Numbers 7:1 - Meaning and Application

Here is the offering the princes brought for the service of the tabernacle. Notice when they brought it: not until the tabernacle was fully set up, (Numbers 7:1). When everything had been completed, both the tabernacle itself and the camp of Israel around it, then they began to make their gifts, likely around the eighth day of the second month. Needed duties must come before voluntary gifts. First the required things, then the freewill offerings.

Notice also who brought the offering, the princes of Israel, the heads of their fathers’ houses, (Numbers 7:2). Those who are above others in rank and honor should lead the way in what is good, and try to go beyond others in it. The more God lifts someone up, the more he expects from that person, because that person has greater chances to serve God and help others. What are wealth and authority for, except to let a person do more good in the world?

Notice what they offered: six wagons, each with a yoke of oxen to pull it, (Numbers 7:3). No doubt these wagons were fit for the tabernacle and its furnishings, the best kind available, like the carriages great rulers use in processions. Some think God, through Moses, told them what to bring. Others think they themselves saw what was needed and made this gift from their own good judgment. God had already ordered all the essential parts of the tabernacle, but these useful extras seem to have been left to human wisdom to supply, so that what was lacking could be set in order (Titus 1:5). These wagons were accepted, even though Moses had not seen a pattern for them on the mountain. We should not expect God’s law to spell out every small detail that can wisely be left to human judgment.

Notice too how soon this help was provided. As soon as the tabernacle was fully set up, provision was made for moving it. Even when we have only just settled down and think we are starting to take root, we must be ready for changes and removals, especially for the great change that lies ahead. While we are in this world, everything must be fitted for a life that is always moving and always on watch. When the tabernacle was being made, the princes were generous then too, bringing precious stones and stones to be set, (Exodus 35:27). Now they give more. Those who have done good should keep doing more and more, and not grow tired of doing good.

Notice finally how the offering was used. The wagons and oxen were given to the Levites to help carry the tabernacle, both to ease their work, because God does not want any of his servants crushed by labor, and to make the parts of the tabernacle safer and easier to move. The curtains and hangings, which were the lighter load of the Gershonites, Levi’s clan charged with the tent coverings, were given only two wagons and two yoke of oxen, (Numbers 7:7). After loading those, they had to carry any remaining items on their shoulders.

The Merarites, another Levite clan, who had the heaviest and most awkward load, the boards, pillars, sockets, and so on, were given four wagons and four yoke of oxen, (Numbers 7:8). Even so, if they had no more wagons of their own, they would still have to carry much on their backs. The silver sockets alone weighed 100 talents, more than four tons. That was enough to fill four wagons drawn by one yoke of oxen each. Since each socket weighed a talent, which is about a man’s load (as appears in (2 Kings 5:23)), they likely carried those on their shoulders and put the boards and pillars into the wagons.

Here we see how wisely and kindly God ordered things, giving the greatest strength to those with the greatest work. Each received wagons suited to his service. Whatever burden God’s providence lays on us, his sufficient grace will match it, (1 Corinthians 10:13). The Kohathites, another Levite clan entrusted with the most holy things, had no wagons at all, because they were to carry their sacred load on their shoulders, with special care and reverence, (Numbers 7:9). In David’s day, when they carried the ark on a cart, God taught them with the death of Uzza that they had not sought him in the proper order, (1 Chronicles 15:13).