April 15th, 2008 My Boring Bible Story
Near the end of 1997, at the tender age of 26, I wrote my first Deacon’s corner article in my church’s monthly newsletter. I was just sifting through old files on my laptop, and came across it. I ask you, what is more fun than plagiarizing yourself?
My Boring Bible Story
circa November 1997
This morning, chapter seven of Numbers happened to be part of my devotional reading plan. It is a favorite of mine, because I learned a great lesson from it a couple years ago when I listened to it in my car for the first time. Unlike a book, one cannot skim a passage when listening to the Bible-on-cassette. There I was, trying to keep a disciplined focus on the words coming through my speakers as I cruised down the highway, when God ‘enlightened’ me. You see, Numbers 7 [+/-]Numbers 7
[7:1]On the day when Moses had finished setting up the
tabernacle and had anointed and consecrated it with all its
furnishings and had anointed and consecrated the altar with
all its utensils, [2]the chiefs of Israel, heads of their
fathers' houses, who were the chiefs of the tribes, who
were over those who were listed, approached [3]and brought
their offerings before the LORD, six wagons and twelve
oxen, a wagon for every two of the chiefs, and for each one
an ox. They brought them before the tabernacle. [4]Then the
LORD said to Moses, [5]"Accept these from them, that they
may be used in the service of the tent of meeting, and give
them to the Levites, to each man according to his service."
[6]So Moses took the wagons and the oxen and gave them to
the Levites. [7]Two wagons and four oxen he gave to the
sons of Gershon, according to their service. [8]And four
wagons and eight oxen he gave to the sons of Merari,
according to their service, under the direction of Ithamar
the son of Aaron the priest. [9]But to the sons of Kohath
he gave none, because they were charged with the service of
the holy things that had to be carried on the shoulder.
[10]And the chiefs offered offerings for the dedication of
the altar on the day it was anointed; and the chiefs
offered their offering before the altar. [11]And the LORD
said to Moses, "They shall offer their offerings, one chief
each day, for the dedication of the altar."
[12]He who offered his offering the first day was
Nahshon the son of Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah.
[13]And his offering was one silver plate whose weight was
130 shekels, one silver basin of 70 shekels, according to
the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine
flour mixed with oil for a grain offering; [14]one golden
dish of 10 shekels, full of incense; [15]one bull from the
herd, one ram, one male lamb a year old, for a burnt
offering; [16]one male goat for a sin offering; [17]and for
the sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five
male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the
offering of Nahshon the son of Amminadab.
[18]On the second day Nethanel the son of Zuar, the
chief of Issachar, made an offering. [19]He offered for his
offering one silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one
silver basin of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the
sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil
for a grain offering; [20]one golden dish of 10 shekels,
full of incense; [21]one bull from the herd, one ram, one
male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering; [22]one male
goat for a sin offering; [23]and for the sacrifice of peace
offerings, two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five
male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Nethanel
the son of Zuar.
[24]On the third day Eliab the son of Helon, the chief
of the people of Zebulun: [25]his offering was one silver
plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin of 70
shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of
them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [26]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [27]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [28]one male goat for a
sin offering; [29]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Eliab the son of Helon.
[30]On the fourth day Elizur the son of Shedeur, the
chief of the people of Reuben: [31]his offering was one
silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin
of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary,
both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [32]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [33]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [34]one male goat for a
sin offering; [35]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Elizur the son of
Shedeur.
[36]On the fifth day Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai,
the chief of the people of Simeon: [37]his offering was one
silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin
of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary,
both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [38]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [39]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [40]one male goat for a
sin offering; [41]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Shelumiel the son of
Zurishaddai.
[42]On the sixth day Eliasaph the son of Deuel, the
chief of the people of Gad: [43]his offering was one silver
plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin of 70
shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of
them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [44]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [45]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [46]one male goat for a
sin offering; [47]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Eliasaph the son of
Deuel.
[48]On the seventh day Elishama the son of Ammihud, the
chief of the people of Ephraim: [49]his offering was one
silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin
of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary,
both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [50]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [51]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [52]one male goat for a
sin offering; [53]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Elishama the son of
Ammihud.
[54]On the eighth day Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur, the
chief of the people of Manasseh: [55]his offering was one
silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin
of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary,
both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [56]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [57]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [58]one male goat for a
sin offering; [59]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Gamaliel the son of
Pedahzur.
[60]On the ninth day Abidan the son of Gideoni, the
chief of the people of Benjamin: [61]his offering was one
silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin
of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary,
both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [62]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [63]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [64]one male goat for a
sin offering; [65]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Abidan the son of
Gideoni.
[66]On the tenth day Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai, the
chief of the people of Dan: [67]his offering was one silver
plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin of 70
shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of
them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [68]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [69]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [70]one male goat for a
sin offering; [71]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Ahiezer the son of
Ammishaddai.
[72]On the eleventh day Pagiel the son of Ochran, the
chief of the people of Asher: [73]his offering was one
silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin
of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary,
both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [74]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [75]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [76]one male goat for a
sin offering; [77]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Pagiel the son of Ochran.
[78]On the twelfth day Ahira the son of Enan, the chief
of the people of Naphtali: [79]his offering was one silver
plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin of 70
shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of
them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [80]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [81]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [82]one male goat for a
sin offering; [83]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Ahira the son of Enan.
[84]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, [85]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, [86]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; [87]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; [88]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.
[89]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. (ESV)
is perhaps the most boring chapter in the entire Bible.
No kidding. Read it if you doubt my sincerity. Though several of the genealogies certainly deserve recognition, Numbers 7 [+/-]Numbers 7
[7:1]On the day when Moses had finished setting up the
tabernacle and had anointed and consecrated it with all its
furnishings and had anointed and consecrated the altar with
all its utensils, [2]the chiefs of Israel, heads of their
fathers' houses, who were the chiefs of the tribes, who
were over those who were listed, approached [3]and brought
their offerings before the LORD, six wagons and twelve
oxen, a wagon for every two of the chiefs, and for each one
an ox. They brought them before the tabernacle. [4]Then the
LORD said to Moses, [5]"Accept these from them, that they
may be used in the service of the tent of meeting, and give
them to the Levites, to each man according to his service."
[6]So Moses took the wagons and the oxen and gave them to
the Levites. [7]Two wagons and four oxen he gave to the
sons of Gershon, according to their service. [8]And four
wagons and eight oxen he gave to the sons of Merari,
according to their service, under the direction of Ithamar
the son of Aaron the priest. [9]But to the sons of Kohath
he gave none, because they were charged with the service of
the holy things that had to be carried on the shoulder.
[10]And the chiefs offered offerings for the dedication of
the altar on the day it was anointed; and the chiefs
offered their offering before the altar. [11]And the LORD
said to Moses, "They shall offer their offerings, one chief
each day, for the dedication of the altar."
[12]He who offered his offering the first day was
Nahshon the son of Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah.
[13]And his offering was one silver plate whose weight was
130 shekels, one silver basin of 70 shekels, according to
the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine
flour mixed with oil for a grain offering; [14]one golden
dish of 10 shekels, full of incense; [15]one bull from the
herd, one ram, one male lamb a year old, for a burnt
offering; [16]one male goat for a sin offering; [17]and for
the sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five
male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the
offering of Nahshon the son of Amminadab.
[18]On the second day Nethanel the son of Zuar, the
chief of Issachar, made an offering. [19]He offered for his
offering one silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one
silver basin of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the
sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil
for a grain offering; [20]one golden dish of 10 shekels,
full of incense; [21]one bull from the herd, one ram, one
male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering; [22]one male
goat for a sin offering; [23]and for the sacrifice of peace
offerings, two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five
male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Nethanel
the son of Zuar.
[24]On the third day Eliab the son of Helon, the chief
of the people of Zebulun: [25]his offering was one silver
plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin of 70
shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of
them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [26]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [27]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [28]one male goat for a
sin offering; [29]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Eliab the son of Helon.
[30]On the fourth day Elizur the son of Shedeur, the
chief of the people of Reuben: [31]his offering was one
silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin
of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary,
both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [32]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [33]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [34]one male goat for a
sin offering; [35]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Elizur the son of
Shedeur.
[36]On the fifth day Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai,
the chief of the people of Simeon: [37]his offering was one
silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin
of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary,
both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [38]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [39]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [40]one male goat for a
sin offering; [41]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Shelumiel the son of
Zurishaddai.
[42]On the sixth day Eliasaph the son of Deuel, the
chief of the people of Gad: [43]his offering was one silver
plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin of 70
shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of
them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [44]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [45]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [46]one male goat for a
sin offering; [47]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Eliasaph the son of
Deuel.
[48]On the seventh day Elishama the son of Ammihud, the
chief of the people of Ephraim: [49]his offering was one
silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin
of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary,
both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [50]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [51]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [52]one male goat for a
sin offering; [53]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Elishama the son of
Ammihud.
[54]On the eighth day Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur, the
chief of the people of Manasseh: [55]his offering was one
silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin
of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary,
both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [56]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [57]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [58]one male goat for a
sin offering; [59]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Gamaliel the son of
Pedahzur.
[60]On the ninth day Abidan the son of Gideoni, the
chief of the people of Benjamin: [61]his offering was one
silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin
of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary,
both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [62]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [63]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [64]one male goat for a
sin offering; [65]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Abidan the son of
Gideoni.
[66]On the tenth day Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai, the
chief of the people of Dan: [67]his offering was one silver
plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin of 70
shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of
them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [68]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [69]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [70]one male goat for a
sin offering; [71]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Ahiezer the son of
Ammishaddai.
[72]On the eleventh day Pagiel the son of Ochran, the
chief of the people of Asher: [73]his offering was one
silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin
of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary,
both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [74]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [75]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [76]one male goat for a
sin offering; [77]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Pagiel the son of Ochran.
[78]On the twelfth day Ahira the son of Enan, the chief
of the people of Naphtali: [79]his offering was one silver
plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin of 70
shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of
them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [80]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [81]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [82]one male goat for a
sin offering; [83]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Ahira the son of Enan.
[84]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, [85]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, [86]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; [87]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; [88]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.
[89]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. (ESV) is unique in that it repeats the same detailed description of an offering twelve times, once for each tribe of Israel. Six verses per offering, seventy-two verses in all, with each six verses the same as the six before, with the exception of the name of the man making the offering.
What is the meaning of this passage? I have no idea. However, I do know the significance of it in my own life, and I believe that it can prove significant in your life as well.
In Romans 12:2 [+/-]Romans 12:2
[2]Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed
by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may
discern what is the will of God, what is good and
acceptable and perfect. (ESV), we learn that we are transformed through the renewing of our minds. This perspective on our sanctification speaks to the depravity from which God lifts us when he redeems us. Our very thoughts are perverse. The framework by which we view the world is skewed. Upon salvation, by God’s grace, we finally see the truth for what it is. Our blinded eyes are made to see. Yet, as we live our lives, we quickly realize we still have very poor vision, for though God saves definitively, he works out that salvation in our lives over time.
As a result, we often view and judge the world around us in a way contrary to God’s word. In our minds, we think hatefully of others and sometimes even of God. We do not always value what he values, and we often value that which he hates. Our very thoughts, the categories by which we view our world, our judgments, all must be transformed.
Essential to that transformation is the Bible, which records the very words of God. These words bring life, teaching us of our God and his creation. We must make these words our thoughts. We must, as someone once said, think God’s thoughts after him.
Inherent in this needed transformation is a requirement: in all things we must submit to God’s word. We must value it as he values it and order our lives and thoughts around it. We cannot use our preexisting categories and framework of thought to dictate how we view the Bible. To do so would be equivalent to standing in judgment over the scripture. Rather, the Bible must judge us and our notions.
So, how does this need for transformation tie into Numbers chapter 7? I believe II Timothy 3:16 [+/-]2 Timothy 3:16
[16]All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable
for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training
in righteousness, (ESV) serves as a bridge when it says that “all scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.” That bold statement tells us exactly how God judges the Bible in its entirety. As I suffered through Numbers 7 [+/-]Numbers 7
[7:1]On the day when Moses had finished setting up the
tabernacle and had anointed and consecrated it with all its
furnishings and had anointed and consecrated the altar with
all its utensils, [2]the chiefs of Israel, heads of their
fathers' houses, who were the chiefs of the tribes, who
were over those who were listed, approached [3]and brought
their offerings before the LORD, six wagons and twelve
oxen, a wagon for every two of the chiefs, and for each one
an ox. They brought them before the tabernacle. [4]Then the
LORD said to Moses, [5]"Accept these from them, that they
may be used in the service of the tent of meeting, and give
them to the Levites, to each man according to his service."
[6]So Moses took the wagons and the oxen and gave them to
the Levites. [7]Two wagons and four oxen he gave to the
sons of Gershon, according to their service. [8]And four
wagons and eight oxen he gave to the sons of Merari,
according to their service, under the direction of Ithamar
the son of Aaron the priest. [9]But to the sons of Kohath
he gave none, because they were charged with the service of
the holy things that had to be carried on the shoulder.
[10]And the chiefs offered offerings for the dedication of
the altar on the day it was anointed; and the chiefs
offered their offering before the altar. [11]And the LORD
said to Moses, "They shall offer their offerings, one chief
each day, for the dedication of the altar."
[12]He who offered his offering the first day was
Nahshon the son of Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah.
[13]And his offering was one silver plate whose weight was
130 shekels, one silver basin of 70 shekels, according to
the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine
flour mixed with oil for a grain offering; [14]one golden
dish of 10 shekels, full of incense; [15]one bull from the
herd, one ram, one male lamb a year old, for a burnt
offering; [16]one male goat for a sin offering; [17]and for
the sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five
male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the
offering of Nahshon the son of Amminadab.
[18]On the second day Nethanel the son of Zuar, the
chief of Issachar, made an offering. [19]He offered for his
offering one silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one
silver basin of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the
sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil
for a grain offering; [20]one golden dish of 10 shekels,
full of incense; [21]one bull from the herd, one ram, one
male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering; [22]one male
goat for a sin offering; [23]and for the sacrifice of peace
offerings, two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five
male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Nethanel
the son of Zuar.
[24]On the third day Eliab the son of Helon, the chief
of the people of Zebulun: [25]his offering was one silver
plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin of 70
shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of
them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [26]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [27]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [28]one male goat for a
sin offering; [29]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Eliab the son of Helon.
[30]On the fourth day Elizur the son of Shedeur, the
chief of the people of Reuben: [31]his offering was one
silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin
of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary,
both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [32]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [33]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [34]one male goat for a
sin offering; [35]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Elizur the son of
Shedeur.
[36]On the fifth day Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai,
the chief of the people of Simeon: [37]his offering was one
silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin
of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary,
both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [38]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [39]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [40]one male goat for a
sin offering; [41]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Shelumiel the son of
Zurishaddai.
[42]On the sixth day Eliasaph the son of Deuel, the
chief of the people of Gad: [43]his offering was one silver
plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin of 70
shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of
them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [44]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [45]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [46]one male goat for a
sin offering; [47]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Eliasaph the son of
Deuel.
[48]On the seventh day Elishama the son of Ammihud, the
chief of the people of Ephraim: [49]his offering was one
silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin
of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary,
both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [50]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [51]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [52]one male goat for a
sin offering; [53]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Elishama the son of
Ammihud.
[54]On the eighth day Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur, the
chief of the people of Manasseh: [55]his offering was one
silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin
of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary,
both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [56]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [57]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [58]one male goat for a
sin offering; [59]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Gamaliel the son of
Pedahzur.
[60]On the ninth day Abidan the son of Gideoni, the
chief of the people of Benjamin: [61]his offering was one
silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin
of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary,
both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [62]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [63]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [64]one male goat for a
sin offering; [65]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Abidan the son of
Gideoni.
[66]On the tenth day Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai, the
chief of the people of Dan: [67]his offering was one silver
plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin of 70
shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of
them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [68]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [69]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [70]one male goat for a
sin offering; [71]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Ahiezer the son of
Ammishaddai.
[72]On the eleventh day Pagiel the son of Ochran, the
chief of the people of Asher: [73]his offering was one
silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin
of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary,
both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [74]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [75]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [76]one male goat for a
sin offering; [77]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Pagiel the son of Ochran.
[78]On the twelfth day Ahira the son of Enan, the chief
of the people of Naphtali: [79]his offering was one silver
plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin of 70
shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of
them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [80]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [81]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [82]one male goat for a
sin offering; [83]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Ahira the son of Enan.
[84]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, [85]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, [86]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; [87]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; [88]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.
[89]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. (ESV) in the car, however, I realized that I often judged scripture in an entirely different way.
No, I never claimed that parts of God’s word were obsolete, or that it taught a schizophrenic view of God in which he used to be mean and hateful but decided more recently to become loving. But I regularly, habitually, as a life-long practice, focused my Bible reading on those portions of the scripture which I considered interesting and relevant.
Think of the implications of such a practice! Suppose God would see fit to use a particular passage to transform me in some particular way. Now suppose that I had determined (using some distorted, unsanctified thought process) that the particular passage in question was boring and of no use to me. I would thereby judge scripture, rather than allowing it to judge me. Now suppose that the particular passage I didn’t want to bother with was actually one fourth to two thirds of the Bible…
Numbers 7 [+/-]Numbers 7
[7:1]On the day when Moses had finished setting up the
tabernacle and had anointed and consecrated it with all its
furnishings and had anointed and consecrated the altar with
all its utensils, [2]the chiefs of Israel, heads of their
fathers' houses, who were the chiefs of the tribes, who
were over those who were listed, approached [3]and brought
their offerings before the LORD, six wagons and twelve
oxen, a wagon for every two of the chiefs, and for each one
an ox. They brought them before the tabernacle. [4]Then the
LORD said to Moses, [5]"Accept these from them, that they
may be used in the service of the tent of meeting, and give
them to the Levites, to each man according to his service."
[6]So Moses took the wagons and the oxen and gave them to
the Levites. [7]Two wagons and four oxen he gave to the
sons of Gershon, according to their service. [8]And four
wagons and eight oxen he gave to the sons of Merari,
according to their service, under the direction of Ithamar
the son of Aaron the priest. [9]But to the sons of Kohath
he gave none, because they were charged with the service of
the holy things that had to be carried on the shoulder.
[10]And the chiefs offered offerings for the dedication of
the altar on the day it was anointed; and the chiefs
offered their offering before the altar. [11]And the LORD
said to Moses, "They shall offer their offerings, one chief
each day, for the dedication of the altar."
[12]He who offered his offering the first day was
Nahshon the son of Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah.
[13]And his offering was one silver plate whose weight was
130 shekels, one silver basin of 70 shekels, according to
the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine
flour mixed with oil for a grain offering; [14]one golden
dish of 10 shekels, full of incense; [15]one bull from the
herd, one ram, one male lamb a year old, for a burnt
offering; [16]one male goat for a sin offering; [17]and for
the sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five
male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the
offering of Nahshon the son of Amminadab.
[18]On the second day Nethanel the son of Zuar, the
chief of Issachar, made an offering. [19]He offered for his
offering one silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one
silver basin of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the
sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil
for a grain offering; [20]one golden dish of 10 shekels,
full of incense; [21]one bull from the herd, one ram, one
male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering; [22]one male
goat for a sin offering; [23]and for the sacrifice of peace
offerings, two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five
male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Nethanel
the son of Zuar.
[24]On the third day Eliab the son of Helon, the chief
of the people of Zebulun: [25]his offering was one silver
plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin of 70
shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of
them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [26]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [27]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [28]one male goat for a
sin offering; [29]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Eliab the son of Helon.
[30]On the fourth day Elizur the son of Shedeur, the
chief of the people of Reuben: [31]his offering was one
silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin
of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary,
both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [32]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [33]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [34]one male goat for a
sin offering; [35]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Elizur the son of
Shedeur.
[36]On the fifth day Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai,
the chief of the people of Simeon: [37]his offering was one
silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin
of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary,
both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [38]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [39]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [40]one male goat for a
sin offering; [41]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Shelumiel the son of
Zurishaddai.
[42]On the sixth day Eliasaph the son of Deuel, the
chief of the people of Gad: [43]his offering was one silver
plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin of 70
shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of
them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [44]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [45]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [46]one male goat for a
sin offering; [47]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Eliasaph the son of
Deuel.
[48]On the seventh day Elishama the son of Ammihud, the
chief of the people of Ephraim: [49]his offering was one
silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin
of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary,
both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [50]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [51]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [52]one male goat for a
sin offering; [53]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Elishama the son of
Ammihud.
[54]On the eighth day Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur, the
chief of the people of Manasseh: [55]his offering was one
silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin
of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary,
both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [56]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [57]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [58]one male goat for a
sin offering; [59]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Gamaliel the son of
Pedahzur.
[60]On the ninth day Abidan the son of Gideoni, the
chief of the people of Benjamin: [61]his offering was one
silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin
of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary,
both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [62]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [63]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [64]one male goat for a
sin offering; [65]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Abidan the son of
Gideoni.
[66]On the tenth day Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai, the
chief of the people of Dan: [67]his offering was one silver
plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin of 70
shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of
them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [68]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [69]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [70]one male goat for a
sin offering; [71]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Ahiezer the son of
Ammishaddai.
[72]On the eleventh day Pagiel the son of Ochran, the
chief of the people of Asher: [73]his offering was one
silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin
of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary,
both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [74]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [75]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [76]one male goat for a
sin offering; [77]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Pagiel the son of Ochran.
[78]On the twelfth day Ahira the son of Enan, the chief
of the people of Naphtali: [79]his offering was one silver
plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin of 70
shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of
them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [80]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [81]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [82]one male goat for a
sin offering; [83]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Ahira the son of Enan.
[84]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, [85]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, [86]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; [87]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; [88]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.
[89]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. (ESV) challenged me to submit to God and his word, for he has declared that Numbers 7 [+/-]Numbers 7
[7:1]On the day when Moses had finished setting up the
tabernacle and had anointed and consecrated it with all its
furnishings and had anointed and consecrated the altar with
all its utensils, [2]the chiefs of Israel, heads of their
fathers' houses, who were the chiefs of the tribes, who
were over those who were listed, approached [3]and brought
their offerings before the LORD, six wagons and twelve
oxen, a wagon for every two of the chiefs, and for each one
an ox. They brought them before the tabernacle. [4]Then the
LORD said to Moses, [5]"Accept these from them, that they
may be used in the service of the tent of meeting, and give
them to the Levites, to each man according to his service."
[6]So Moses took the wagons and the oxen and gave them to
the Levites. [7]Two wagons and four oxen he gave to the
sons of Gershon, according to their service. [8]And four
wagons and eight oxen he gave to the sons of Merari,
according to their service, under the direction of Ithamar
the son of Aaron the priest. [9]But to the sons of Kohath
he gave none, because they were charged with the service of
the holy things that had to be carried on the shoulder.
[10]And the chiefs offered offerings for the dedication of
the altar on the day it was anointed; and the chiefs
offered their offering before the altar. [11]And the LORD
said to Moses, "They shall offer their offerings, one chief
each day, for the dedication of the altar."
[12]He who offered his offering the first day was
Nahshon the son of Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah.
[13]And his offering was one silver plate whose weight was
130 shekels, one silver basin of 70 shekels, according to
the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine
flour mixed with oil for a grain offering; [14]one golden
dish of 10 shekels, full of incense; [15]one bull from the
herd, one ram, one male lamb a year old, for a burnt
offering; [16]one male goat for a sin offering; [17]and for
the sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five
male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the
offering of Nahshon the son of Amminadab.
[18]On the second day Nethanel the son of Zuar, the
chief of Issachar, made an offering. [19]He offered for his
offering one silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one
silver basin of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the
sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil
for a grain offering; [20]one golden dish of 10 shekels,
full of incense; [21]one bull from the herd, one ram, one
male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering; [22]one male
goat for a sin offering; [23]and for the sacrifice of peace
offerings, two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five
male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Nethanel
the son of Zuar.
[24]On the third day Eliab the son of Helon, the chief
of the people of Zebulun: [25]his offering was one silver
plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin of 70
shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of
them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [26]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [27]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [28]one male goat for a
sin offering; [29]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Eliab the son of Helon.
[30]On the fourth day Elizur the son of Shedeur, the
chief of the people of Reuben: [31]his offering was one
silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin
of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary,
both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [32]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [33]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [34]one male goat for a
sin offering; [35]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Elizur the son of
Shedeur.
[36]On the fifth day Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai,
the chief of the people of Simeon: [37]his offering was one
silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin
of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary,
both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [38]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [39]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [40]one male goat for a
sin offering; [41]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Shelumiel the son of
Zurishaddai.
[42]On the sixth day Eliasaph the son of Deuel, the
chief of the people of Gad: [43]his offering was one silver
plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin of 70
shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of
them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [44]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [45]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [46]one male goat for a
sin offering; [47]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Eliasaph the son of
Deuel.
[48]On the seventh day Elishama the son of Ammihud, the
chief of the people of Ephraim: [49]his offering was one
silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin
of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary,
both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [50]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [51]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [52]one male goat for a
sin offering; [53]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Elishama the son of
Ammihud.
[54]On the eighth day Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur, the
chief of the people of Manasseh: [55]his offering was one
silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin
of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary,
both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [56]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [57]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [58]one male goat for a
sin offering; [59]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Gamaliel the son of
Pedahzur.
[60]On the ninth day Abidan the son of Gideoni, the
chief of the people of Benjamin: [61]his offering was one
silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin
of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary,
both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [62]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [63]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [64]one male goat for a
sin offering; [65]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Abidan the son of
Gideoni.
[66]On the tenth day Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai, the
chief of the people of Dan: [67]his offering was one silver
plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin of 70
shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of
them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [68]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [69]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [70]one male goat for a
sin offering; [71]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Ahiezer the son of
Ammishaddai.
[72]On the eleventh day Pagiel the son of Ochran, the
chief of the people of Asher: [73]his offering was one
silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin
of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary,
both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [74]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [75]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [76]one male goat for a
sin offering; [77]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Pagiel the son of Ochran.
[78]On the twelfth day Ahira the son of Enan, the chief
of the people of Naphtali: [79]his offering was one silver
plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin of 70
shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of
them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [80]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [81]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [82]one male goat for a
sin offering; [83]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Ahira the son of Enan.
[84]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, [85]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, [86]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; [87]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; [88]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.
[89]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. (ESV) is “God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” I find the passage boring… so what! Should I therefore ‘passively’ judge its value by ignoring and avoiding it? What about the countless other passages which are less than scintillating, difficult to understand, or seemingly pointless? Are my emotions a trustworthy guide, or perhaps are they too in need of transformation?
Hopefully, the above questions will seem rhetorical to you. When any part of us, whether emotions or intellect, disagrees with God, we are wrong. God has judged all of his scripture to be profitable to us, and I know of no one at <church> that would verbally disagree. Yet in my own life, whether by neglect or preference, I often see myself disagreeing in practice with God’s view.
So the next time you find yourself wondering why God is wasting your time with a particularly boring or seemingly pointless passage, flip over to Numbers 7 [+/-]Numbers 7
[7:1]On the day when Moses had finished setting up the
tabernacle and had anointed and consecrated it with all its
furnishings and had anointed and consecrated the altar with
all its utensils, [2]the chiefs of Israel, heads of their
fathers' houses, who were the chiefs of the tribes, who
were over those who were listed, approached [3]and brought
their offerings before the LORD, six wagons and twelve
oxen, a wagon for every two of the chiefs, and for each one
an ox. They brought them before the tabernacle. [4]Then the
LORD said to Moses, [5]"Accept these from them, that they
may be used in the service of the tent of meeting, and give
them to the Levites, to each man according to his service."
[6]So Moses took the wagons and the oxen and gave them to
the Levites. [7]Two wagons and four oxen he gave to the
sons of Gershon, according to their service. [8]And four
wagons and eight oxen he gave to the sons of Merari,
according to their service, under the direction of Ithamar
the son of Aaron the priest. [9]But to the sons of Kohath
he gave none, because they were charged with the service of
the holy things that had to be carried on the shoulder.
[10]And the chiefs offered offerings for the dedication of
the altar on the day it was anointed; and the chiefs
offered their offering before the altar. [11]And the LORD
said to Moses, "They shall offer their offerings, one chief
each day, for the dedication of the altar."
[12]He who offered his offering the first day was
Nahshon the son of Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah.
[13]And his offering was one silver plate whose weight was
130 shekels, one silver basin of 70 shekels, according to
the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine
flour mixed with oil for a grain offering; [14]one golden
dish of 10 shekels, full of incense; [15]one bull from the
herd, one ram, one male lamb a year old, for a burnt
offering; [16]one male goat for a sin offering; [17]and for
the sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five
male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the
offering of Nahshon the son of Amminadab.
[18]On the second day Nethanel the son of Zuar, the
chief of Issachar, made an offering. [19]He offered for his
offering one silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one
silver basin of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the
sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil
for a grain offering; [20]one golden dish of 10 shekels,
full of incense; [21]one bull from the herd, one ram, one
male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering; [22]one male
goat for a sin offering; [23]and for the sacrifice of peace
offerings, two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five
male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Nethanel
the son of Zuar.
[24]On the third day Eliab the son of Helon, the chief
of the people of Zebulun: [25]his offering was one silver
plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin of 70
shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of
them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [26]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [27]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [28]one male goat for a
sin offering; [29]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Eliab the son of Helon.
[30]On the fourth day Elizur the son of Shedeur, the
chief of the people of Reuben: [31]his offering was one
silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin
of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary,
both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [32]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [33]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [34]one male goat for a
sin offering; [35]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Elizur the son of
Shedeur.
[36]On the fifth day Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai,
the chief of the people of Simeon: [37]his offering was one
silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin
of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary,
both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [38]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [39]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [40]one male goat for a
sin offering; [41]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Shelumiel the son of
Zurishaddai.
[42]On the sixth day Eliasaph the son of Deuel, the
chief of the people of Gad: [43]his offering was one silver
plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin of 70
shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of
them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [44]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [45]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [46]one male goat for a
sin offering; [47]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Eliasaph the son of
Deuel.
[48]On the seventh day Elishama the son of Ammihud, the
chief of the people of Ephraim: [49]his offering was one
silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin
of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary,
both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [50]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [51]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [52]one male goat for a
sin offering; [53]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Elishama the son of
Ammihud.
[54]On the eighth day Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur, the
chief of the people of Manasseh: [55]his offering was one
silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin
of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary,
both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [56]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [57]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [58]one male goat for a
sin offering; [59]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Gamaliel the son of
Pedahzur.
[60]On the ninth day Abidan the son of Gideoni, the
chief of the people of Benjamin: [61]his offering was one
silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin
of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary,
both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [62]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [63]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [64]one male goat for a
sin offering; [65]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Abidan the son of
Gideoni.
[66]On the tenth day Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai, the
chief of the people of Dan: [67]his offering was one silver
plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin of 70
shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of
them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [68]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [69]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [70]one male goat for a
sin offering; [71]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Ahiezer the son of
Ammishaddai.
[72]On the eleventh day Pagiel the son of Ochran, the
chief of the people of Asher: [73]his offering was one
silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin
of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary,
both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [74]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [75]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [76]one male goat for a
sin offering; [77]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Pagiel the son of Ochran.
[78]On the twelfth day Ahira the son of Enan, the chief
of the people of Naphtali: [79]his offering was one silver
plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin of 70
shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of
them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain
offering; [80]one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of
incense; [81]one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb
a year old, for a burnt offering; [82]one male goat for a
sin offering; [83]and for the sacrifice of peace offerings,
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a
year old. This was the offering of Ahira the son of Enan.
[84]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, [85]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, [86]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; [87]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; [88]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.
[89]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. (ESV) and get really bored. And then humbly submit to God, trusting him to use that which is seemingly pointless to sharpen you in your faith.
April 16th, 2008 at 10:05 am
Wow, a blast from the theological past. What you say is, unfortunately, hard to put into practice… especially in our hurry-up-and-be-effective culture.
By the way, you need to give the Chronicles honorable mention as well. Genealogies haven’t been so boring to me since Andrew Peterson sang Matthew’s Begats.
April 16th, 2008 at 10:06 am
This needs a link to the Jamie Soles song…. :)
April 16th, 2008 at 11:05 am
Peter, I did! “Though several of the genealogies certainly deserve recognition…”
Mark, I’m drawing a blank. Which album/song?