‘And the Lord said to Moses, “They shall offer their offerings, one chief each day, for the dedication of the altar”’ (Numbers 7:11 ESV).
The leaders of the twelve tribes were instructed to bring their dedication offerings to the Tabernacle, one each on twelve consecutive days. The chief of the tribe of Judah brought his gifts on the first day. For the tribe of Judah led the way when the tribes marched and when they camped (See Num. 2).
The tribes camped in groups of three under four banners and they brought their gifts in the same order:
1) Judah (banner with lion image) was followed by the princes of Issachar and Zebulon in bringing their gifts.
2) Reuben (banner of a man) was followed by Simeon and Gad.
3) Ephraim (banner of an ox) was followed by Manesseh and Benjamin, and
4) Dan (banner of an eagle) was followed by Asher and Naphtali.
Like princes bringing their gifts of homage to their king, the twelve tribal leaders brought their expensive gifts to the Tabernacle. For the LORD God was their King. Each leader brought the same gifts, raised up from their individual tribes, which must have been requested by the Lord. In this way, each tribe showed its recognition of the LORD as King.
Has the leader of your family bowed the knee in homage to King Jesus? Whose banner do you and your family live under? To whom do you pay homage? Why not declare the Lord your King? As Joshua said, “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15). Have you pledged yourself and all that you have to King Jesus?
PRAYER: Dear Father, we want to march under the banner of Your Son, King Jesus. He is the Lion of Judah. He offered Himself first, so that we are able to offer ourselves to You as His followers. Strengthen us for the good work today. In Jesus’ name, amen.