King James Version

What Does Numbers 7:36 Mean?

Numbers 7:36 in the King James Version says “On the fifth day Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai, prince of the children of Simeon, did offer: — study this verse from Numbers chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

On the fifth day Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai, prince of the children of Simeon, did offer:

Numbers 7:36 · KJV


Context

34

One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

35

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 Elizur the son of Shedeur.

36

On the fifth day Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai, prince of the children of Simeon, did offer:

37

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:

38

One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Shelumiel, prince of Simeon, offering on the fifth day continues the established pattern. Simeon's tribal history included violence (Genesis 34) and later loss of independent territory, yet his representative offers fully and equally with all others. This demonstrates that God's grace reaches beyond tribal failures to restore and include. The consistent pattern of equal offerings shows that in worship, all stand on level ground—no tribe is favored, none excluded. The Reformed understanding of justification by faith alone is reflected—all approach God the same way, through grace received by faith.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Simeon's tribe would eventually be absorbed into Judah's territory, losing distinct identity. Yet during the wilderness period, Simeon participated fully as a separate tribe. Their inclusion in the dedication offerings demonstrates that God's purposes include those who might seem marginalized or diminished. Divine grace overcomes human failure and limitation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Simeon's inclusion despite past tribal sin encourage those burdened by family or community failures?
  2. What does equal participation in worship across all backgrounds teach about grace?
  3. In what ways should churches ensure that all members, regardless of background, have equal access to participation?

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

הַֽחֲמִישִׁ֔י2 of 8

On the fifth

H2549

fifth; also a fifth

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

שִׁמְע֑וֹן5 of 8

of Simeon

H8095

shimon, one of jacob's sons, also the tribe descended from him

שְׁלֻֽמִיאֵ֖ל6 of 8

Shelumiel

H8017

shelumiel, an israelite

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

צוּרִֽישַׁדָּֽי׃8 of 8

of Zurishaddai

H6701

tsurishaddai, 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 7:36 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 7:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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