the chiefs of Israel, heads of their fathers’ houses, who were the chiefs of the tribes, who were over those who were listed, approached
The princes went first, and gave first, those elevated in power must lead in goodness, not follow. Wealth and authority are worth nothing unless they serve God and others. Necessary duties come before free-will gifts; order matters.
AI summary
Commenting on Numbers 7:1-9
That the princes of Israel,.... The princes of the twelve tribes of Israel: heads of the house of their fathers; of the each of the houses and families the tribes were divided into, and took their name from each of their ancestors, as is next explained: who were princes of the tribes; the twelve tribes, as before observed, Num 1:4, and were over them that...
the princes of Israel . . . brought their offering before the Lord--The finishing of the sacred edifice would, it may well be imagined, be hailed as an auspicious occasion, diffusing great joy and thankfulness throughout the whole population of Israel.