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Numbers 7:79 - Generous gifts for sacred service

Numbers 7:79 - במדבר 7:79

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. 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 (Numbers 7:13) explains that the ka'ara was a deep dish used for holding the flour offering. Its weight of 130 shekels corresponds to the numerical value of the word "Sinai" (סִינַי), alluding to the Torah given at Har Sinai (Midrash Tanchuma, Naso 12).
  • Mizrak Kesef (Silver Bowl): The mizrak was a shallower vessel used for pouring libations. Its weight of 70 shekels corresponds to the 70 elders who assisted Moshe in leading Bnei Yisrael (Baal HaTurim, Numbers 7:13).

Significance of the Flour and Oil

The fine flour (solet) mixed with oil symbolizes the refinement of human character and the necessity of combining Torah wisdom (solet, representing purity) with good deeds (shemen, representing anointing and action). The Rambam (Hilchos Issurei Mizbe'ach 5:11) notes that meal offerings teach humility, as they are brought by those who cannot afford animal sacrifices.

The Shekel of the Sanctuary

The phrase "after the shekel of the sanctuary" emphasizes that all weights and measures in the Mishkan were standardized according to divine command (Rashi, Exodus 30:13). This teaches the importance of precision and integrity in serving Hashem (Sforno, Numbers 7:13).

Symbolism of the Offerings

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 13:15) connects these vessels to the dual aspects of Torah study and material sustenance. The dish represents the "bread of Torah," while the bowl symbolizes worldly sustenance, both of which must be sanctified in the service of Hashem.

📚 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 7:79?
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 were used to hold the fine flour mixed with oil for the meal offering (mincha). The weights (130 shekels for the dish and 70 for the bowl) reflect their sanctity, as they were measured by the 'shekel of the sanctuary,' emphasizing their holy purpose.
Q: Why were the dish and bowl filled with fine flour and oil?
A: The fine flour (solet) mixed with oil (shemen) was a standard meal offering (mincha) brought to the Mishkan. The Torah teaches (Vayikra 2:1) that such offerings symbolize humility and devotion, as flour is simple and unassuming. The oil represents richness and joy in serving Hashem. Rambam (Hilchos Maaseh HaKorbanos) explains that meal offerings were an accessible way for people to connect to divine service, even if they couldn’t bring animal sacrifices.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the detailed weights of the offerings in Numbers 7:79?
A: The precise measurements (130 and 70 shekels) teach the importance of exactness and sincerity in serving Hashem. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 13:15) notes that every detail in the Mishkan’s service reflects deeper spiritual meanings. The weights also remind us that holiness is not arbitrary—mitzvos require proper intent and adherence to halachic standards, as emphasized by the 'shekel of the sanctuary.'
Q: How does this verse relate to the broader context of the tribal offerings in Numbers 7?
A: Numbers 7 describes the identical offerings brought by each tribal leader over 12 days for the Mishkan’s dedication. Though each leader brought the same items, the Torah repeats them individually to show that every tribe’s contribution was equally valued. Rashi explains that this repetition teaches that no act of service is routine—each offering was unique in Hashem’s eyes, reinforcing the idea that sincerity matters more than quantity.
Q: Why were silver vessels used for these offerings?
A: Silver (kesef) symbolizes purity and refinement in Jewish tradition. The Talmud (Yoma 44b) connects silver vessels to atonement and spiritual elevation. Additionally, the use of precious metals for sacred vessels reflects the honor due to the Mishkan, as the Ramban (Numbers 7:13) explains—material generosity in divine service demonstrates our reverence for Hashem’s presence.