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Numbers 7:47 - Generous leader's peace offering dedication

Numbers 7:47 - במדבר 7:47

Hebrew Text

וּלְזֶבַח הַשְּׁלָמִים בָּקָר שְׁנַיִם אֵילִם חֲמִשָּׁה עַתֻּדִים חֲמִשָּׁה כְּבָשִׂים בְּנֵי־שָׁנָה חֲמִשָּׁה זֶה קָרְבַּן אֶלְיָסָף בֶּן־דְּעוּאֵל׃

English Translation

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 Elyasaf the son of De῾u᾽el.

Transliteration

U'lezevach hashelamim bakar shnayim eilim chamisha atudim chamisha kvasim bnei-shana chamisha zeh korban Elyasaf ben-Deuel.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּלְזֶ֣בַח הַשְּׁלָמִים֮ בָּקָ֣ר שְׁנַ֒יִם֒ אֵילִ֤ם חֲמִשָּׁה֙ עַתֻּדִ֣ים חֲמִשָּׁ֔ה כְּבָשִׂ֥ים בְּנֵי־שָׁנָ֖ה חֲמִשָּׁ֑ה זֶ֛ה קׇרְבַּ֥ן אֶלְיָסָ֖ף בֶּן־דְּעוּאֵֽל׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וּלְזֶ֣בַח הַשְּׁלָמִים֮ בָּקָ֣ר שְׁנַ֒יִם֒ אֵילִ֤ם חֲמִשָּׁה֙ עַתֻּדִ֣ים חֲמִשָּׁ֔ה כְּבָשִׂ֥ים בְּנֵי־שָׁנָ֖ה חֲמִשָּׁ֑ה זֶ֛ה קׇרְבַּ֥ן אֶלְיָסָ֖ף בֶּן־דְּעוּאֵֽל׃ {פ}

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bamidbar 7:47) describes the korban shelamim (peace offering) brought by Elyasaf ben De'uel, the prince of the tribe of Gad, during the dedication of the Mishkan. The shelamim is unique among sacrifices, as it symbolizes harmony between man and Hashem, as well as communal unity, since parts are offered on the altar, parts are given to the Kohanim, and parts are eaten by the owner and guests (Vayikra 7:11-21).

Significance of the Numbers

Rashi notes that the quantities—two oxen, five rams, five goats, and five lambs—mirror the offerings of the other tribal leaders (Bamidbar 7:17-83). The consistency reflects the principle of equality among the tribes in their devotion to Hashem. The Midrash Tanchuma (Naso 14) explains that though each leader brought identical offerings, their intentions and personal meanings differed, showing that sincerity in avodah (service) is paramount.

Symbolism of the Animals

  • Oxen (Bakar): Represent strength and labor, alluding to the tribe of Gad's role as warriors (Bereishit 49:19).
  • Rams (Eilim): Symbolize leadership, as the ram is often associated with sacrifice and dedication (e.g., Akeidat Yitzchak).
  • Goats (Se'irim): Linked to atonement (Vayikra 16:5), hinting at repentance and spiritual elevation.
  • Lambs (Kevasim): Signify innocence and submission to Hashem’s will, as seen in the daily Tamid offering.

Elyasaf ben De'uel's Role

The Ramban emphasizes that Elyasaf’s name—meaning "Hashem has added"—reflects the tribe of Gad’s gratitude for their portion in Eretz Yisrael. His father’s name, De'uel ("knowledge of G-d"), underscores the tribe’s commitment to divine wisdom. The Sforno adds that the shelamim offering, which fosters unity, was particularly fitting for Gad, a tribe that would later dwell on the border and defend Klal Yisrael.

Halachic Insights

The Talmud (Menachot 104b) derives from this verse that peace offerings must be of the highest quality, as befits a gift to the Divine. The five lambs "of the first year" teach that sacrifices must be unblemished and youthful, symbolizing freshness in avodah (Malbim).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of the peace offering (zevach shelamim) mentioned in Numbers 7:47?
A: The peace offering (zevach shelamim) is one of the sacrifices described in the Torah. Unlike other offerings, it is shared between the altar, the kohanim (priests), and the person bringing it, symbolizing peace and gratitude between Hashem and the people. Rashi explains that it is called 'shelamim' because it brings peace (shalom) to the world.
Q: Why does the verse specify the exact number of animals (2 oxen, 5 rams, etc.) for Elyasaf's offering?
A: The Torah lists the exact numbers to show the equal participation of each tribal leader in dedicating the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Each leader brought identical offerings, emphasizing unity among the tribes. The Midrash teaches that although they brought the same items, each leader had unique intentions and devotion behind their offering.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Elyasaf bringing this offering?
A: Elyasaf's offering teaches the importance of contributing to communal holiness with generosity and sincerity. The Rambam (Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot) explains that sacrifices were meant to inspire closeness to Hashem. Today, though we no longer bring sacrifices, we apply this by supporting Torah institutions and acts of kindness with a giving heart.
Q: How does this verse connect to the dedication of the Mishkan (Tabernacle)?
A: This verse is part of a 12-day dedication ceremony where each tribal leader brought identical offerings for the Mishkan. The Talmud (Sotah 13b) notes that this public display of unity and devotion set a foundation for the Mishkan's sanctity. It reminds us that communal service to Hashem requires both individual sincerity and collective harmony.