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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)
众首领的奉献（公元前1490年）
¹ 摩西立完了帐幕，把它膏抹了，使之成圣，又把其中一切的器具、坛和坛上一切的器具，都膏抹了，使之成圣； ² 以色列的众首领，就是各宗族的族长——他们都作各支派的首领，并在那被数点的人以上——前来献供物； ³ 他们把自己的供物奉到耶和华面前，就是六辆篷车和十二只公牛，每两个首领一辆车，每首领一只牛。他们把这些带到帐幕前。 ⁴ 耶和华晓谕摩西说： ⁵ "你要收下这些，好为会幕之用；你要交给利未人，按各人所办的事分给他们。" ⁶ 于是摩西收了车和牛，交给利未人。 ⁷ 他按革顺子孙所办的事，分给他们两辆车、四只牛； ⁸ 又按米拉利子孙所办的事，分给他们四辆车、八只牛；这一切都在祭司亚伦的儿子以他玛手下。 ⁹ 但哥辖子孙他一辆也没有分给他们，因为他们所办的事属圣所，是要用肩抬的。
此处是众首领为帐幕之用所献的供物。请观察，
I. 时间：直到帐幕立完了之后才开始，民7:1。当一切关于帐幕本身及其周围以色列营之事都按指示一一完成之后，他们才着手奉献，大概是在二月八日左右。注意，必需的遵守总是当在甘心祭之先：先有那些，再有这些。
II. 奉献的是谁：以色列的众首领，就是各宗族的族长，民7:2。注意，凡在权柄与尊荣上高于他人的人，应当在一切善事上走在别人前面，并努力超过别人。地位越是显要，因其在事奉神和他们世代上有更大机会，所期望于他们的也越多。财富和权势若不能使人在这世上作更多的善事，又有何益？
III. 所献的是什么：六辆车，每辆车配一轭牛来拉，民7:3。无疑这些车与帐幕及其附属器物的其他陈设相称，都是上等的，如同大君王出行时所用的车驾。有人认为，是神藉摩西暗示他们当献什么；或许是他们自己的考虑提示他们献上这份礼物。虽然神的智慧已为帐幕立定了所有必需之物，但这些附带的便利之物似乎留待他们自己的判断来供给——那判断原是要把所缺少的设立妥当（多1:5）；这些车并未被拒绝，尽管在山上并未向摩西显明其样式。注意，不可期望神所设立的各样条例，会一一细及那些可由人的审慎决定、且宜于因时制宜而更改的情形——那是有益于引导的智慧。请观察，帐幕刚一立完，就为搬运它作了预备。注意，即便当我们刚刚在这世上安顿下来、自以为开始扎根之时，我们仍当为变迁与迁移作好预备，尤其是为那最大的变迁作预备。我们在此世，一切都要适应争战与移迁的状态。当帐幕在建造之时，众首领慷慨奉献，因那时他们献上了宝石和镶嵌的宝石（出35:27），如今他们又献上更多的礼物。注意，那已经行了善的人，当力求在其中更加丰盛，不可丧志、行善不可灰心。
IV. 这些供物如何处置，有何用途：车和牛都交给利未人，用于搬运帐幕，既为减轻他们的负担（因神不愿他的任何仆人被工作所压垮），也为使帐幕各部分更安全、更妥善地运送——这些部分放在车里最便于保存完整，也免受天气之损。1. 革顺子孙所搬的物件较轻——幕幔和帷子——只得了两辆车、两轭牛（民7:7）；装满这些之后，若还有剩余，就要扛在肩上。2. 米拉利子孙所搬的物件沉重且难驾驭——板、柱子、带卯的座等——分给他们四辆车、四轭牛（民7:8）；然而，他们若没有自备更多的车，就还要背扛许多物件，因仅银座一项就重一百他连得，约合四吨以上，足以装满四辆各由一轭牛所拉的车。但每座重一他连得，约相当于一人所能担的重量（参 王下5:23），所以他们大概把那些背在背上，而把板和柱子放在车里。此处请留意，神何等智慧、何等恩待，将最多的力量赐给那工作最多的人。各人都按所办的事得车。无论神在护理中给我们怎样的担子，他都必以充足的恩典赐下与担子相称的力量，林前10:13。3. 哥辖子孙所搬的最为神圣，竟一辆车也不分给他们，因为他们要把所抬之物扛在肩上（民7:9），并要怀着特别的谨慎与敬畏而行。当大卫年间他们用牛车运约柜时，神就借乌撒之死使他们惊恐地知道，他们没有按正道求问神。参 代上15:13。
¹⁰ 用膏抹坛的日子，众首领为献坛之礼前来献供物；众首领在坛前献上供物。 ¹¹ 耶和华对摩西说："众首领要为献坛之礼，每天一个首领来献供物。" ¹² 头一日献供物的是犹大支派的亚米拿达的儿子拿顺。 ¹³ 他的供物是：一个银盘子，重一百三十舍客勒；一个银碗，重七十舍客勒，都是按圣所的平，都盛满了调油的细面作素祭； ¹⁴ 一个金勺子，重十舍客勒，盛满香； ¹⁵ 一只公牛犊、一只公绵羊、一只一岁的公羊羔，作燔祭； ¹⁶ 一只公山羊作赎罪祭； ¹⁷ 作平安祭的，是两只公牛、五只公绵羊、五只公山羊、五只一岁的公羊羔：这是亚米拿达的儿子拿顺的供物。 ¹⁸ 第二日是以萨迦支派的首领、苏押的儿子拿坦业来献。 ¹⁹ 他献为供物的，是一个银盘子，重一百三十舍客勒；一个银碗，重七十舍客勒，都是按圣所的平，都盛满了调油的细面作素祭； ²⁰ 一个金勺子，重十舍客勒，盛满香； ²¹ 一只公牛犊、一只公绵羊、一只一岁的公羊羔，作燔祭； ²² 一只公山羊作赎罪祭； ²³ 作平安祭的，是两只公牛、五只公绵羊、五只公山羊、五只一岁的公羊羔：这是苏押的儿子拿坦业的供物。 ²⁴ 第三日是西布伦子孙的首领、希伦的儿子以利押来献。 ²⁵ 他的供物是：一个银盘子，重一百三十舍客勒；一个银碗，重七十舍客勒，都是按圣所的平，都盛满了调油的细面作素祭； ²⁶ 一个金勺子，重十舍客勒，盛满香； ²⁷ 一只公牛犊、一只公绵羊、一只一岁的公羊羔，作燔祭； ²⁸ 一只公山羊作赎罪祭； ²⁹ 作平安祭的，是两只公牛、五只公绵羊、五只公山羊、五只一岁的公羊羔：这是希伦的儿子以利押的供物。 ³⁰ 第四日是流便子孙的首领、示丢珥的儿子以利蓿来献。 ³¹ 他的供物是：一个银盘子，重一百三十舍客勒；一个银碗，重七十舍客勒，都是按圣所的平，都盛满了调油的细面作素祭； ³² 一个金勺子，重十舍客勒，盛满香； ³³ 一只公牛犊、一只公绵羊、一只一岁的公羊羔，作燔祭； ³⁴ 一只公山羊作赎罪祭； ³⁵ 作平安祭的，是两只公牛、五只公绵羊、五只公山羊、五只一岁的公羊羔：这是示丢珥的儿子以利蓿的供物。 ³⁶ 第五日是西缅子孙的首领、苏利沙代的儿子示路蔑来献。 ³⁷ 他的供物是：一个银盘子，重一百三十舍客勒；一个银碗，重七十舍客勒，都是按圣所的平，都盛满了调油的细面作素祭； ³⁸ 一个金勺子，重十舍客勒，盛满香； ³⁹ 一只公牛犊、一只公绵羊、一只一岁的公羊羔，作燔祭； ⁴⁰ 一只公山羊作赎罪祭； ⁴¹ 作平安祭的，是两只公牛、五只公绵羊、五只公山羊、五只一岁的公羊羔：这是苏利沙代的儿子示路蔑的供物。 ⁴² 第六日是迦得子孙的首领、丢珥的儿子以利雅萨来献。 ⁴³ 他的供物是：一个银盘子，重一百三十舍客勒；一个银碗，重七十舍客勒，都是按圣所的平，都盛满了调油的细面作素祭； ⁴⁴ 一个金勺子，重十舍客勒，盛满香； ⁴⁵ 一只公牛犊、一只公绵羊、一只一岁的公羊羔，作燔祭； ⁴⁶ 一只公山羊作赎罪祭； ⁴⁷ 作平安祭的，是两只公牛、五只公绵羊、五只公山羊、五只一岁的公羊羔：这是丢珥的儿子以利雅萨的供物。 ⁴⁸ 第七日是以法莲子孙的首领、亚米忽的儿子以利沙玛来献。 ⁴⁹ 他的供物是：一个银盘子，重一百三十舍客勒；一个银碗，重七十舍客勒，都是按圣所的平，都盛满了调油的细面作素祭； ⁵⁰ 一个金勺子，重十舍客勒，盛满香； ⁵¹ 一只公牛犊、一只公绵羊、一只一岁的公羊羔，作燔祭； ⁵² 一只公山羊作赎罪祭； ⁵³ 作平安祭的，是两只公牛、五只公绵羊、五只公山羊、五只一岁的公羊羔：这是亚米忽的儿子以利沙玛的供物。 ⁵⁴ 第八日是玛拿西子孙的首领、比大蓿的儿子迦玛列来献。 ⁵⁵ 他的供物是：一个银盘子，重一百三十舍客勒；一个银碗，重七十舍客勒，都是按圣所的平，都盛满了调油的细面作素祭； ⁵⁶ 一个金勺子，重十舍客勒，盛满香； ⁵⁷ 一只公牛犊、一只公绵羊、一只一岁的公羊羔，作燔祭； ⁵⁸ 一只公山羊作赎罪祭； ⁵⁹ 作平安祭的，是两只公牛、五只公绵羊、五只公山羊、五只一岁的公羊羔：这是比大蓿的儿子迦玛列的供物。 ⁶⁰ 第九日是便雅悯子孙的首领、基多尼的儿子亚比但来献。 ⁶¹ 他的供物是：一个银盘子，重一百三十舍客勒；一个银碗，重七十舍客勒，都是按圣所的平，都盛满了调油的细面作素祭； ⁶² 一个金勺子，重十舍客勒，盛满香； ⁶³ 一只公牛犊、一只公绵羊、一只一岁的公羊羔，作燔祭； ⁶⁴ 一只公山羊作赎罪祭； ⁶⁵ 作平安祭的，是两只公牛、五只公绵羊、五只公山羊、五只一岁的公羊羔：这是基多尼的儿子亚比但的供物。 ⁶⁶ 第十日是但子孙的首领、亚米沙代的儿子亚希以谢来献。 ⁶⁷ 他的供物是：一个银盘子，重一百三十舍客勒；一个银碗，重七十舍客勒，都是按圣所的平，都盛满了调油的细面作素祭； ⁶⁸ 一个金勺子，重十舍客勒，盛满香； ⁶⁹ 一只公牛犊、一只公绵羊、一只一岁的公羊羔，作燔祭； ⁷⁰ 一只公山羊作赎罪祭； ⁷¹ 作平安祭的，是两只公牛、五只公绵羊、五只公山羊、五只一岁的公羊羔：这是亚米沙代的儿子亚希以谢的供物。 ⁷² 第十一日是亚设子孙的首领、俄兰的儿子帕结来献。 ⁷³ 他的供物是：一个银盘子，重一百三十舍客勒；一个银碗，重七十舍客勒，都是按圣所的平，都盛满了调油的细面作素祭； ⁷⁴ 一个金勺子，重十舍客勒，盛满香； ⁷⁵ 一只公牛犊、一只公绵羊、一只一岁的公羊羔，作燔祭； ⁷⁶ 一只公山羊作赎罪祭； ⁷⁷ 作平安祭的，是两只公牛、五只公绵羊、五只公山羊、五只一岁的公羊羔：这是俄兰的儿子帕结的供物。 ⁷⁸ 第十二日是拿弗他利子孙的首领、以难的儿子亚希拉来献。 ⁷⁹ 他的供物是：一个银盘子，重一百三十舍客勒；一个银碗，重七十舍客勒，都是按圣所的平，都盛满了调油的细面作素祭； ⁸⁰ 一个金勺子，重十舍客勒，盛满香； ⁸¹ 一只公牛犊、一只公绵羊、一只一岁的公羊羔，作燔祭； ⁸² 一只公山羊作赎罪祭； ⁸³ 作平安祭的，是两只公牛、五只公绵羊、五只公山羊、五只一岁的公羊羔：这是以难的儿子亚希拉的供物。 ⁸⁴ 用膏抹坛的日子，以色列众首领所献为行落成之礼的供物，是十二个银盘子、十二个银碗、十二个金勺子； ⁵ 每个银盘子重一百三十舍客勒，每个碗重七十舍客勒；一切银器按圣所的平，共重二千四百舍客勒； ⁶ 十二个金勺子盛满了香，每个重十舍客勒，按圣所的平；一切勺子的金子共一百二十舍客勒。 ⁷ 作燔祭的公牛共十二只，公绵羊十二只，一岁的公羊羔十二只，同献的素祭，并作赎罪祭的公山羊十二只； ⁸ 作平安祭牲的公牛共二十四只，公绵羊六十只，公山羊六十只，一岁的公羊羔六十只：这是用膏抹坛之后行落成之礼所献的。 ⁹ 摩西进会幕要与耶和华说话的时候，听见法柜施恩座上、二基路伯之间，有与他说话的声音，就是耶和华与他说话。
我们在此看见献坛大典的记载——无论是燔祭坛还是香坛；它们在受膏时已经分别为圣了（利8:10,11），但如今众首领以甘心祭为其行落成之礼。他们以丰厚的礼物开始了对坛的使用，以极大的喜乐欢欣之情，并对神与他们同在的标记表达了格外的敬意。此处请观察，
I. 众首领和贵人最先且最热切地事奉神。凡有居先之权的人，应当在善工上走在前面，那才是真正的尊荣。这是给贵族与绅士、给身处权位和国内一等人物的一个榜样；他们当善用他们的尊荣与权柄、产业与势力，在他们所居之地推进信仰、事奉神。凡比别人拥有更多的人，理当用他们所有的比别人作更多的善事，否则便是不忠心的管家，不能欢欢喜喜地交账。不，大人物不仅当用他们的财富与权柄扶助并保护那些事奉神的人，他们自己也当以敬虔虔诚为念，亲自投身于敬虔的操练；这将大大荣耀神（诗138:4,5），并对他人产生良好影响——当他们看见这些操练赢得了声望时，就更容易被说服去行虔诚之举。可以肯定，世上最伟大的人也小于神最小的条例；宗教中最卑微的事奉，对世上最为显赫的人物也毫无贬损。
II. 他们所带来的供物极为丰厚、极有价值，丰厚到有人认为他们与他人之间在产业上的差别，并不足以使他们各自承担这笔费用，而是各支派的族长共同为他们的首领所献的供物捐资。
1. 他们带来一些留作常设之用的器物：十二个大的银盘，每个约重六十盎司；同样数目的大的银杯或碗，约重三十五盎司——前者用于素祭，后者用于奠祭；前者用于祭牲的肉，后者用于血。后者仿佛是神的桌子（这样说吧），这样一位大君王理当以金银器皿受事奉。盛满香的金勺，大概是为金坛之用而设，因为两个坛是同时受膏的。注意，在敬虔与慈善的事工上，我们当按着自己的力量慷慨而行。至善者当以我们所有之至善者受事奉。以色列人确实能慷慨地以大量的金银献于圣所之用，因为他们无需用金银购买粮食、供应营盘所需，每日有从天上降下的吗哪喂养他们；他们也无需用金银购买土地或支付军饷，因为他们不久就要得迦南为业。
2. 他们带来一些即时使用的祭物——各种祭都有：燔祭、赎罪祭，以及许多平安祭（其中一部分他们要与朋友一同享用），还有与这些同献的素祭。借此他们表明：对于神近日藉摩西所颁布关于献祭的一切律法，他们满怀感谢地领受、甘心地顺服。尽管这是欢喜快乐的时候，但值得注意的是，在他们的祭物之中我们仍处处看见赎罪祭。既然在我们最好的事奉中我们自己也意识到其中掺杂了罪，那么即便在我们最喜乐的事奉中也当有所悔改。在我们一切亲近神的举动中，我们都当凭信心仰望基督这伟大的赎罪祭，并要提及他。
3. 他们各按自己不同的日子献上供物，次序就是他们近来被安排的次序，所以这一大典持续了十二天。这是神所指定的（民7:11）：他们要献供物，每天一个首领，他们也就如此行了。十二天中至少有一个安息日，或许两个，但看来他们在安息日并未间断，因为这是圣工，十分合乎圣日之用。神指定这事要分在数日而行：(1.) 为使大典得以延长，从而被全以色列普遍注意到，对其记念也更有效地保存下来。(2.) 为使各支派同等地得着尊荣；在亚伦的胸牌上，各支派都有自己的一颗宝石；在这供物中，各支派都有自己的日子。(3.) 如此行更为得体、更有秩序；神的工作不当杂乱、仓促地作；从容行事，我们反而更早完工，至少完工更好。(4.) 神借此表明他何等喜悦敬虔与虔诚的操练，我们也当何等喜悦这些操练。这些操练的重复当成为我们持续的喜乐，我们不可对行善厌倦。若连续十二天有格外的事奉当作，我们不可退缩，也不可称之为劳役和重担。(5.) 祭司和利未人既有此机会，每日献同样的祭，且各种都全，连续这么多天，他们的手必得以熟练，对相关律例必更为精通。(6.) 平安祭都要在献的当日吃完，而两只公牛、五只公绵羊、五只公山羊、五只公羊羔，已足够一日的筵席；若再多，尤其若全都在一日献上，便有放纵之虞。节筵之宗教，不可成为抛弃节制之德的借口。
4. 他们所有的供物完全相同，毫无差异，尽管各首领和各支派未必一样富有；但由此表明，以色列众支派在坛上有同等的份，在其上所献的祭中有同等的利益。尽管一个支派在营盘中所安的位置比另一个更荣耀，但他们及其事奉在神眼中都同样蒙悦纳。我们也不可按着外貌待人地持守我们主耶稣基督的信仰，雅2:1。
5. 犹大支派的首领拿顺率先献上，因为神已赐那支派在营盘中最尊贵的首位；其余支派也都顺服，并按神所指定安营的次序献上。犹大——基督所出的支派——在先，然后是其余的；照样，在灵魂献给神时，各人都按自己的次序被献上，基督是初熟的果子，林前15:23。有人注意到，唯独拿顺没有被明称为"首领"（民7:12），对此犹太人如此解释：他不被称为首领，为的是不叫因他率先献上而心生骄傲；其余的人都被称为首领，因为他们（虽然有些属长房）都顺服、在他之后献上。或者，是因为犹大首领的称号更恰当地属于基督，因为万民都必归顺他。
6. 虽然供物都一样，但每一个支派的供物都用了同样的字句大段重复地记载下来。我们确知圣经中没有虚空的重复，那么这些重复当如何理解呢？难道不能简略地说，这位高贵的陪审团每位成员在他各自的日子，都献上与他们的团长所献相同的供物吗？不，神定意要为每个支派一一指明；为何如此？(1.) 为要鼓励这些首领及其各自的支派，使每个人的供物都被详尽记下，就不致显得被轻忽；因为富足贫穷在神面前都一同站立。(2.) 为要鼓励一切敬虔与慈善的慷慨之举，让我们知道如此献上的，就是借给耶和华的；他仔细地记录在案，各人的名字都附在他的礼物之前，因为他要偿还如此献上的，甚至一杯凉水也必得其赏赐。他不是不公义的，不会忘记代价，也不会忘记爱心所作的工，来6:10。我们看到基督特别留意投入库里的是什么，可12:41。所献的即便很少，即便是与他人合献的善举，但若是按着我们的力量而献，也必被记录下来，好在义人复活时得着报答。
7. 在账目的末尾附上总计（民7:84-88），为要显明神何等喜悦提及他的甘心祭，并显明当每个首领都献上自己的一份时，这些供物合计起来是何等可观！若众人都在各自的岗位上尽自己的本分——以纯正敬虔为榜样、广行慈善、各样善工齐备——神的圣所将何等丰盛、何等华美！
8. 神藉着如同朋友一般与摩西亲切交谈，从施恩座上向他说话（民7:89，12:8），表明了他悦纳这些献上的礼物；他在与摩西说话时，实际上也向全以色列说话，向他们显示这蒙恩的记号，诗103:7。注意，我们若能知道神听允并悦纳我们的祷告，乃是因他赐恩让我们听受他的道；因为我们与他的相交就是如此维系并保持的。我不妨设想，在这些供物献上的每一天里（大概是在祭司和献祭者享用平安祭的同时），摩西正在帐幕之中，领受一些我们在本书和前书中已经见到的律例和吩咐。在这里，杰出的帕特里克主教（Bishop Patrick）指出：神如此以可听可辨的声音对摩西说话，仿佛他披着圣洁的身体，这可视为神儿子在时候满足时道成肉身的预表——那时道要成为肉身，用人子的语言说话。因为无论神在古时藉着众先知多次多方地晓谕列祖，在这末世却藉着他儿子晓谕我们。如今从二基路伯之间作为舍金纳（shechinah）或神圣威严向摩西说话的，就是永恒的道、三位一体中的第二位——这是许多古教父敬虔的推测；因为神与人之间一切的相交都是藉着他的儿子而成就的；神藉着他创造了世界，治理着教会，他昨日、今日、一直到永远，是一样的。
英文原文
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.
神既已在以色列的营中设立了自己的居所（如套用俗语），以色列的众首领便以各自支派的名义前来拜访，犹如佃户向其地主献礼。I. 他们献上礼物：1. 在会幕奉献之时，为会幕的事奉之用，民 7:1-9。2. 在坛奉献之时，为坛的使用之用，民 7:10-88。II. 神恩慈地表明了祂悦纳这些礼物，民 7:89。前两章记录了神加添赐给以色列的律法，本章则记叙了以色列向神额外献上的事奉。