Numbers 7 ORDER IN GIVING GIFTS The events written about in this chapter took place before the census of the nation was taken. The Tabernacle was set up on the first day of the first month of the second year after Israel left Egypt. That was when Moses sanctified and dedicated the Tabernacle and the glory of God settled into the Holiest where God would live among His people. This was followed by the consecration of the priests. Then for twelve days after that the giving of the gifts mentioned in this chapter took place. Following this, the census was taken on the first day of the second month, and on the twentieth day of the second month of the second year, the cloud lifted and they took their journey away from Sinai on the way to Moab.
God has a timetable of events for the lives of His people and the assemblies of God's people who are gathered together in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Our responsibility is to be aware of what God's will is through doctrines and principles taught in His Word, and to submit to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all of our activities. We should never that the words of God lightly because of who He is and the fact that we are very limited in our understanding of divine things. His Word and His Spirit must be our guides in any service we do for Him. What is done for God is not forgotten no matter how small or large it may be.
Even though the Israeli tribes were different in size, there was equality in what they gave to the Lord. Each of the twelve tribes brought the same things in the same amount. The work of the building of the Tabernacle had been done willingly without any coercion and the same was true when each tribe brought their gifts for the use of the Tabernacle. Of interest is the fact that the gifts were presented in the order of the tribe's position around the Tabernacle, and in the order they followed when traveling. The gifts they brought were costly, but each was on equal footing despite the differences in size and position in the camp. Each came in the same way and each had a special designated day to present what they had to give. None were overshadowed by any other.
The giving of gifts and free-will offerings to the Lord begins in the heart and mind of the giver. Even though every gift brought to God in Israel was the same, God made note of and repeated every single thing every time. Every act of service we might do; every gift we give to God is important to Him. Even though it may be the same as that which is given by others, God does not generalize that which has been done. Every leader's name was mentioned. What he brought to give on behalf of his tribe was not overlooked. God is impartial and accurate in His accounting of that which is done for Him. The substance was noted as to what it was and how much. When we give to God, the way we give it is also known by the Lord who "loves a cheerful giver." Giving grudgingly and/or comparing what we give with what another gives, takes away its value. A "hilarious giver" enthusiastically gives to God what he or she can, and knows that God knows the heart and motive behind the gift.
As all those gifts accumulated for the work of the Tabernacle, it was made plain what their uses would be. The wagons would be for the use of the Gershonites and Merarites to carry the heavy parts of the Tabernacle as was suitable. The plates, bowls and other utensils were designated for use in appropriate places. The animals were given for the sacrifices to be made. The dedication took place as God had intended. God and His people were in happy fellowship together. What a wonderful time that must have been. It was then Moses went into the Tabernacle as the responsible leader of the people and God spoke to him from the mercy seat.
The Voice of God that spoke then linked what had happened, with what God intended to happen next. The Voice was heard audibly a number of times as recorded in the scriptures. Every word that God says, whether audible or written, is equal in importance. it reminds us that God knows everything we do and the motive behind it. He has His reasons for making some things clearly known, and withholding our knowledge of other things. He is the Sovereign God and He knows what is best for us. He knows the end from the beginning and has the right to expect us to trust Him and obey His word. What we can and should do are always plain and easy to understand by those who are willing to act on His guidance. Even the giving of unsolicited gifts is not to be done in a careless manner or haphazard way. He deserves our best every time and in every way.