Definition: His offering [was] one silver charger of the weight of an hundred and thirty [shekels], one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
Explanation: Okay, letâs break down this incredibly detailed verse from Numbers 7:55. Itâs a really interesting and somewhat complex passage about how offerings were made to God in ancient Israel. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a very significant offering â a large amount of food â that was made to God. It wasnât just any ordinary food; it was carefully prepared with lots of oil and flour. Letâs unpack each part: âNumbers 7:55â : This tells us where this verse is found in the Bible. It's a specific section within the Book of Numbers, which describes rituals and sacrifices related to Godâs people. âHis offering [was] one silver charger of the weight of an hundred and thirty shekelsâŠâ â This means the offering was huge . It weighed approximately 130 shekels (which were a unit of currency in ancient Israel). Think of it as a very substantial amount of money or goods. âone silver bowl of seventy shekelsâ : This is the next significant part â it was also worth 70 silver shekels. This is a substantial amount of money too, and itâs what they were offering to God. âafter the shekel of the sanctuaryâ : This is crucial . âShekelâ was a small piece of currency used for sacrifices. The "shekel of the sanctuary" refers to the gold coins that were kept in the Temple in Jerusalem, specifically used for sacrifices. It highlights that this offering was connected to Godâs holy place. âboth of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:â â This describes how the offering was prepared. It wasn't just plain food. The ingredients were carefully mixed: Fine Flour: This suggests a high-quality, luxurious ingredient. Oil: It was topped with oil, symbolizing purity and divine presence. Meat Offering: This indicates it was intended to be offered as part of a larger ritual sacrificeâa âmeat offeringâ â which was a central part of the Jewish faith. Overall Significance & Context: This verse illustrates several important points about ancient Jewish practice: Sacrifice as a Way to Connect with God: Offering food and money was a way for people to show their devotion and relationship with God, acknowledging His power and providing sustenance for the community. Importance of Rituals: This passage highlights the importance of ritual practices in Judaism - they were designed to connect people to God and maintain his presence. In short, this verse describes a large, carefully prepared offering â a significant amount of money and food â that was presented as a form of worship and connection with God. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part in more detail? Compare it to another relevant passage in the Bible? Discuss the historical context (like when this verse was written)?