Definition: 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 Eliab the son of Helon.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 7:29. It’s a really important and somewhat complex passage about how offerings were made to God in ancient Israel. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says: “Eliab, one of the twelve priests, was given a special offering – a large sacrifice – to show his devotion and respect to God.” Let’s unpack that a little further: “And for a sacrifice of peace offerings…” : This tells us this wasn't just any ordinary offering. It was specifically to be offered as a sign of peace . The Israelites were very focused on maintaining peace with their neighbors and with God himself. “…two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year:” This describes exactly what kind of sacrifice was being made. Two oxen: Two large cattle (oxen) were sacrificed. Oxen were prized animals because they were strong and reliable. Five rams: Five male sheep (rams) were sacrificed. Rams were considered sacred, representing strength and leadership. Five he goats: Five goats were sacrificed. Goats were also valued for their resilience and were often used in offerings. Five lambs of the first year: Five young lambs (lambs) were sacrificed – a symbol of new life and innocence. “This [was] the offering of Eliab the son of Helon.” This identifies who made this offering. Eliab was one of the twelve priests, responsible for carrying out religious rituals. He was chosen to offer this significant sacrifice. What's the significance? This verse highlights a few key things: Importance of Sacrifice: It shows that giving offerings (like these) was a crucial part of the Jewish faith. It wasn’t just about praying; it was about demonstrating respect and devotion to God. Focus on Peace: The emphasis on “peace offerings” underlines the importance of maintaining harmony and avoiding conflict in Israel's relationship with its neighbors. In short, this verse describes a large and carefully prepared offering given to Eliab as a symbol of peace and reverence for God. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to other biblical stories or teachings?