“Then the leaders of Israel, the heads of their fathers’ households, made an offering” Numbers 7:2a
As we begin Today’s reading we’re told that “Moses had finished setting up the tabernacle, he anointed it and consecrated it with all its furnishings, and the altar and all its utensils; he anointed them and consecrated them also.” So, here he is, out in the middle of the Wilderness, with this newly constructed Tabernacle. It’s been erected and consecrated, Ready for the Worship of God for the People of God. They’ve also been at this location for some time to Build it, but eventually, they will need to be moving on. So just 2 things remain; a time of Dedication, and, a practical way to move “All This” when God says it’s time to go.
That’s where Today’s Verse comes in: “the heads of their fathers’ households, made an offering”. We’re not told if Moses had asked the Leaders about helping with this need, or if the Leaders were moved by their own observations. Either way, God used them to provide it. We then have a very long account of how each Leader provided, not only Oxen and Carts for Transportation, but also Silver Plates and Pans of Grain Offerings, Gold Bowls of Incense, and a number of Bulls, Sheep, and Goats, for a Daily Dedication Offering. And Amazingly, they ALL brought the exact same Offering!
I was struck today by the enormity of Livestock and Materials that Israel took with them when they left Egypt. Here the leaders of Israel give 6 covered carts, each with 2 oxen, silver and gold plates, dishes, and bowls, along with the grain, oil, and animals as an offering. Add to this, all the materials needed to build the Tabernacle described in previous chapters, and It’s Staggering! This wasn’t just a mass of people leaving Egypt with as little as possible. They were bringing with them a Huge Amount of Animals, Oil, Food, Wine, Gold, Silver, Brass, Wood, Fabric, and the Tools necessary, to make all this. So, when we are told that the Jews “plundered” the Egyptians, they really did!!! In closing, meditate on the Old Maxim, “When God Guides, God Provides”. YES, He certainly does!!!