Numbers 7:71
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.
Numbers 7:71
This verse continues the inventory of offerings by Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai, listing a large peace offering set: “two oxen, five rams, five goats, five lambs of the first year.” The explicit enumeration reflects the ceremonial precision required in the dedication of the altar and sanctuary. The numbers show generosity and the weighting of different species—oxen for strength and status, smaller animals as part of a balanced ritual economy. The context is the tribe leaders presenting offerings on successive days, each bringing a distinct measured contribution to honor God as the Tabernacle’s purpose becomes central to Israel’s national identity. The naming of the donor reinforces communal leadership and accountability in sacred acts, while the scale of the gift demonstrates reverence, unity, and the desire to present the best in worship.
Peace offerings symbolize fellowship with God and with one another. They celebrate the relationship between God and Israel, not punitive atonement alone. The large number of animals signifies the community’s shared joy and covenant fidelity. The peace offering also emphasizes generosity as a virtue, reflecting God’s own generosity toward His people. In the broader biblical arc, peace offerings point forward to reconciliation and communal harmony that God desires among His people. The detailed accounting underscores that worship is not spontaneous but ordered, communal, and intentional, aligning worship with lived ethics.
Practically, this can inspire churches and families to celebrate together in ways that honor God and strengthen community trust. Consider planning a church-wide fellowship or a family gathering that includes mutual blessing, gratitude, and shared meals—embodying the spirit of a peace offering. Exercise generosity with a sense of shared responsibility, ensuring that resources are used for communal good (tithes, missions, or outreach). Recognize leadership’s accountability: when leaders give, it models trust and unity. The key is balancing reverence with joyful fellowship, celebrating God’s presence with tangible acts of hospitality and mutual care.
Cross-References: Leviticus 3:1-5; Leviticus 7:11-18; Deuteronomy 12:6-7; Psalm 122:1; 2 Corinthians 9:7