Numbers 7

84–88 These verses give the totals of all the offerings brought by the twelve tribes. Since one shekel weighed about twelve grams, all the silver dishes together weighed approximately twenty–eight kilograms, and the gold dishes weighed about one and a half kilograms. In addition, over two hundred and fifty animals were sacrificed. All of these offerings were given over a period of twelve days, one day for each tribe. In view of the tremendous promise of God’s blessing (Numbers 6:22–26), giving these gifts was the least the Israelites could do to show their gratitude.

89 The climax of the chapter comes in this verse: Moses went into the tabernacle and heard the voice speaking to him—the voice of God. It spoke from between the two cherubim above the atonement cover on the ark (see Exodus 25:17–22 and comment). Here Moses (and later on, the high priests) would serve as mediators between God and His people. The high priest would convey the word of God to the people, and in turn he would speak to God on behalf of the people. Here at the atonement cover of the ark God would fulfill His covenant promise to be Israel’s God (Genesis 17:8).

Two other passages also describe what took place at the conclusion of the tabernacle’s dedication: Exodus 40:34–35 and Leviticus 9:23–24. These passages supplement what is reported here in verse 89. In the Exodus passage, the Lord’s GLORY filled the tabernacle; in the Leviticus passage, fire from the Lord consumed the offerings. And here in verse 89, the Lord is heard speaking with Moses. In these ways, the Lord indicated that He would dwell with the Israelites, accept their offerings, and speak to them through their anointed leaders. Only one thing now remained and then the Is-ting apart (consecrating) of the Levites, raelites would be ready to march: the set-which is described in the next chapter.