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Numbers 7:25 - Generous silver meal offering dedication

Numbers 7:25 - במדבר 7:25

Hebrew Text

קָרְבָּנוֹ קַעֲרַת־כֶּסֶף אַחַת שְׁלֹשִׁים וּמֵאָה מִשְׁקָלָהּ מִזְרָק אֶחָד כֶּסֶף שִׁבְעִים שֶׁקֶל בְּשֶׁקֶל הַקֹּדֶשׁ שְׁנֵיהֶם מְלֵאִים סֹלֶת בְּלוּלָה בַשֶּׁמֶן לְמִנְחָה׃

English Translation

his offering was one silver dish, the weight of which was a hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meal offering:

Transliteration

Korban'o ka'arat-kesef achat shloshim ume'a mishkalah mizrak echad kesef shiv'im shekel beshekel hakodesh shneihem melei'im solet belulah vashemen lemincha.

Hebrew Leining Text

קׇרְבָּנ֞וֹ קַֽעֲרַת־כֶּ֣סֶף אַחַ֗ת שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים וּמֵאָה֮ מִשְׁקָלָהּ֒ מִזְרָ֤ק אֶחָד֙ כֶּ֔סֶף שִׁבְעִ֥ים שֶׁ֖קֶל בְּשֶׁ֣קֶל הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ שְׁנֵיהֶ֣ם <b>׀</b> מְלֵאִ֗ים סֹ֛לֶת בְּלוּלָ֥ה בַשֶּׁ֖מֶן לְמִנְחָֽה׃
קׇרְבָּנ֞וֹ קַֽעֲרַת־כֶּ֣סֶף אַחַ֗ת שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים וּמֵאָה֮ מִשְׁקָלָהּ֒ מִזְרָ֤ק אֶחָד֙ כֶּ֔סֶף שִׁבְעִ֥ים שֶׁ֖קֶל בְּשֶׁ֣קֶל הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ שְׁנֵיהֶ֣ם ׀ מְלֵאִ֗ים סֹ֛לֶת בְּלוּלָ֥ה בַשֶּׁ֖מֶן לְמִנְחָֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Bamidbar 7:13) describes the offering brought by Nachshon ben Aminadav, the prince of the tribe of Yehudah, during the dedication of the Mishkan. The offering consisted of a silver dish (ka'arat kesef) and a silver bowl (mizrak kesef), both filled with fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering.

Symbolism of the Silver Vessels

Rashi explains that the ka'arat kesef (silver dish) represents the Torah, which is compared to bread (as in "Lech kemach Torah" - "Come, partake of the bread of Torah"). The mizrak (bowl) symbolizes the crown of kehunah (priesthood), as it was used for libations in the Temple service. The weights - 130 shekels for the dish and 70 shekels for the bowl - correspond to significant numbers in Jewish tradition:

  • 130 shekels alludes to the age of Yitzchak when Yaakov received the blessings (Rashi, based on Midrash Tanchuma).
  • 70 shekels corresponds to the 70 elders who were the spiritual leaders of Israel (Baal HaTurim).

The Meal Offering

The fine flour (solet) mixed with oil represents several concepts according to the commentators:

  • The solet symbolizes the refined character traits one must develop in serving Hashem (Rambam in Moreh Nevuchim).
  • The oil represents wisdom, as oil rises above other liquids (Talmud Horayot 13b).
  • The mixture teaches that Torah study must be combined with good deeds, as flour alone cannot be offered without oil (Midrash Rabbah).

The Shekel HaKodesh

The specification that these weights follow "the shekel of the sanctuary" teaches that all measurements in divine service must be precise and according to Torah standards. The Kli Yakar notes that this emphasizes the importance of exactness in fulfilling mitzvot, especially those related to the Beit HaMikdash.

Nachshon's Leadership

That Nachshon was the first to bring this offering reflects his special role as the leader who initiated the dedication of the Mishkan. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 13:7) connects this to his later act of faith at the splitting of the Yam Suf, showing that true leadership combines both action and devotion.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the silver dish and bowl mentioned in Numbers 7:25?
A: The silver dish (ka'arat kesef) and bowl (mizrak kesef) were part of the offerings brought by the tribal leaders during the dedication of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). According to Rashi, these vessels symbolize the importance of unity and generosity in serving Hashem. The dish held flour, representing sustenance, while the bowl was used for libations, showing devotion.
Q: Why were the weights of the silver dish and bowl specified in the verse?
A: The Torah specifies the weights (130 shekels for the dish and 70 shekels for the bowl) to emphasize the precision and sincerity required in divine service. The Rambam explains that every detail in the Mishkan's offerings teaches us about the care and intention needed when approaching sacred acts. The 'shekel of the sanctuary' underscores using holy standards in measurements.
Q: What does the 'fine flour mingled with oil' represent in this verse?
A: The fine flour (solet) mixed with oil symbolizes refinement and purity in serving Hashem. The Midrash notes that flour represents basic sustenance, while oil signifies wisdom and enlightenment. Together, they teach that our material offerings should be elevated with spiritual intention, blending physical and divine aspects in worship.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today without the Mishkan?
A: Although we no longer bring physical offerings, the Talmud (Menachot 110a) teaches that Torah study and prayer replace the sacrifices. The verse reminds us to approach these acts with the same precision and wholeheartedness—offering our 'flour and oil' (effort and wisdom) in serving Hashem through mitzvot and good deeds.
Q: Why did each tribal leader bring the same offering in Numbers 7?
A: Rashi explains that while all leaders brought identical offerings, each was recorded separately to honor their individual intentions. The Talmud (Sotah 13b) highlights that uniformity in actions doesn’t negate personal sincerity—teaching that communal unity and personal devotion can coexist in serving Hashem.