“This was the dedication offering for the altar on the day when it was anointed, from the chiefs of Israel: twelve silver plates, twelve silver basins, twelve golden dishes, each silver plate weighing 130 shekels and each basin 70, all the silver of the vessels 2,400 shekels according to the shekel of the sanctuary, the twelve golden dishes, full of incense, weighing 10 shekels apiece according to the shekel of the sanctuary, all the gold of the dishes being 120 shekels; all the cattle for the burnt offering twelve bulls, twelve rams, twelve male lambs a year old, with their grain offering; and twelve male goats for a sin offering; and all the cattle for the sacrifice of peace offerings twenty-four bulls, the rams sixty, the male goats sixty, the male lambs a year old sixty. This was the dedication offering for the altar after it was anointed. And when Moses went into the tent of meeting to speak with the Lord, he heard the voice speaking to him from above the mercy seat that was on the ark of the testimony, from between the two cherubim; and it spoke to him.” (v84-89)
For a period of twelve days, each chief of each tribe (12 in total) took turns bringing their offerings to the new tabernacle as part of its (and Israel’s) consecration into God’s service. The twelve tribes were represented in the same order as they make/break camp.
Not summarized above are the oxen and wagons that were also donated from each tribe for the Levites’ use (to help move the tabernacle and its furnishings when the camp moves).
I imagine this was quite the party – remember that most of the sacrifices were able to be eaten after they were consecrated? In total there were 36 bulls, 72 rams, 72 male lambs, and 72 male goats, plus the grain offerings – that’s quite the feast.
I am again reminded that the ceremonial sacrifices were for mankind’s benefit, not God’s – it was we who sinned, and we needed reconciliation to God (not the other way around). Therefore atonement needed to be made for the entire nation of Israel, for all had sinned and had failed to uphold God’s commands. These sacrifices were to repair that broken relationship, and to remind the people of who we are in comparison to God – a broken people in need of a benevolent King.
It is written that Jesus said: ” ‘Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them’ (which are offered according to the law), then He said, ‘Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.’ He takes away the first that He may establish the second. By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (Hb 10:8-10)
Though there’s a greater context around that passage, it’s basically saying that though the law demanded sacrifice to appease God’s wrath for sin, Jesus came to be the final sacrifice to appease that wrath, so God’s law could still be fulfilled, and we could fulfill God’s will, without further need for animal sacrifice.
My learning today is that even though our generation does not remember making the animal sacrifices, we still need to recognize the significant price of sin, and the significant gift of God’s forgiveness. Let us not take either of those things for granted.
Father God we praise You, for You are righteous and holy. You alone are worthy of praise. We Your people rebelled against You, and continue to rebel against You. Please forgive us our sins through Jesus’ sacrifice, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Please help us to remember the magnitude of forgiveness which we have received, and celebrate that forgiveness with worship. Thank you for Your ongoing forgiveness, each and every day, and for Your longsuffering with us, Your flawed people. Please know that our hearts are ultimately Yours, and we love You. Amen.
~ Conqueror in Training