From Numbers 7
Overview
Nu 7.1-11 Story; Setting up the tabernacle
Nu 7.12-83 Story; Twelve days of offerings from the tribes of Israel
Nu 7.84-88 Story; Summary of all the dedication offerings for the tabernacle
Nu 7.89 Story; The LORD speaks to Moses from above the mercy seat
Passage and Comments
When the tabernacle was set up all the tribes of Israel made offerings. Here is a breakdown of the first offering.
[12] He who offered his offering the first day was Nahshon the son of Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah. [13] And his offering was one silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering; [14] one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of incense; [15] one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering; [16] one male goat for a sin offering; [17] and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Nahshon the son of Amminadab. (Nu 7.12-17)There is a fair amount of repetition in the twelve days. Again what is important for later hearers of this account is to hear their family names mentioned. It would have been noted with pride. Note all the different types of offerings being made. Grain, burnt, sin and peace. This is an expression of Hebrew worship.
Story of Jesus
I've been reading through Origen's writings recently and he comments on how the Jewish ceremonial laws were shadows of the real thing (Col 2.16-17). In the case of the tabernacle and the offerings. Jesus is the presence of God amongst his people, His Spirit dwells in his people. Jesus also made an offering as well. He offered Himself. It is good to appreciate the Jewish worship methods, they help us understand how difficult it would have been accepting Gentile believers in Christ without them having to participate in the same ceremonies.