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Numbers 7:3 - Princes' gifts for Mishkan service

Numbers 7:3 - במדבר 7:3

Hebrew Text

וַיָּבִיאוּ אֶת־קָרְבָּנָם לִפְנֵי יְהוָה שֵׁשׁ־עֶגְלֹת צָב וּשְׁנֵי עָשָׂר בָּקָר עֲגָלָה עַל־שְׁנֵי הַנְּשִׂאִים וְשׁוֹר לְאֶחָד וַיַּקְרִיבוּ אוֹתָם לִפְנֵי הַמִּשְׁכָּן׃

English Translation

and they brought their offering before the Lord, six covered wagons, and twelve oxen; a wagon for every two of the princes, and for each one an ox: and they brought them before the tabernacle.

Transliteration

Vayavi'u et-korbanam lifnei Adonai shesh-aglot tzav ushneim asar bakar agala al-shnei hanesi'im v'shor le'echad vayakrivu otam lifnei hamishkan.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּבִ֨יאוּ אֶת־קׇרְבָּנָ֜ם לִפְנֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֗ה שֵׁשׁ־עֶגְלֹ֥ת צָב֙ וּשְׁנֵ֣י עָשָׂ֣ר בָּקָ֔ר עֲגָלָ֛ה עַל־שְׁנֵ֥י הַנְּשִׂאִ֖ים וְשׁ֣וֹר לְאֶחָ֑ד וַיַּקְרִ֥יבוּ אוֹתָ֖ם לִפְנֵ֥י הַמִּשְׁכָּֽן׃
וַיָּבִ֨יאוּ אֶת־קׇרְבָּנָ֜ם לִפְנֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֗ה שֵׁשׁ־עֶגְלֹ֥ת צָב֙ וּשְׁנֵ֣י עָשָׂ֣ר בָּקָ֔ר עֲגָלָ֛ה עַל־שְׁנֵ֥י הַנְּשִׂאִ֖ים וְשׁ֣וֹר לְאֶחָ֑ד וַיַּקְרִ֥יבוּ אוֹתָ֖ם לִפְנֵ֥י הַמִּשְׁכָּֽן׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Offering of the Wagons and Oxen

The verse describes the generous offering brought by the Nesi'im (princes of the tribes) for the service of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). According to Rashi (Bamidbar 7:3), these wagons and oxen were designated to assist the Levites in transporting the Mishkan during the Israelites' travels in the wilderness. The division—six wagons and twelve oxen—reflects a carefully calculated contribution, as each pair of Nesi'im donated one wagon, and each Nasi gave one ox.

Symbolism of the Numbers

The Midrash Tanchuma (Naso 12) notes that the number six corresponds to the six days of Creation, while twelve represents the twelve tribes of Israel. This teaches that the service of the Mishkan is intertwined with the order of the universe and the unity of the Jewish people. The Kli Yakar (Bamidbar 7:3) adds that the wagons symbolize the physical vessels needed for divine service, while the oxen represent the strength and diligence required to fulfill it.

The Role of the Nesi'im

The Ramban (Bamidbar 7:3) emphasizes that the Nesi'im acted with humility and unity by contributing jointly rather than individually. This demonstrates the principle of shalom (peace) and collective responsibility in serving Hashem. The Sforno further explains that their offering was particularly praiseworthy because it addressed a practical need for the Mishkan's transport, showing foresight and dedication to the communal mission.

Halachic Implications

  • Mishneh Torah (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 3:8)—Rambam derives from this verse that communal offerings must be used exclusively for sacred purposes, as the wagons and oxen were designated solely for the Levites' service.
  • Talmud (Yoma 72a)—The wagons' covering (tzav) teaches that holy items must be treated with dignity and protected from exposure, a principle applied to Torah scrolls and other sacred objects.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 13a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the offerings brought by the princes of Israel for the dedication of the altar, highlighting the communal and individual contributions to the Tabernacle.
📖 Yoma 72b
The verse is cited in a broader discussion about the sanctity and the proper handling of sacred objects, including the wagons and oxen used in the service of the Tabernacle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the six wagons and twelve oxen brought as offerings in Numbers 7:3?
A: The six wagons and twelve oxen were donated by the tribal leaders (Nesi'im) to assist in transporting the Mishkan (Tabernacle) during the Israelites' travels. According to Rashi, these wagons were specifically used to carry the heavy beams and curtains of the Mishkan, while the holy vessels were carried by the Levites on their shoulders (Bamidbar Rabbah 12:17).
Q: Why did each pair of princes bring one wagon and each prince bring one ox?
A: The Torah emphasizes unity and equality among the tribes. Each of the twelve tribal leaders contributed equally—two leaders shared one wagon, and each leader donated one ox. This teaches us the importance of collective responsibility in serving Hashem, as highlighted in Midrash Tanchuma (Naso 14).
Q: How does this verse relate to the dedication of the Mishkan?
A: This offering marked the beginning of the Mishkan's inauguration. The wagons and oxen were practical gifts to facilitate the Mishkan's transport, showing that serving Hashem includes both spiritual devotion (like sacrifices) and physical assistance (like these donations). The Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 3:8) later derives laws about communal contributions from this event.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the princes' offering in this verse?
A: The princes set an example of generosity and leadership by giving what was needed for the Mishkan. The Talmud (Yoma 75a) notes that their voluntary gifts were accepted with joy, teaching us that supporting communal holiness—whether through money, time, or effort—is a cherished mitzvah.
Q: Why were the offerings brought 'before the Mishkan' and not inside it?
A: The wagons and oxen were practical tools for transport, not sacred items like the Ark or Menorah. Rashi explains that they were presented near the Mishkan to show they were designated for holy use but could not enter the inner sanctum. This distinction teaches respect for the degrees of holiness in Jewish life (Sifrei Bamidbar 7:5).