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Numbers 7:37 - Generous gifts for sacred service

Numbers 7:37 - במדבר 7:37

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 of the Verse

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 (mincha).

Explanation of the Vessels

  • Ka'arat Kesef (Silver Dish): Rashi explains that the ka'ara was a deep dish, resembling a type of bowl used for serving food. Its weight of 130 shekels signifies completeness, as the number 130 is associated with the word "keli" (vessel), hinting at its purpose as a sacred vessel for divine service.
  • Mizrak Kesef (Silver Bowl): The mizrak was a smaller vessel used for pouring libations. Ramban notes that its weight of 70 shekels corresponds to the 70 nations of the world, symbolizing that the service in the Mishkan elevates all of creation.

Significance of the Fine Flour and Oil

The mincha offering consisted of fine flour (solet) mixed with oil. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 13:15) teaches that the fine flour represents the refinement of human character, while the oil symbolizes wisdom and divine inspiration. Together, they signify the dedication of one's physical and spiritual faculties to Hashem.

The Shekel of the Sanctuary

The verse specifies that the weights were measured according to "shekel hakodesh" (the holy shekel). The Talmud (Bechorot 50a) explains that this refers to the standardized weight used for sacred purposes, ensuring fairness and sanctity in all offerings. Rambam (Hilchos Shekalim 1:3) further clarifies that this shekel was double the weight of a regular shekel, emphasizing the elevated nature of contributions to the Mishkan.

Symbolism of Nachshon's Offering

Nachshon, as the representative of Yehudah, was the first to bring this offering. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 13:7) highlights that his leadership in this act reflected the future role of the tribe of Yehudah in establishing the Davidic dynasty and the ultimate redemption. The unity of the vessels and their contents teaches that true dedication to Hashem requires both material generosity (ka'ara and mizrak) and spiritual refinement (mincha).

📚 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 7:37?
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 generosity and unity in serving Hashem. The dish and bowl were filled with fine flour mixed with oil, representing the dedication of one's material possessions for holy purposes.
Q: Why were the weights of the silver dish and bowl specified in Numbers 7:37?
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 bringing offerings to Hashem. The Rambam explains that every detail in the Mishkan service teaches us about the importance of intentionality (kavanah) in fulfilling mitzvot. The 'shekel of the sanctuary' also highlights that these measurements follow the holy standard used in divine service.
Q: What does the fine flour mixed with oil represent in this verse?
A: The fine flour (solet) mixed with oil (shemen) symbolizes refinement and purity in serving Hashem. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah) teaches that the flour represents Torah study—ground fine like flour—while the oil represents good deeds and kindness. Together, they show that spiritual growth requires both learning and action.
Q: How does Numbers 7:37 apply to us today without the Mishkan?
A: Although we no longer bring physical offerings, the verse teaches timeless lessons. The Chofetz Chaim explains that just as the tribal leaders contributed generously to the Mishkan, we should dedicate our resources (time, money, and skills) to supporting Torah study, charity (tzedakah), and communal needs. The 'flour and oil' also remind us to balance material and spiritual pursuits in daily life.
Q: Why did each tribal leader bring the same offering in Numbers 7?
A: Despite their individual uniqueness, all twelve leaders brought identical offerings to show unity in serving Hashem. The Talmud (Sukkah 55b) teaches that this teaches the principle of 'equal love for all Jews'—while we have different roles, our shared commitment to Torah and mitzvot unites us. Rashi adds that the repetition of each offering emphasizes the importance of every tribe's contribution.