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Numbers 7:49 - Silver vessels for sacred flour

Numbers 7:49 - במדבר 7:49

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 (Numbers 7:13) describes the offering brought by Nachshon ben Aminadav, the prince of the tribe of Yehudah, during the dedication of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). 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 Offerings

According to Rashi, the ka'arat kesef (silver dish) and mizrak kesef (silver bowl) were vessels used for the meal offering. The dish held the flour, while the bowl was used for libations. The weights—130 shekels for the dish and 70 shekels for the bowl—are significant. The Midrash Bamidbar Rabbah (13:15) notes that these numbers correspond to the years of Yosef (130 when he stood before Pharaoh) and Moshe (70 when he ascended to receive the Torah), symbolizing unity among the tribes.

Symbolism of the Fine Flour and Oil

The soles (fine flour) and shemen (oil) represent refinement and purity in divine service. The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:46) explains that meal offerings symbolize humility, as flour is ground and refined, just as a person must refine their character. The oil represents wisdom and divine inspiration, as oil rises above other liquids (Menachot 85b).

The Shekel of the Sanctuary

The phrase "b'shekel hakodesh" (after the shekel of the sanctuary) emphasizes that these weights were measured according to the sacred standard used in the Mishkan. The Kli Yakar explains that this teaches that all offerings must be given with pure intent, weighed not by human standards but by divine measure.

Nachshon’s Leadership

Nachshon, as the first prince to bring an offering, demonstrated exemplary leadership. The Midrash Tanchuma (Naso 12) highlights that his tribe, Yehudah, was chosen to go first because of their future role in kingship (through David and Mashiach). His willingness to initiate the offerings set a precedent for the other tribes.

📚 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 7:49?
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 contributing to holy causes with generosity and purity of heart. The specific weights (130 and 70 shekels) also hint at deeper meanings in Jewish numerology (gematria).
Q: Why were the dish and bowl filled with fine flour and oil?
A: The fine flour (solet) mixed with oil represents the meal offering (mincha), which was a common sacrifice expressing gratitude and devotion to Hashem. The Talmud (Menachot 104b) explains that flour and oil symbolize sustenance and Divine blessing, teaching us that our material possessions should be sanctified and used for spiritual purposes.
Q: What does 'after the shekel of the sanctuary' mean in this verse?
A: The phrase 'after the shekel of the sanctuary' (b'shekel hakodesh) refers to the standardized holy shekel weight used for all contributions to the Mishkan. Rambam (Hil. Shekalim 1:2) explains that this ensured fairness and uniformity in donations, teaching us the importance of honesty and precision in fulfilling mitzvot related to sacred matters.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: While we no longer bring physical offerings, the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 13:15) teaches that our prayers and acts of kindness now replace the Temple sacrifices. This verse reminds us to give generously to holy causes (tzedakah) and to serve Hashem with sincerity, just as the tribal leaders did with their offerings.
Q: Why are the exact weights of the vessels specified in the Torah?
A: The Torah specifies weights to emphasize the importance of exactness in Divine service (Avodah). The Kli Yakar notes that the numbers 130 and 70 correspond to significant concepts in Jewish thought—130 relates to the word 'sulam' (ladder, representing spiritual ascent), while 70 represents the nations of the world, hinting at Israel's role to elevate humanity.