֻכַּ֣ת(ḥă·nuk·kaṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 2598:Initiation, consecration[and]הַנְּשִׂיאִ֛ם(han·nə·śî·’im)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5387:An exalted one, a king, sheik, a rising mistpresented themוַיַּקְרִ֧יבוּ(way·yaq·rî·ḇū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7126:To come near, approachbeforeלִפְנֵ֥י(lip̄·nê)Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440:The facethe altar.הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃(ham·miz·bê·aḥ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4196:An altar
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OT Law: Numbers 7:10 The princes gave offerings for the dedication (Nu Num.) 
