Meaning of Numbers 7:20

This verse, Numbers 7:20, describes one of the twelve identical gold dishes presented by the princes of Israel as part of the offerings for the dedication of the altar and the tabernacle. Each dish, weighing ten shekels and filled with incense, was a specific component of the elaborate offerings made on consecutive days by each tribal leader. The context is the period immediately following the construction of the tabernacle and the consecration of the priests, a time when Israel was establishing its covenant relationship with God in the wilderness. This particular offering, the gold dish with incense, signifies a crucial element of worship: the presentation of prayers and praises to God, which ascend as a pleasing aroma.

Context and Background

Numbers chapter 7 meticulously details the offerings brought by the twelve princes of Israel, one for each day, during the twelve days of the dedication of the altar. This ritual was a solemn occasion, marking the official inauguration of the tabernacle as the dwelling place of God among His people. Each prince presented a standardized set of offerings, including burnt offerings, sin offerings, and fellowship offerings, alongside specific vessels. The gold dish filled with incense was a consistent item in these daily sacrifices, highlighting its importance in the ongoing worship of God.

Key Themes and Messages

The primary themes conveyed are dedication, worship, and intercession. The princes' offerings demonstrate their commitment to God and the newly established covenant. The incense, specifically, is a potent symbol of prayer and spiritual worship. Its fragrant aroma ascending to heaven represents the prayers of the people being received favorably by God. This highlights the importance of a pure and acceptable offering before the divine presence.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, the gold dish of incense serves as a powerful metaphor for the prayers of believers offered to God. Just as the incense rose in a fragrant cloud, so too should our prayers ascend to heaven, filled with devotion and sincerity. This emphasizes the need for a consistent and intentional prayer life. The preciousness of the gold dish underscores the value God places on the prayers of His people. It also suggests that our worship should be costly, not in material terms, but in the dedication of our hearts and minds.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This offering foreshadows the concept of Christ as the ultimate intercessor and the source of acceptable worship. In the New Testament, particularly in Revelation, incense is frequently associated with the prayers of the saints presented before God's throne (Revelation 5:8, 8:3-4). The Levitical system, of which this offering was a part, was a foreshadowing of the greater reality found in Jesus Christ, who perfects our prayers and makes them acceptable to the Father.

Analogies

One analogy is that of a fragrant perfume used to enhance and beautify. The incense, when burned, releases a pleasant aroma that fills the space. Similarly, our prayers, when offered with a pure heart and through the mediation of Christ, add a pleasing fragrance to God's presence. Another analogy is that of a carrier pigeon, sent with a message. The dish carries the incense, which symbolically carries the prayers and praises of the people to God.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse finds resonance with several other biblical passages. Psalm 141:2 states, "May my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!" This directly equates prayer with incense. Revelation 8:3-4 further elaborates on this theme, describing an angel offering incense with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne, from which the smoke of the incense rose with the prayers of the saints to God. The emphasis on precious materials like gold also aligns with the descriptions of heavenly worship and the value God places on His people's devotion.