King James Version

What Does Numbers 7:24 Mean?

Numbers 7:24 in the King James Version says “On the third day Eliab the son of Helon, prince of the children of Zebulun, did offer: — study this verse from Numbers chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

On the third day Eliab the son of Helon, prince of the children of Zebulun, did offer:

Numbers 7:24 · KJV


Context

22

One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

23

And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Nethaneel the son of Zuar.

24

On the third day Eliab the son of Helon, prince of the children of Zebulun, did offer:

25

His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was 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:

26

One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Eliab, prince of Zebulun, offering on the third day maintains the pattern. His tribe's equal participation demonstrates that geographic location (Zebulun would settle in the north) or tribal status did not diminish the expectation of full devotion. Every tribe had equal access to God and equal responsibility to worship Him fully. This reflects the New Testament truth that in Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek, bond nor free—all have equal standing before God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Zebulun would later settle in Galilee, the region where Jesus conducted much of His ministry. The tribe's faithful offering during the wilderness period prefigured the region's eventual role in the incarnation and ministry of Christ. Geographic and tribal distinctions mattered for identity but not for access to God.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does equal participation in worship across all tribes challenge modern divisions and hierarchies?
  2. What does God's impartial reception of each tribe's offering teach about His character?
  3. In what ways should recognition of equal access to God shape church practice and attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
בַּיּוֹם֙1 of 8

day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֔י2 of 8

On the third

H7992

third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)

נָשִׂ֖יא3 of 8

prince

H5387

properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist

בֶּן4 of 8

of the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

זְבוּלֻ֑ן5 of 8

of Zebulun

H2074

zebulon, a son of jacob; also his territory and tribe

אֱלִיאָ֖ב6 of 8

Eliab

H446

eliab, the name of six israelites

בֶּן7 of 8

of the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

חֵלֹֽן׃8 of 8

of Helon

H2497

chelon, an israelite


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 7:24 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 7:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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