Through the Bible: NumbersSample

Giving to The Lord

And the chiefs offered offerings for the dedication of the altar on the day it was anointed; and the chiefs offered their offering before the altar. 

Numbers 7:10 (ESV)

What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me? 

Psalm 116:12 (ESV)

Numbers 7 continues from where Exodus 40 left off. It gives a record of gifts brought to God by the 12 tribes upon the completion and dedication of the tabernacle on 12 successive days. They each brought the same amount of gifts for the various offerings. There is much emphasis on the gifts, hence the many repetitions making it a long chapter!

The gifts were given to enable the Levites to perform their responsibilities and for corporate worship at the tabernacle. Similarly, when we give to the Lord, it is for the work and ministry of the church. 

More importantly, the people’s offerings are in response to God’s grace and as thanksgiving for how much He has blessed them. We see this as the gifts in response to the Lord’s blessing the people at the end of chapter 6. Let us give to God out of gratitude and because He has given us His Son. 

Prayer:

Father God, we cannot thank You enough for how much You have blessed us. Everything that we have comes from You. Help us to cheerfully and generously give to You to advance Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.