Numbers 7:10-89 – What constitutes commendable giving?

On the day that the Tabernacle was dedicated to God, apart from the wagons and oxen that were brought, the chiefs of the 12 tribes of Israel also brought other items for the dedication. What they brought to God indicates that they fully understood the purpose of the Tabernacle. They knew that if they wanted to offer any sacrifice, the Tabernacle would be the place to make their offering to God. So what they brought were materials for offering to God, who in His wisdom, instructed Moses to have only one tribe offer their gifts a day. This was probably to avoid overcrowding. Hence, offerings were offered 12 times over a course of 12 days. Each day only one tribe would offer what they had brought. In these verses, we can see that every chief of the tribes brought the same resources for the dedication. Hence, there is a repetition of all that were brought to Moses from verses 12-83.  

In verses 84-87 we see all the total contributions of the 12 tribes of Israel. But in verses 12-83, what each tribe brought was repeatedly enumerated.

(1)    One silver plate weighing 130 shekels, one silver basin 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary. Both the plates filled with fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering. The grain offerings were an indication of their submission to God and their willingness to obey Him.  

(2)    One golden dish weighing 10 shekels, full of incense to provide the sweet aroma mixed with the burning of the sacrifice. The incense would symbolize the prayers and praises of the people ascending to God.  

(3)    One bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering. These animals were offered to God as a burnt offering to atone for their sin. When the smoke of the burnt offerings arose to God, His wrath for their sin would be appeased.

(4)    One male goat for a sin offering. This was for the purpose of purifying the sanctuary so that the noxious consequence of sin would not hinder the presence of God.  

(5)    Two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old for the sacrifice of peace offerings. These animals were given for the fellowship offerings. They were ceremonial feasts eaten in the presence of God.

Here are the lessons we glean from this lengthy passage.  Firstly, our relationship with God must be enhanced. Through our willingness to make sacrifices in our giving, we show how much we value our relationship with Him. Like the 12 tribes of Israel, our giving to God ought to be generous and willing. Secondly, every one of us is equally responsible to give to the work of God. This is seen in every tribe giving the same amount to God. Regardless of their size, each tribe gave the same amount. Thirdly, this equal giving by each of the tribes of Israel teaches us that in giving to God, we do our best. No excuse should be made saying we have lesser means so we cannot give our best. It also shows us not to be arrogant in giving, thinking that we have given more to God, so we deserve greater blessings. God expects our best in giving whether we are rich or poor. Finally, never put the cart before the horse in giving. The reason we give to God is not to get His blessings, but because He has so richly blessed us so that we can willingly give to Him.  Do make giving to God a joyful practice!