So, really, the whole chapter of Numbers 7 is a record of the gifts given to the Lord for the Tabernacle by the tribal elders on behalf of Israel. Notice that the each gave the same gift on consecutive days? It's like the 12 Days of Christmas for the Tabernacle. (Is it sacrilegious to say that?) These gifts were given at the consecration of the Tabernacle: the moment it was made holy and its use begun. Perhaps they were to celebrate the gift of the Tabernacle and the opportunity to worship God in their midst? Perhaps it was to recognize the momentous occasion (kind of like gifts when a baby is born, or at a wedding, or what have you)? I'm not entirely clear on that. I did read a few commentaries that the Lord's pleasure in the gifts may have been signified in His speaking to Moses from above the mercy seat at the end of the chapter. Wouldn't that be cool? Every time you gave a gift that pleased the Lord, we would hear Him speaking to us? Do you think that people would give more often? And perhaps be more likely to examine themselves and give from a purer heart in the hopes of communication with the Lord? Or do you think they'd run from it more, in view of their sin, if their hearts were unrepentant? Does that make it any more different, then, from how we are even now, without the Lord's audible approval?
Tomorrow's Reading: Numbers 8:1-9:14
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