Book of Numbers - Chapter 7 - Verse 86

In this verse from the Book of Exodus, the author describes the golden spoons that were used in the tabernacle for burning incense. The number twelve symbolizes completion and perfection in the Bible, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. The spoons were filled with incense, which was burned as a fragrant offering to God. The weight of each spoon, ten shekels, was significant as it showed the value and worth placed on these items used in worship. The shekel of the sanctuary was a standard measurement used for sacred purposes. The total weight of all twelve spoons was one hundred and twenty shekels, indicating a substantial amount of gold used in their construction. This verse highlights the attention to detail and the importance of quality in the worship practices of the Israelites, emphasizing the reverence and care they showed in their offerings to God.

The theological interpretation of this verse lies in the significance of the number twelve, which appears multiple times in the Bible as a symbol of completeness and divine order. The twelve golden spoons mentioned here represent the twelve tribes of Israel, further reinforcing the idea of unity and wholeness within God's chosen people. The use of incense in the spoons points to the act of worship and offering prayers to God, as incense was commonly used in religious ceremonies as a symbol of prayers ascending to heaven. The weight of the spoons, ten shekels each, was carefully specified to adhere to the standard set by the sanctuary, emphasizing the importance of following divine regulations in worship. The total weight of the gold in the spoons, one hundred and twenty shekels, may also hold symbolic meaning, as the number twelve is multiplied to represent a greater level of completeness or perfection.