one gold dishIn the context of
Numbers 7, each tribal leader of Israel presented offerings for the dedication of the altar. The use of gold signifies value and purity, reflecting the preciousness of the offering to God. Gold was a common material used in the tabernacle, symbolizing divine presence and holiness (
Exodus 25:11). The dish, or bowl, was likely used in the tabernacle service, emphasizing the importance of worship and sacrifice in Israelite culture.
weighing ten shekels
The weight of ten shekels indicates a specific and significant measure, showing the precision and care in offerings to God. A shekel was a standard unit of weight in ancient Israel, approximately 11.4 grams. This precision underscores the importance of following God's instructions exactly, as seen throughout the Pentateuch, where obedience to God's commands is a central theme.
filled with incense
Incense in the Bible often symbolizes prayer and the presence of God (Psalm 141:2,Revelation 5:8). The use of incense in the tabernacle was a daily ritual, representing the prayers of the people ascending to God. The specific mention of incense here highlights the role of the priesthood in mediating between God and the people, a role ultimately fulfilled by Jesus Christ as our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16). The fragrance of incense also signifies the pleasing aroma of a life dedicated to God, as seen in the sacrificial system.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who is overseeing the dedication offerings for the altar.
2.
The AltarThe central place of worship and sacrifice in the Tabernacle, being dedicated by the leaders of the tribes of Israel.
3.
Tribe of BenjaminThe tribe whose leader, Abidan son of Gideoni, is making the offering on the twelfth day.
4.
Abidan son of GideoniThe leader of the tribe of Benjamin, who presents the offering.
5.
TabernacleThe portable dwelling place for the divine presence among the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness.
Teaching Points
The Importance of DedicationThe dedication of the altar signifies the importance of setting apart sacred spaces and times for worship. In our lives, we should dedicate time and resources to God, recognizing His sovereignty.
Unity in WorshipEach tribe, including Benjamin, participated in the offerings, symbolizing unity among the people of God. In the church today, unity in worship and purpose is essential for a strong community of faith.
Generosity in GivingThe offerings were generous and specific, reflecting the heart of giving. As believers, we are called to give generously and with purpose, trusting that God will use our offerings for His glory.
Symbolism of SacrificeThe sacrifices point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Understanding the Old Testament sacrifices helps us appreciate the depth of Christ's atonement for our sins.
Faithfulness in LeadershipAbidan's role as a leader making the offering highlights the responsibility of leaders to guide their people in worship and obedience to God. Christian leaders today are called to lead by example in faithfulness and devotion.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Numbers 7:56?
2.How does Numbers 7:56 illustrate the importance of offerings in worship today?
3.What can we learn about God's character from Numbers 7:56?
4.How does Numbers 7:56 connect with New Testament teachings on giving?
5.How can we apply the principle of generosity from Numbers 7:56 in our lives?
6.What role does obedience play in the offerings described in Numbers 7:56?
7.What is the significance of the offering described in Numbers 7:56?
8.How does Numbers 7:56 reflect the Israelites' relationship with God?
9.Why is the specific offering in Numbers 7:56 important in biblical history?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 7?
11.Numbers 7:85-88: How did a nomadic community manage the massive total of precious metals and livestock described in these verses?
12.Numbers 7:10-11: Why would God require each tribe to offer exactly the same items rather than reflecting different tribal resources?
13.How do the twenty-four elders from Revelation 4:4 align with or contradict other biblical notions of heavenly beings or leadership?
14.Why is Dan excluded from Revelation's 144,000 list?What Does Numbers 7:56 Mean
One gold dish“one gold dish” (Numbers 7:56)
• One dish—singular—highlights the unity of the offering. Every tribe brought an identical set of gifts, underscoring that all Israel stood on equal footing before the Lord (cf.Romans 2:11).
• Gold speaks of purity and great worth. Moses had already been told to use gold in the tabernacle’s most sacred objects (Exodus 25:11–13, 29); this dish matches that standard, declaring that only the best belongs on God’s altar.
• A “dish” (or pan) was a practical vessel, reminding us that worship is never abstract; holy devotion must be expressed in concrete ways (James 2:17).
Weighing ten shekels“weighing ten shekels”
• Ten is a number of completeness (the Ten Commandments,Exodus 20:1-17). The worshiper gives a measured, complete gift rather than something haphazard (Malachi 1:8).
• A shekel was the sanctuary standard (Exodus 30:13). By weighing the gold, the giver accepts God’s scales, not human ones, echoingProverbs 16:11, “Honest scales and balances are from the LORD.”
• The precise weight ensures that every tribe’s offering is equal—no room for rivalry, only shared devotion (2 Corinthians 8:13-14).
Filled with incense“filled with incense”
• Incense was a fragrant blend reserved for God alone (Exodus 30:34-38). Its aroma symbolized the prayers of the saints (Psalm 141:2;Revelation 8:3-4).
• Filling the dish shows intentionality—there is no emptiness in true worship (John 4:23).
• Incense had to be pure; unauthorized mixtures brought judgment (Leviticus 10:1-2). Acceptable worship still requires a pure heart (Matthew 5:8).
Why it matters in the dedication offerings•Numbers 7 details twelve identical presentations over twelve days, stressing that dedication of the altar demanded ongoing, collective participation.
• The gold dish of incense sits beside grain, animals, and silver, teaching that prayer (incense) is as indispensable as sacrifice (Hebrews 13:15-16).
• By recording each tribe’s gift verbatim, the Spirit affirms that God notices every act of obedience, even when it looks repetitive to us (Galatians 6:9).
Foreshadowing Christ• Gold points to Christ’s kingship (Matthew 2:11).
• Incense anticipates His mediating priesthood (Hebrews 7:25).
• The single dish hints at the one perfect offering Jesus would make “once for all” (Hebrews 10:10).
Living response• Offer God your best, not leftovers. He deserves gold-standard devotion in money, time, and abilities (Colossians 3:23-24).
• Keep your worship complete—measure it by His Word, not by convenience.
• Let prayer fill your life like incense, rising continually before Him (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
summaryNumbers 7:56 records “one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense” to show that every tribe brought a costly, carefully measured, prayer-saturated gift to the altar. The verse teaches that God values unified, wholehearted, and fragrant worship—pointing ahead to the perfect offering of Christ and calling believers today to bring nothing less than their best, purest devotion to Him.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
oneאַחַ֛ת(’a·ḥaṯ)Number - feminine singular
Strong's 259:United, one, firstgoldזָהָ֖ב(zā·hāḇ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2091:Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear skydishכַּ֥ף(kap̄)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3709:Hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot), a panweighing ten [shekels],עֲשָׂרָ֥ה(‘ă·śā·rāh)Number - masculine singular
Strong's 6235:Tenfilled withמְלֵאָ֥ה(mə·lê·’āh)Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 4392:Full, filling, fulness, fullyincense;קְטֹֽרֶת׃(qə·ṭō·reṯ)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7004:Smoke, odor of (burning) sacrifice, incense
Links
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OT Law: Numbers 7:56 One golden ladle of ten shekels full (Nu Num.) 
