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God having set up house (as it were) in the midst of the camp of Israel, the princes of Israel here come a visiting with their presents, as tenants to their landlord, in the name of their respective tribes. I. They brought presents, 1. Upon the dedication of the tabernacle, for the service of that, Nu 7:1-9. 2. Upon the dedication of the altar, for the use of that, Nu 7:10-88. And, II. God graciously signified his acceptance of them, Nu 7:89. The two foregoing chapters were the records of additional laws which God gave to Israel, this is the history of the additional services which Israel performed to God.
1-89
The Offerings of the Princes (1490 BC)
繁體中文
眾首領的奉獻（主前 1490 年）
¹ 摩西立完了帳幕，把它膏抹了，使它成聖，將其中一切器具都分別為聖；又把壇和壇上一切器具都膏抹了，使它成聖。那天， ² 以色列的眾首領，就是各宗族的族長——他們都作各支派的首領，並管被數的人——前來獻祭。 ³ 他們的供物送到耶和華面前，就是六輛篷子車和十二隻公牛，每兩個首領奉獻一輛車，每首領奉獻一隻牛。他們把這些都奉到帳幕前。 ⁴ 耶和華對摩西說： ⁵ 「你要收下這些，好作會幕的使用，都要照利未人所辦的事交給他們。」 ⁶ 於是摩西收了車和牛，交給利未人。 ⁷ 把兩輛車、四隻牛交給革順子孫，照他們所辦的事； ⁸ 把四輛車、八隻牛交給米拉利子孫，都照他們所辦的事，在祭司亞倫的兒子以他瑪手下。 ⁹ 但哥轄子孫卻沒有交給他們，因為他們辦的是聖所的事，所當抬的要扛在肩頭上。
此處是眾首領為會幕的事奉所獻的供物。請觀察：
一、獻祭的時間：直到帳幕「立完了」才開始（民 7:1）。當帳幕本身和圍繞它的以色列營盤都照著指示一一辦妥了，他們才開始獻禮物，大概是在第二個月初八日。當知：必要的禮儀總當在甘心祭之先；先有那些，再有這些。
二、是誰獻的：「以色列的眾首領，就是各宗族的族長」（民 7:2）。當知：那些在權勢和尊榮上超越別人的人，在一切善事上也當走在別人前面，並盡力超越他們。人越被高升，對他的期望就越大，因為他有更大的機會事奉神和他那世代的人。財富和權勢有甚麼用處呢？豈不是使人在世上能作更多的善事嗎？
三、所獻的是甚麼：六輛車，每輛配一軛牛來拉（民 7:3）。這些車無疑與帳幕其餘的陳設和附屬物相配，都是最好的，像大君王出巡時所用的車輛。有人認為，神藉摩西暗示了他們當帶甚麼來；或許是他們自己的考量促使他們獻上這份禮物。雖然神的智慧已經命定了帳幕一切主要的部分，但這些附帶的便利顯然是留給他們自己的判斷去預備的——「又把所未齊備的，各按次第整齊」（多 1:5）——而這些車輛也未被拒絕，雖然摩西在山上並未看見車輛的樣式。當知：不可期望神所設立的典章會細及一切可以由人的判斷決定、可酌情改變的細節；這正是「智慧能引人得益處」之處。請注意：帳幕一立好，就立刻為它的搬遷作了預備。當知：甚至當我們剛剛在世上安定下來、以為開始扎根之時，我們仍當為變遷和搬移作準備，尤其是為那最大的改變。我們在這世上之時，一切都要適應於爭戰和移動的狀態。當帳幕正在建造時，眾首領在奉獻上十分慷慨，因為那時他們帶來「寶石和鑲嵌的寶石」（出 35:27），如今他們又帶來更多的禮物。當知：那些已經行善的人，當更加努力多而又多地行善，不可「行善喪志」。
四、這些供物如何處置、有何用途：車和牛給了利未人，用來搬運帳幕——既為他們的方便（因為神不願他的僕人因工作過度而被壓垮），也為了更安全、更妥善地運送帳幕的各個部分，這些部分放在車上最易於保持完整，並避免風吹日曬。1. 革順的子孫擔負較輕——帷幔和帷帳——只得兩輛車、兩軛牛（民 7:7）；裝滿之後，若有剩餘，他們要扛在肩頭上。2. 米拉利的子孫擔負較重、也最不便搬運的——板、柱子、帶卯的座等——得了四輛車、四軛牛（民 7:8）；然而若他們沒有更多的車，他們也必須背負許多，因為單單銀座就重一百他連得，超過四噸，足夠裝滿四輛各由一軛牛拉的車。但每個帶卯的座重一他連得，約為一人之力（參王下 5:23 可見），他們大概把這些座背在背上，把板和柱子放在車上。請在此觀察：神何等智慧而恩慈地將最大的力量分給工作最多的人。各人所得的車「都是照他們所辦的事」。無論神在護理中將甚麼擔子放在我們身上，他都必以他充足的恩典賜下與之相稱的力量（林前 10:13）。3. 哥轄的子孫擔負最聖潔的物品，卻一輛車也沒有，因為他們當把所抬的物扛在肩頭上（民 7:9），且要帶著特別的謹慎和敬畏。大衛時代他們把約櫃放在車上運送，神就使他們因烏撒的死而驚恐地知道，他們沒有「按正道求問他」（代上 15:13）。
¹⁰ 用膏抹壇的日子，眾首領就為獻壇之禮前來，在壇前獻供物。 ¹¹ 耶和華對摩西說：「眾首領為獻壇之禮，要每天一個首領來獻供物。」 ¹² 頭一日獻供物的是亞米拿達的兒子拿順，屬猶大支派。 ¹³ 他的供物是：一個銀盤子，重一百三十舍客勒；一個銀碗，重七十舍客勒，都是按聖所的平，盛滿了調油的細麵作素祭； ¹⁴ 一個金勺子，重十舍客勒，盛滿了香； ¹⁵ 一隻公牛犢，一隻公綿羊，一隻一歲的公羊羔，作燔祭； ¹⁶ 一隻公山羊作贖罪祭； ¹⁷ 又作平安祭的，是兩隻公牛，五隻公綿羊，五隻公山羊，五隻一歲的公羊羔。這是亞米拿達兒子拿順的供物。 ¹⁸ 第二日來獻的，是蘇押的兒子拿但業，是以薩迦支派的首領。 ¹⁹ 他獻為供物的是：一個銀盤子，重一百三十舍客勒；一個銀碗，重七十舍客勒，都是按聖所的平，盛滿了調油的細麵作素祭； ²⁰ 一個金勺子，重十舍客勒，盛滿了香； ²¹ 一隻公牛犢，一隻公綿羊，一隻一歲的公羊羔，作燔祭； ²² 一隻公山羊作贖罪祭； ²³ 又作平安祭的，是兩隻公牛，五隻公綿羊，五隻公山羊，五隻一歲的公羊羔。這是蘇押兒子拿但業的供物。 ²⁴ 第三日來獻的，是希倫的兒子以利押，是西布倫子孫的首領。 ²⁵ 他的供物是：一個銀盤子，重一百三十舍客勒；一個銀碗，重七十舍客勒，都是按聖所的平，盛滿了調油的細麵作素祭； ²⁶ 一個金勺子，重十舍客勒，盛滿了香； ²⁷ 一隻公牛犢，一隻公綿羊，一隻一歲的公羊羔，作燔祭； ²⁸ 一隻公山羊作贖罪祭； ²⁹ 又作平安祭的，是兩隻公牛，五隻公綿羊，五隻公山羊，五隻一歲的公羊羔。這是希倫兒子以利押的供物。 ³⁰ 第四日來獻的，是示丟珥的兒子以利蓿，是流便子孫的首領。 ³¹ 他的供物是：一個銀盤子，重一百三十舍客勒；一個銀碗，重七十舍客勒，都是按聖所的平，盛滿了調油的細麵作素祭； ³² 一個金勺子，重十舍客勒，盛滿了香； ³³ 一隻公牛犢，一隻公綿羊，一隻一歲的公羊羔，作燔祭； ³⁴ 一隻公山羊作贖罪祭； ³⁵ 又作平安祭的，是兩隻公牛，五隻公綿羊，五隻公山羊，五隻一歲的公羊羔。這是示丟珥兒子以利蓿的供物。 ³⁶ 第五日來獻的，是蘇利沙代的兒子示路蜜，是西緬子孫的首領。 ³⁷ 他的供物是：一個銀盤子，重一百三十舍客勒；一個銀碗，重七十舍客勒，都是按聖所的平，盛滿了調油的細麵作素祭； ³⁸ 一個金勺子，重十舍客勒，盛滿了香； ³⁹ 一隻公牛犢，一隻公綿羊，一隻一歲的公羊羔，作燔祭； ⁴⁰ 一隻公山羊作贖罪祭； ⁴¹ 又作平安祭的，是兩隻公牛，五隻公綿羊，五隻公山羊，五隻一歲的公羊羔。這是蘇利沙代兒子示路蜜的供物。 ⁴² 第六日來獻的，是丟珥的兒子以利雅薩，是迦得子孫的首領。 ⁴³ 他的供物是：一個銀盤子，重一百三十舍客勒；一個銀碗，重七十舍客勒，都是按聖所的平，盛滿了調油的細麵作素祭； ⁴⁴ 一個金勺子，重十舍客勒，盛滿了香； ⁴⁵ 一隻公牛犢，一隻公綿羊，一隻一歲的公羊羔，作燔祭； ⁴⁶ 一隻公山羊作贖罪祭； ⁴⁷ 又作平安祭的，是兩隻公牛，五隻公綿羊，五隻公山羊，五隻一歲的公羊羔。這是丟珥兒子以利雅薩的供物。 ⁴⁸ 第七日來獻的，是亞米忽的兒子以利沙瑪，是以法蓮子孫的首領。 ⁴⁹ 他的供物是：一個銀盤子，重一百三十舍客勒；一個銀碗，重七十舍客勒，都是按聖所的平，盛滿了調油的細麵作素祭； ⁵⁰ 一個金勺子，重十舍客勒，盛滿了香； ⁵¹ 一隻公牛犢，一隻公綿羊，一隻一歲的公羊羔，作燔祭； ⁵² 一隻公山羊作贖罪祭； ⁵³ 又作平安祭的，是兩隻公牛，五隻公綿羊，五隻公山羊，五隻一歲的公羊羔。這是亞米忽兒子以利沙瑪的供物。 ⁵⁴ 第八日來獻的，是比大蓿的兒子迦瑪列，是瑪拿西子孫的首領。 ⁵⁵ 他的供物是：一個銀盤子，重一百三十舍客勒；一個銀碗，重七十舍客勒，都是按聖所的平，盛滿了調油的細麵作素祭； ⁵⁶ 一個金勺子，重十舍客勒，盛滿了香； ⁵⁷ 一隻公牛犢，一隻公綿羊，一隻一歲的公羊羔，作燔祭； ⁵⁸ 一隻公山羊作贖罪祭； ⁵⁹ 又作平安祭的，是兩隻公牛，五隻公綿羊，五隻公山羊，五隻一歲的公羊羔。這是比大蓿兒子迦瑪列的供物。 ⁶⁰ 第九日來獻的，是基多尼的兒子亞比但，是便雅憫子孫的首領。 ⁶¹ 他的供物是：一個銀盤子，重一百三十舍客勒；一個銀碗，重七十舍客勒，都是按聖所的平，盛滿了調油的細麵作素祭； ⁶² 一個金勺子，重十舍客勒，盛滿了香； ⁶³ 一隻公牛犢，一隻公綿羊，一隻一歲的公羊羔，作燔祭； ⁶⁴ 一隻公山羊作贖罪祭； ⁶⁵ 又作平安祭的，是兩隻公牛，五隻公綿羊，五隻公山羊，五隻一歲的公羊羔。這是基多尼兒子亞比但的供物。 ⁶⁶ 第十日來獻的，是亞米沙代的兒子亞希以謝，是但子孫的首領。 ⁶⁷ 他的供物是：一個銀盤子，重一百三十舍客勒；一個銀碗，重七十舍客勒，都是按聖所的平，盛滿了調油的細麵作素祭； ⁶⁸ 一個金勺子，重十舍客勒，盛滿了香； ⁶⁹ 一隻公牛犢，一隻公綿羊，一隻一歲的公羊羔，作燔祭； ⁷⁰ 一隻公山羊作贖罪祭； ⁷¹ 又作平安祭的，是兩隻公牛，五隻公綿羊，五隻公山羊，五隻一歲的公羊羔。這是亞米沙代兒子亞希以謝的供物。 ⁷² 第十一日來獻的，是俄蘭的兒子帕結，是亞設子孫的首領。 ⁷³ 他的供物是：一個銀盤子，重一百三十舍客勒；一個銀碗，重七十舍客勒，都是按聖所的平，盛滿了調油的細麵作素祭； ⁷⁴ 一個金勺子，重十舍客勒，盛滿了香； ⁷⁵ 一隻公牛犢，一隻公綿羊，一隻一歲的公羊羔，作燔祭； ⁷⁶ 一隻公山羊作贖罪祭； ⁷⁷ 又作平安祭的，是兩隻公牛，五隻公綿羊，五隻公山羊，五隻一歲的公羊羔。這是俄蘭兒子帕結的供物。 ⁷⁸ 第十二日來獻的，是以嫩的兒子亞希拉，是拿弗他利子孫的首領。 ⁷⁹ 他的供物是：一個銀盤子，重一百三十舍客勒；一個銀碗，重七十舍客勒，都是按聖所的平，盛滿了調油的細麵作素祭； ⁸⁰ 一個金勺子，重十舍客勒，盛滿了香； ⁸¹ 一隻公牛犢，一隻公綿羊，一隻一歲的公羊羔，作燔祭； ⁸² 一隻公山羊作贖罪祭； ⁸³ 又作平安祭的，是兩隻公牛，五隻公綿羊，五隻公山羊，五隻一歲的公羊羔。這是以嫩兒子亞希拉的供物。 ⁸⁴ 用膏抹壇的日子，以色列眾首領為獻壇之禮所獻的是：銀盤子十二個，銀碗十二個，金勺子十二個； ⁸⁵ 每個銀盤子重一百三十舍客勒，每個銀碗重七十舍客勒；一切器皿的銀子，按聖所的平，共有二千四百舍客勒； ⁸⁶ 十二個金勺子盛滿了香，按聖所的平，每勺重十舍客勒；所有的金子共有十二勺，重一百二十舍客勒； ⁸⁷ 作燔祭的，共有公牛十二隻，公綿羊十二隻，一歲的公羊羔十二隻，並同獻的素祭；並作贖罪祭的公山羊十二隻； ⁸⁸ 作平安祭的，共有公牛二十四隻，公綿羊六十隻，公山羊六十隻，一歲的公羊羔六十隻。這就是用膏抹壇之後獻壇之禮。 ⁸⁹ 摩西進會幕要與耶和華說話的時候，聽見法櫃的施恩座上、二基路伯中間，有與他說話的聲音，就是耶和華與他說話。
此處我們記載了獻壇的大典——無論是燔祭壇還是香壇。它們在被膏抹之時已經分別為聖（利 8:10-11），但如今眾首領以他們的甘心祭如同開始使用一般，啟用了它們。他們以豐厚的禮物、極大的喜樂和歡欣的表達、以及對神與他們同在之記號的格外敬意，開始使用這些壇。如今請在此觀察：
一、眾首領和顯貴在事奉神的事上最為熱心、走在最前。那些享有優先地位的人，在善行上也當居先——這才是真正的尊榮。此處為貴族和紳士——那些在地方上有權柄、居首位的——立下了榜樣；他們當用自己的尊榮和權勢、產業和影響力，在他們所居住之處促進宗教、事奉神。人若擁有比別人更多，就當用自己所擁有的比別人作更多的善事，否則就是不忠心的管家，不能「歡歡喜喜交賬」。不但如此，大人物不僅當以財富和權勢協助和保護那些事奉神的人，更當以自己敬虔、熱心事奉神為己任，並投入敬虔的操練——這將大大使神得榮耀（詩 138:4-5），並對別人有良好的影響力——他們看見敬虔如此受敬重，就更容易被說服去行敬虔的事。誠然，最偉大的人也小於神最小的典章；宗教中最卑微的服事，對那些在世上最顯赫的人也毫無貶損。
二、他們所帶來的供物極其豐厚貴重——如此豐厚，以至於有人認為他們與別人之間在產業上的差別沒有那麼大，不足以讓他們獨自承擔這筆花費，而是各支派的元老共同分擔他們首領所獻的供物。
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他們帶來一些留作長期使用的物品——十二個大銀盤，每個約重六十盎士；同樣多的大銀杯或銀碗，約重三十五盎士——前者用於素祭，後者用於奠祭；前者盛祭肉，後者盛血。後者好比是神的餐桌，這位大君王配得用銀器皿事奉。盛滿了香的金勺子，大概是用於金壇的事奉，因為兩個壇同時受膏。當知：在敬虔和慈善的事上，我們當照著自己的能力慷慨。那最好的，當以我們所有的最好的來事奉。以色列人確實能慷慨地將大量金銀獻於聖所的事奉，因為他們不需要用金銀買糧食、供給營中的需用——他們每日有天上的嗎哪供養；他們也不需要用金銀買地或支付軍餉，因為他們不久就要得著迦南為業。
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他們帶來一些立即要用的——各樣的祭物：燔祭、贖罪祭，以及許多平安祭（他們要和朋友在其中一同宴樂），以及隨同這些祭物獻上的素祭。藉此他們表明對神最近藉摩西所頒佈關於祭物之一切律法的感謝領受和樂意順服。雖然這是歡喜快樂的時候，但值得注意的是：在他們的祭物中我們仍看到「贖罪祭」。既然在我們最好的服事中，我們也自知有罪的攙雜，那麼甚至在我們最喜樂的服事中也當有悔改的攙雜。在我們一切親近神的時候，我們都必須憑信心仰望基督這偉大的贖罪祭，並記念他。
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他們每日一位前來獻祭，按著最近所安排的次序，使這大典持續十二天。這是神所定的（民 7:11）：「他們要為獻壇之禮，每天一個首領來獻供物。」他們也照樣行了。十二天之內必然至少有一個安息日，也許兩個，但看來他們在安息日並不停止獻祭，因為這是聖工，正適合在聖日進行。神定規要在不同日子如此行：（一）使大典延長，使全以色列都能普遍注意，並更有效地保存對它的記念。（二）藉此使各支派都得同等的尊榮；在亞倫的胸牌上，各支派都有自己的寶石；在這獻祭中，各支派都有自己的日子。（三）如此行更為端莊有序；神的工作不可混亂倉促地進行；從容而行，不但更快完成，至少也作得更好。（四）神藉此表明他是何等喜悅敬虔和虔誠的操練，我們也當如此。這些操練的重複當成為我們持續的喜樂，我們不可對行善喪志。若連續十二天有特別的服事要求，我們也不當退縮，不當稱之為苦差和重擔。（五）祭司和利未人因這機會連續許多天每日獻上同樣的祭、並每樣都有，就會熟練了手，並精通關於這些祭的律法。（六）平安祭必須在獻祭當日吃完；兩隻公牛、五隻公綿羊、五隻公山羊、五隻羊羔，已足夠一日的節宴；若再多，尤其若全在同一日獻上，恐怕就有放縱之虞。節宴之宗教的藉口，不能丟棄節制的美德。
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他們所有的供物完全相同，毫無差異，雖然各首領和各支派未必都一樣富裕；但這是要表明：以色列各支派在祭壇上都有同等的分，在壇上所獻的祭物中都有同等的利益。雖然一個支派在營中的位置比另一個更尊榮，但他們和他們的服事在神眼中都同樣蒙悅納。我們也不可「按著外貌待人」而信奉我們的主耶穌基督（雅 2:1）。
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猶大支派的首領拿順最先獻祭，因為神已賜給那支派在營中最尊榮的首位；其餘各支派也都順服，並照著神所安排安營的次序獻祭。猶大——基督所出的支派——在先，然後是其餘各支派；照樣，在將靈魂獻給神時，各人是「按著自己的次序」呈獻的，「基督是初熟的果子」（林前 15:23）。有人注意到，拿順是惟一未被明稱為「首領」的（民 7:12）；猶太人如此解釋：他不被稱為首領，是為免他因首先獻祭而驕傲；而其他人都被稱為首領，因為他們（雖然其中有些人屬於較長的一房）都順服、在他之後獻祭。或者，是因為猶大之首領的稱號更恰當地屬於基督，因為「萬民都必歸順他」。
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雖然供物都相同，但對各支派的記述卻以同樣的話語一一詳列。我們確知聖經中沒有虛妄的重複；那麼這些重複又有何意義呢？豈不可以說這十二位尊貴的陪審員，每一位都按其首領的榜樣在各人的日子獻上同樣的供物嗎？不，神要為各支派一一指明。為何如此？（一）這是為了鼓勵這些首領和他們各自的支派；每一個人的供物都被詳細記錄，似乎誰也不被輕看；因為富戶和窮人在神面前都一樣。（二）這是為了鼓勵一切敬虔和慈善的慷慨之舉——藉此讓我們知道：如此獻上的，就是借給耶和華；他仔細記錄，並在每一份禮物前加上獻者的名字，因為如此獻上的他必償還，甚至「一杯涼水」也必有「賞賜」。他不是不公義的，不會忘記「那所作的工和愛心的勞苦」（來 6:10）。我們看見基督也特別留意投入庫中的（可 12:41）。雖然所獻的微薄，雖然只是與別人一同捐輸的，但只要照著自己的力量，就必被記錄，好在義人復活的時候得著報答。
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在帳目末尾附上總數（民 7:84-88），顯示神何等喜悅他的甘心祭被記念，以及當每位首領都獻上自己一份時，總數是何等可觀！若是所有人都各按本位、各盡其分——以榜樣般的純潔和虔誠、廣泛的慈善、和全面的善行——神的聖所將會何等豐富和美麗！
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神藉著從施恩座上親密地對摩西說話——如同人對朋友說話一般（民 7:89，12:8）——表明他悅納了所獻的這些禮物；他對摩西說話，實際上就是對全以色列說話，向他們顯示這為善的記號（詩 103:7）。當知：我們若蒙恩能聽見並領受神的話，就可知道神聽見並悅納了我們的禱告；因為我們與他的相交正是藉此維持和延續的。我不見得不可設想，在獻上這些供物的每一天（也許正當祭司和獻祭者在平安祭上宴樂之時），摩西就在帳幕中領受了我們在本書和前書中已遇見的一些律法和命令。此處，傑出的畢主教（Patrick）觀察到：神如此以可聽聞的清晰人聲對摩西說話，如同他披上了一個聖潔的身體，這可被視為時候滿足時神兒子道成肉身的預表——那時「道要成為肉身，用人子的語言說話」。因為無論神「在古時藉著眾先知多次多方地曉諭列祖，就在這末世藉著他兒子曉諭我們」。而如今從二基路伯中間以「舍吉那」——即神的威嚴——對摩西說話的那位，就是永恆的道、三位一體中的第二位，這是許多古教父敬虔的推測；因為神與人一切相交，都是藉著他的兒子——藉著他，神創造了世界，也治理著教會；他「昨日、今日、一直到永遠，是一樣的」。
영문 원문
The Offerings of the Princes (1490 BC)
¹ And it came to pass on the day that Moses had fully set up the tabernacle, and had anointed it, and sanctified it, and all the instruments thereof, both the altar and all the vessels thereof, and had anointed them, and sanctified them;
² That the princes of Israel, heads of the house of their fathers, who were the princes of the tribes, and were over them that were numbered, offered:
³ And they brought their offering before the LORD, six covered waggons, and twelve oxen; a waggon for two of the princes, and for each one an ox: and they brought them before the tabernacle.
⁴ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
⁵ Take it of them, that they may be to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation; and thou shalt give them unto the Levites, to every man according to his service.
⁶ And Moses took the waggons and the oxen, and gave them unto the Levites.
⁷ Two waggons and four oxen he gave unto the sons of Gershon, according to their service:
⁸ And four waggons and eight oxen he gave unto the sons of Merari, according unto their service, under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.
⁹ But unto the sons of Kohath he gave none: because the service of the sanctuary belonging unto them was that they should bear upon their shoulders.
Here is the offering of the princes to the service of the tabernacle. Observe,
I. When it was; not till it was fully set up, Nu 7:1. When all things were done both about the tabernacle itself, and the camp of Israel which surrounded it, according to the directions given, then they began their presents, probably about the eighth day of the second month. Note, Necessary observances must always take place of free-will offerings: first those, and then these.
II. Who it was that offered: The princes of Israel, heads of the house of their fathers, Nu 7:2. Note, Those that are above others in power and dignity ought to go before others, and endeavour to go beyond them, in every thing that is good. The more any are advanced the more is expected from them, on account of the greater opportunity they have of serving God and their generation. What are wealth and authority good for, but as they enable a man to do so much the more good in the world?
III. What was offered: six wagons, with each of them a yoke of oxen to draw them, Nu 7:3. Doubtless these wagons were agreeable to the rest of the furniture of the tabernacle and its appurtenances, the best of the kind, like the carriages which great princes use when they go in procession. Some think that God, by Moses, intimated to them what they should bring, or their own consideration perhaps suggested to them to make this present. Though God's wisdom had ordained all the essentials of the tabernacle, yet it seems these accidental conveniences were left to be provided by their own discretion, which was to set in order that which was wanting (Tit 1:5), and these wagons were not refused, though no pattern of them was shown to Moses in the mount. Note, It must not be expected that the divine institution of ordinances should descend to all those circumstances which are determinable, and are fit to be left alterable, by human prudence, that wisdom which is profitable to direct. Observe, No sooner is the tabernacle fully set up than this provision is made for the removal of it. Note, Even when we are but just settled in the world, and think we are beginning to take root, we must be preparing for changes and removes, especially for the great change. While we are here in this world, every thing must be accommodated to a militant and movable state. When the tabernacle was framing, the princes were very generous in their offerings, for then they brought precious stones, and stones to be set (Ex 35:27), yet now they bring more presents. Note, Those that have done good should study to abound therein yet more and more, and not be weary of well-doing.
IV. How the offering was disposed of, and what use was made of it: the wagons and oxen were given to the Levites, to be used in carrying the tabernacle, both for their ease (for God would not have any of his servants overburdened with work), and for the more safe and right conveyance of the several parts of the tabernacle, which would be best kept together, and sheltered from the weather, in wagons. 1. The Gershonites, that had the light carriage, the curtains and hangings, had but two wagons, and two yoke of oxen (Nu 7:7); when they had loaded these, they must carry the rest, if any remained, upon their shoulders. 2. The Merarites, that had the heavy carriage, and that which was most unwieldy, the boards, pillars, sockets, etc., had four wagons, and four yoke of oxen allotted them (Nu 7:8); and yet, if they had not more wagons of their own, they would be obliged to carry a great deal upon their backs too, for the silver sockets alone weighed 100 talents, which was above four tons, and that was enough to load four wagons that were drawn but by one yoke of oxen a-piece. But each socket being a talent weight, which is about a man's burden (as appears, 2Ki 5:23) probably they carried those on their backs, and put the boards and pillars into the wagons. Observe here, How God wisely and graciously ordered the most strength to those that had the most work. Each had wagons according to their service. Whatever burden God in his providence lays upon us, he will by his sufficient grace proportion the strength to it, 1Co 10:13. 3. The Kohathites, that had the most sacred carriage, had no wagons at all, because they were to carry their charge upon their shoulders (Nu 7:9), with a particular care and veneration. When in David's time they carried the ark in a cart, God made them to know to their terror, by the death of Uzza, that they did not seek him in the due order. See 1Ch 15:13.
¹⁰ And the princes offered for dedicating of the altar in the day that it was anointed, even the princes offered their offering before the altar.
¹¹ And the LORD said unto Moses, They shall offer their offering, each prince on his day, for the dedicating of the altar.
¹² And he that offered his offering the first day was Nahshon the son of Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah:
¹³ And his offering was one silver charger, the weight thereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them were full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
¹⁴ One spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense:
¹⁵ One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:
¹⁶ One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
¹⁷ And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Nahshon the son of Amminadab.
¹⁸ On the second day Nethaneel the son of Zuar, prince of Issachar, did offer:
¹⁹ He offered for his offering one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
²⁰ One spoon of gold of ten shekels, full of incense:
²¹ One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:
²² One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
²³ And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Nethaneel the son of Zuar.
²⁴ On the third day Eliab the son of Helon, prince of the children of Zebulun, did offer:
²⁵ His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
²⁶ One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
²⁷ One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:
²⁸ One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
²⁹ And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Eliab the son of Helon.
³⁰ On the fourth day Elizur the son of Shedeur, prince of the children of Reuben, did offer:
³¹ His offering was one silver charger of the weight of an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
³² One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
³³ One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:
³⁴ One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
³⁵ And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Elizur the son of Shedeur.
³⁶ On the fifth day Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai, prince of the children of Simeon, did offer:
³⁷ His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
³⁸ One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
³⁹ One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:
⁴⁰ One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
⁴¹ And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.
⁴² On the sixth day Eliasaph the son of Deuel, prince of the children of Gad, offered:
⁴³ His offering was one silver charger of the weight of an hundred and thirty shekels, a silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
⁴⁴ One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
⁴⁵ One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:
⁴⁶ One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
⁴⁷ And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Eliasaph the son of Deuel.
⁴⁸ On the seventh day Elishama the son of Ammihud, prince of the children of Ephraim, offered:
⁴⁹ His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
⁵⁰ One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
⁵¹ One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:
⁵² One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
⁵³ And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Elishama the son of Ammihud.
⁵⁴ On the eighth day offered Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur, prince of the children of Manasseh:
⁵⁵ His offering was one silver charger of the weight of an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
⁵⁶ One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
⁵⁷ One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:
⁵⁸ One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
⁵⁹ And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.
⁶⁰ On the ninth day Abidan the son of Gideoni, prince of the children of Benjamin, offered:
⁶¹ His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
⁶² One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
⁶³ One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:
⁶⁴ One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
⁶⁵ And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Abidan the son of Gideoni.
⁶⁶ On the tenth day Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai, prince of the children of Dan, offered:
⁶⁷ His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
⁶⁸ One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
⁶⁹ One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:
⁷⁰ One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
⁷¹ And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.
⁷² On the eleventh day Pagiel the son of Ocran, prince of the children of Asher, offered:
⁷³ His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
⁷⁴ One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
⁷⁵ One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:
⁷⁶ One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
⁷⁷ And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Pagiel the son of Ocran.
⁷⁸ On the twelfth day Ahira the son of Enan, prince of the children of Naphtali, offered:
⁷⁹ His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
⁸⁰ One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
⁸¹ One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:
⁸² One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
⁸³ And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Ahira the son of Enan.
⁸⁴ This was the dedication of the altar, in the day when it was anointed, by the princes of Israel: twelve chargers of silver, twelve silver bowls, twelve spoons of gold:
⁸⁵ Each charger of silver weighing an hundred and thirty shekels, each bowl seventy: all the silver vessels weighed two thousand and four hundred shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary:
⁸⁶ The golden spoons were twelve, full of incense, weighing ten shekels apiece, after the shekel of the sanctuary: all the gold of the spoons was an hundred and twenty shekels.
⁸⁷ All the oxen for the burnt offering were twelve bullocks, the rams twelve, the lambs of the first year twelve, with their meat offering: and the kids of the goats for sin offering twelve.
⁸⁸ And all the oxen for the sacrifice of the peace offerings were twenty and four bullocks, the rams sixty, the he goats sixty, the lambs of the first year sixty. This was the dedication of the altar, after that it was anointed.
⁸⁹ And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with him, then he heard the voice of one speaking unto him from off the mercy seat that was upon the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubims: and he spake unto him.
We have here an account of the great solemnity of dedicating the altars, both that of burnt-offerings and that of incense; they had been sanctified before, when they were anointed (Le 8:10,11), but now they were handselled, as it were, by the princes, with their free-will offerings. They began the use of them with rich presents, great expressions of joy and gladness, and extraordinary respect to those tokens of God's presence with them. Now observe here,
I. That the princes and great men were first and forwardest in the service of God. Those that are entitled to precedency should go before in good works, and that is true honour. Here is an example to the nobility and gentry, those that are in authority and of the first rank in their country; they ought to improve their honour and power, their estate and interest, for the promoting of religion, and the service of God, in the places where they live. It is justly expected that those who have more than others should do more good than others with what they have, else they are unfaithful stewards, and will not make up their account with joy. Nay, great men must not only with their wealth and power assist and protect those that serve God, but they must make conscience of being devout and religious themselves, and employing themselves in the exercises of piety, which will greatly redound to the honour of God (Ps 138:4,5), and have a good influence upon others, who will be the more easily persuaded to acts of devotion when they see them thus brought into reputation. It is certain that the greatest of men is less than the least of the ordinances of God; nor are the meanest services of religion any disparagement to those that make the greatest figure in the world.
II. The offerings they brought were very rich and valuable, so rich that some think there was not so great a difference in estate between them and others as that they were able to bear the expense of them themselves, but that the heads of each tribe contributed to the offering which their prince brought.
1. They brought some things to remain for standing service, twelve large silver dishes, each about sixty ounces weight, as many large silver cups, or bowls, of about thirty-five ounces—the former to be used for the meat-offerings, the latter for the drink-offerings—the former for the flesh of the sacrifices, the latter for the blood. The latter was God's table (as it were), and it was fit that so great a King should be served in plate. The golden spoons being filled with incense were intended, it is probable, for the service of the golden altar, for both the altars were anointed at the same time. Note, In works of piety and charity we ought to be generous according as our ability is. He that is the best should be served with the best we have. The Israelites indeed might well afford to part with their gold and silver in abundance to the service of the sanctuary, for they needed it not to buy meat and victual their camp, being daily fed with bread from heaven; nor did they need it to buy land, or pay their army, for they were shortly to be put in possession of Canaan.
2. They brought some things to be used immediately, offerings of each sort, burnt-offerings, sin-offerings, and a great many peace-offerings (on part of which they were to feast with their friends), and the meat-offerings that were to be annexed to them. Hereby they signified their thankful acceptance of, and cheerful submission to, all those laws concerning the sacrifices which God had lately by Moses delivered to them. And, though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet it is observable that still in the midst of their sacrifices we find a sin-offering. Since in our best services we are conscious to ourselves that there is a mixture of sin, it is fit that there should be even in our most joyful services a mixture of repentance. In all our approaches to God, we must by faith have an eye to Christ as the great sin-offering, and make mention of him.
3. They brought their offerings each on a separate day, in the order that they had been lately put into, so that the solemnity lasted twelve days. So God appointed (Nu 7:11): They shall bring their offering, each prince on his day, and so they did. One sabbath must needs fall within the twelve days, if not two, but it should seem they did not intermit on the sabbath, for it was holy work, proper enough for a holy day. God appointed that it should thus be done on several days, (1.) That solemnity might be prolonged, and so might be universally taken notice of by all Israel, and the remembrance of it more effectually preserved. (2.) That an equal honour might thereby be put upon each tribe respectively; in Aaron's breast-plate each had his precious stone, so in this offering each had his day. (3.) Thus it would be done more decently and in order; God's work should not be done confusedly, and in a hurry; take time, and we shall have done the sooner, or at least we shall have done the better. (4.) God hereby signified how much pleased he is, and how much pleased we should be, with the exercises of piety and devotion. The repetition of them should be a continual pleasure to us, and we must not be weary of well doing. If extraordinary service be required to be done for twelve days together, we must not shrink from it, nor call it a task and a burden. (5.) The priests and Levites, having this occasion to offer the same sacrifices, and those some of every sort, every day, for so many days together, would have their hands well set in, and would be well versed in the laws concerning them. (6.) The peace-offerings were all to be eaten the same day they were offered, and two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, and five lambs, were enough for one day's festival; had there been more, especially if all had been brought on one day, there might have been danger of excess. The virtue of temperance must not be left, under pretence of the religion of feasting.
4. All their offerings were exactly the same, without any variation, though it is probable that neither the princes nor the tribes were all alike rich; but thus it was intimated that all the tribes of Israel had an equal share in the altar, and an equal interest in the sacrifices that were offered upon it. Though one tribe was posted more honourably in the camp than another, yet they and their services were all alike acceptable to God. Nor must we have faith of our Lord Jesus Christ with respect to persons, Jam 2:1.
5. Nahshon, the prince of the tribe of Judah, offered first, because God had given that tribe the first post of honour in the camp; and the rest of the tribes acquiesced, and offered in the same order in which God had appointed them to encamp. Judah, of which tribe Christ came, first, and then the rest; thus, in the dedication of souls to God, every man is presented in his own order, Christ the first-fruits, 1Co 15:23. Some observe that Nahshon is the only one that is not expressly called a prince (Nu 7:12), which the Jews give this account of: he is not called a prince, that he might not be puffed up because he offered first; and all the others are called princes because they (though some of them of the elder house) submitted, and offered after him. Or, because the title of prince of Judah did more properly belong to Christ, for unto him shall the gathering of the people be.
6. Though the offerings were all the same, yet the account of them is repeated at large for each tribe, in the same words. We are sure there are no vain repetitions in scripture; what then shall we make of these repetitions? Might it not have served to say of this noble jury that the same offering which their foreman brought each on his day brought likewise? No, God would have it specified for each tribe: and why so? (1.) It was for the encouragement of these princes, and of their respective tribes, that each of their offerings being recorded at large no slight might seem to be put upon them; for rich and poor meet together before God. (2.) It was for the encouragement of all generous acts of piety and charity, by letting us know that what is so given is lent to the Lord, and he carefully records it, with every one's name prefixed to his gift, because what is so given he will pay again, and even a cup of cold water shall have its reward. He is not unrighteous, to forget either the cost or the labour of love, Heb 6:10. We find Christ taking particular notice of what was cast into the treasury, Mk 12:41. Though what is offered be but little, though it be a contribution to the charity of others, yet if it be according to our ability it shall be recorded, that it may be recompensed in the resurrection of the just.
7. The sum total is added at the foot of the account (Nu 7:84-88), to show how much God was pleased with the mention of his freewill-offerings, and what a great deal they amounted to in the whole, when every prince brought in his quota! How greatly would the sanctuary of God be enriched and beautified if all would in their places do their part towards it, by exemplary purity and devotion, extensive charity, and universal usefulness!
8. God signified his gracious acceptance of these presents that were brought him, by speaking familiarly to Moses, as a man speaks to his friend, from off the mercy-seat (Nu 7:89,12:8); and in speaking to him he did in effect speak to all Israel, showing them this token for good, Ps 103:7. Note, By this we may know that God hears and accepts our prayers if he gives us grace to hear and receive his word, for thus our communion with him is maintained and kept up. I know not why we may not suppose that upon each of the days on which these offerings were brought (probably while the priests and offerers were feasting upon the peace-offerings) Moses was in the tabernacle, receiving some of those laws and orders which we have already met with in this and the foregoing book. And here the excellent bishop Patrick observes that God's speaking to Moses thus by an audible articulate voice, as if he had been clothed with a holy body, might be looked upon as an earnest of the incarnation of the Son of God in the fulness of time, when the Word should be made flesh, and speak in the language of the sons of men. For, however God at sundry times and in divers manners spoke unto the fathers, he has in these last days spoken unto us by his Son. And that he who now spoke to Moses, as the shechinah or divine Majesty, from between the cherubim, was the eternal Word, the second person in the Trinity, was the pious conjecture of many of the ancients; for all God's communion with man is by his Son, by whom he made the world, and rules the church, and who is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever.
神既已（可以這樣說）在以色列營中設立了居所，以色列的眾首領就以各支派的名義來訪，如同佃戶向地主獻禮，帶著他們的禮物前來。一、他們獻上禮物：1. 在會幕奉獻之時，為會幕的事奉之用，民 7:1-9。2. 在祭壇奉獻之時，為祭壇之用，民 7:10-88。二、神恩慈地表示悅納這些禮物，民 7:89。前兩章是神賜給以色列附加律法的記錄，本章則是以色列向神獻上附加事奉的歷史。