Definition: On the tenth day Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai, prince of the children of Dan, [offered]:
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this incredibly important passage from Numbers 7:66. It’s a really significant moment in Jewish history and carries a lot of meaning about God’s plan for Israel. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: This verse describes a very unusual and pivotal event – a sacrifice . It happened when King David was still young. A man named Ahiezer, who was a prince from the tribe of Dan (a group in Israel), came to offer a sacrifice. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “On the tenth day…” : This tells us this event occurred on the tenth day of the month. It's important because it’s a specific, designated day. “Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai…” : This names him – Ahiezer was a prince of Dan. "Ammishaddai" is a title meaning “the one who is the father of the family.” So, Ahiezer was a royal figure. “…offered…” : This means he presented something to God. The Crucial Part: What was offered? The verse continues with the most important part : He offered… a goat. What does this sacrifice signify? This is where it gets really deep and symbolic. It's a key part of understanding Jewish tradition. The goat represented the entire nation of Israel . It was a massive offering, a complete representation of the people’s sins and transgressions. The Significance – Why is this so important? Atonement for Sin: This sacrifice was intended to be an atonement for the sins of all the Israelites. God needed to make amends for the idolatry and broken promises that had plagued his people. God's Justice: It’s a powerful demonstration of God's justice – that He will hold accountable those who break His laws. A Promise of Redemption: While it was a massive offering, it was also a promise of redemption. It meant that through this sacrifice, God would ultimately forgive the Israelites and restore them to righteousness. In short, this verse is a story about God’s plan for reconciliation and restoration after a period of sin. It's a foundational event in Jewish history that highlights God’s love, his justice, and his desire for a whole nation to return to Him. --- Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/bible/Numbers/7:66](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/bible/Numbers/7:66) Wikipedia - Numbers 7: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Numbers_7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Numbers_7) Do you want me to explain any of this in more detail, or perhaps explore a specific aspect of the story?