Numbers 7:1-9 – Thoughtful gifts and service to the Lord

Numbers 7 is a long chapter of 89 verses. Let us begin by exploring the first nine verses. In verse 1, we learn that Moses had already set up the Tabernacle. He then had it, the altar and all the furnishings for the service to the Lord anointed and consecrated. The Tabernacle as we know was the place of worship representing the visible presence of God. What’s heartening when we read this chapter is the fact that the chiefs of all the tribes took initiative and brought to Moses “six wagons and twelve oxen, a wagon for every two of the chiefs, and for each one an ox.”

Moses was instructed to accept them and to distribute them to the Levites for the transportation of the Tabernacle. Two wagons and four oxen were given to the sons of Gershon, and four wagons and eight oxen to the sons of Merari. They were given these wagons for the transportation of the material of the tent. The numbers of wagons and oxen given were according to how heavy the materials they had to transport. The reason that the sons of Merari were given more wagons and oxen than the sons of Gershon was that what they were entrusted to transport were heavier than the latter. They were responsible for the ferrying of all the frames, poles, and bases of the Tabernacle. The duty of the sons of Gershon was to ferry the curtains and coverings of the Tabernacle which were lighter. The sons of Kohath were given none of the wagons and oxen because they were responsible to ferry the furnishings of the Tabernacle. These articles were more important and had to be carried on shoulders and not to be ferried by carts.   

Here we see how thoughtful all the tribes of Israel were for those who were responsible for ferrying the heavy stuff of the Tabernacle. God did not mention that wagons were needed for the transportation of the physical structure of the Tabernacle, yet they took their own initiative. It also showed how much they cared for the people in service and facilitated their work by providing the oxen drawn carts. In giving to God, they had consideration for the people in service. Here’s a lesson for us. We should also seek to assist those in full-time ministry by helping to lessen their load. For us, giving to the Lord should not just about offering financially. We must also explore other means of giving to the work of God. We should explore what areas of ministry we can fit in, then offer our services. In offering ourselves to the Lord, we need to be thoughtful. Remember, many hands make light work. We should consider offering ourselves in areas where we have the expertise. This will certainly contribute to a complete and effective ministry to advance God’s work.