King James Version

What Does Numbers 7:60 Mean?

Numbers 7:60 in the King James Version says “On the ninth day Abidan the son of Gideoni, prince of the children of Benjamin, offered: — study this verse from Numbers chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

On the ninth day Abidan the son of Gideoni, prince of the children of Benjamin, offered:

Numbers 7:60 · KJV


Context

58

One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

59

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 Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.

60

On the ninth day Abidan the son of Gideoni, prince of the children of Benjamin, offered:

61

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:

62

One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
On the ninth day Abidan the son of Gideoni, prince of the children of Benjamin, offered—Benjamin, Jacob's youngest son (Genesis 35:18), was Rachel's only son born in Canaan. Abidan ('my father is judge,' אֲבִידָן, Avidan) and Gideoni ('hewer/warrior,' גִּדְעֹנִי, Gid'oni) both carry militant overtones, fitting Benjamin's fierce warrior reputation (Genesis 49:27: 'Benjamin shall ravin as a wolf').

The ninth day continues beyond the eighth-day renewal into sustained consecration. Numbers 7's twelve-day pattern emphasizes thoroughness—God desired every tribe's full participation, not abbreviated or consolidated offerings. Abidan's offering mirrors all others precisely, demonstrating that the smallest tribe (Benjamin often appears last in tribal lists) received equal honor in worship. God shows no tribal favoritism.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Benjamin's territory included Jerusalem (Joshua 18:28), making them geographically central despite small size. The tribe nearly faced extinction after the Judges 19-21 civil war, surviving only through divine mercy. Famous Benjamites include King Saul (1 Samuel 9:1-2), Queen Esther (Esther 2:5-7), and the apostle Paul (Philippians 3:5), demonstrating God's restoration of the nearly-destroyed tribe.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Benjamin's equal offering (despite being the smallest tribe) teach about God's valuation of people regardless of worldly status or size?
  2. How does Abidan's name ('my father is judge') and heritage (Benjamin = 'son of my right hand') connect to Christ as Judge seated at God's right hand (Acts 7:55-56)?
  3. In what ways does Benjamin's near-extinction and restoration (Judges 21) picture themes of judgment, mercy, and redemption throughout Scripture?

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

הַתְּשִׁיעִ֔י2 of 8

On the ninth

H8671

ninth

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

בִנְיָמִ֑ן5 of 8

of Benjamin

H1144

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

אֲבִידָ֖ן6 of 8

Abidan

H27

abidan, 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

גִּדְעֹנִֽי׃8 of 8

of Gideoni

H1441

gidoni, 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 7:60 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 7:60 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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