Repetition Has Reason

So this was the dedication offering brought by the leaders of Israel at the time the altar was anointed: twelve silver platters, twelve silver basins, and twelve gold incense containers. Each silver platter weighed 3 1⁄4 pounds, and each silver basin weighed 1 3⁄4 pounds. The total weight of the silver was 60 pounds (as measured by the weight of the sanctuary shekel). Each of the twelve gold containers that was filled with incense weighed four ounces (as measured by the weight of the sanctuary shekel). The total weight of the gold was three pounds. Twelve young bulls, twelve rams, and twelve one-year-old male lambs were donated for the burnt offerings, along with their prescribed grain offerings. Twelve male goats were brought for the sin offerings. Twenty-four bulls, sixty rams, sixty male goats, and sixty one-year-old male lambs were donated for the peace offerings. This was the dedication offering for the altar after it was anointed. [Numbers 7.84-88]

The numbers above are a cumulative total of what each of the twelve tribes of Israel contributed to Tabernacle worship. Even though the offering of each tribe was identical, it is chronicled in detail making for some repetitive reading.

I am coming to believe that everything chronicled in the Bible has a purpose. In times past, the repetition of Numbers 7 (other other similar repetitive scriptures) has agitated me. My gross failure in becoming agitated is that I proudly feel somehow I deserve less cumbersome reading! Why, instead of assuming the repetition to be simplistic, don't I get the hint that these numbers and their repetition have meaning? It's just a failure of pride.

Now, having gotten this confession out of the way, let me be clear to say that I still don't understand what these numbers mean!

I do believe the weight of the platters and basins has significance as well as the fact that they were made of silver. Their content of choice flour moistened with oil (the ingredients of the bread) must carry importance as well.

Furthermore, the weight and material of the incense containers must also be significant. I cannot say what the weight means, but surely the gold material signified the extreme importance of that incense! I am reminded once again today that incense is directly correlated with prayer.

Father, I trust over times to come that I will better understand the significance of the facts provided in my reading today. Please help me to be mindful of these facts as I continue my reading this year and be reminded of them as their significance is revealed!