Numbers 7:23
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.
NUMBERS 7:23
This verse marks the formal offering for the man named Nethaneel of Zebulun on the third day, listing in detail the items for a meat offering: flour mingled with oil, and two silver vessels. The meat offering (also called grain offering) accompanies burnt offerings as an expression of gratitude and thanksgiving, often representing the fruit of human labor dedicated to God. The exact measures—“one silver charger, weight 130 shekels; one silver bowl of 70 shekels”—and the use of sanctuary shekels highlight the sacred economy of the ritual space. The “meat offering” typically consisted of fine flour mixed with oil, sometimes frankincense, symbolizing the offering of the best of what the people produce as a response to God’s provision. Nethaneel’s personal contribution links individual devotion to communal worship, illustrating how leadership participates in and reinforces the worshiping life of the entire community.
The grain offering stands in harmony with animal sacrifices, signaling gratitude, devotion, and dependence on God’s blessing. It emphasizes that worship is not only about what the people remove or offer in blood, but also about what they bring from their labor—the fruits of their fields. The inclusion of oil and flour points to divine blessing on labor and the crafted gifts of civilization as offerings unto the Lord. The balance between animal and grain offerings underscores a comprehensive worship that honors God in both deed and resource.
Apply this by integrating gratitude and stewardship into daily life. Regularly acknowledge God’s provision—before meals, at the end of a workday, or when you receive a paycheck or gift. Allocate a portion of your resources as offerings or charitable giving, beyond tithing if possible, to support church, missions, or neighbors in need. Celebrate the “grain offerings” of life—skills, labor, creativity—by dedicating them to God’s purposes, perhaps by volunteering, mentoring, or contributing to community projects. Let your work be an act of worship, not merely a means to an end.
Cross-References: Leviticus 2:1-16; Romans 12:1; Philippians 4:18; 1 Corinthians 16:2