and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Elishama the son of Ammihud.
The princes went first in serving God, and rightly so: those with rank and wealth must lead in devotion, not merely protect religion with their power but practice it themselves. Great men who neglect piety are unfaithful stewards; their public example either draws others toward God or leaves them without excuse.
AI summary
Commenting on Numbers 7:10-89
The golden spoons were twelve, full of incense,.... Which points at the use those spoons or cups were of, namely, to carry incense in them, such as were used on the day of atonement (l): weighing ten shekels apiece, after the shekel of the sanctuary; See Gill on Num 7:14, all the gold of the spoons was twenty shekels; which amounted to forty nine ounces...
The twelve princes brought identical gifts in the order of the tribes' camp arrangement, Judah leading and Naphtali closing. The totals tell the story: 2400 shekels in silver vessels, 120 in gold, plus the sacrificial animals, a complete and symmetrical dedication.
AI summary
Commenting on Numbers 7:12-88