Numbers 7:1-89

THE YEAR OF BLOGGING BIBLICALLY: DAY 45

In the seventh chapter of Numbers, Moses once again sets up the Tabernacle for the first time. The first time he set it up for the first time was back in Exodus 40. This, then, is another account of the same event. I would hazard a guess that it is from a different source.

In this account, Israel's tribal leaders present gifts for the service of the Tabernacle. Wagons and oxen are given to the Levite lines responsible for transporting the Tabernacle.The Kohathites, who transport the Tabernacle's holiest furnishings (the ark of the covenant, the altar, etc.) do not get wagons. They are to carry these things on their shoulders.

Verses 12-83 are more boilerplate. On 12 successive days, the leaders of the 12 tribes present identical gifts to the Tabernacle. From paragraph to paragraph all that changes is the name of the leader, the name of the tribe, and the number of the day.

Verses 84-88 tally all the gifts together.

Verse 89 reports that Moses entered the Tabernacle and that God spoke to him there from above the ark of the covenant.


Next: Numbers 8-10.