A Lesson from the Book of Numbers

I’m reading through the Bible slowly—though some parts with more enjoyment than others. I loved Genesis and Exodus but felt tempted to skip most of Leviticus. I didn’t, though, and continued reading until I reached Numbers 7. Partway into the chapter, I ran out of patience. I always tell my students, “Don’t say in twenty words what you can in ten.” But this chapter totally violated that rule. It detailed the gifts that representatives from each of the twelve tribes of Israel brought for the dedication of the tabernacle, and by the time I reached the third listing of gifts, it was pretty clear to me that they were all going to be identical. And indeed, the only variation was who brought the gifts and from what tribe. Then, as if to inflict a final insult on my frustrated mind, the chapter concludes by summarizing the twelve sets of gifts. Why didn’t it just do that in the first place? I wondered. Why make the reader go through all that repetition?

Exasperated, I took my questions to God. I was amazed when a clear answer that I would have never thought of on my own almost immediately unfolded in my mind: It’s not about the gifts but rather about the individual who brings them! No matter what the corporate involvement, for God, it’s as though each giver were the only one, and each gift from that one individual is lovingly received no matter what anyone else may bring.

I immediately thought of tithing. Each time I return my tithe, it is a unique experience, sometimes involving a struggle or test of faith, sometimes coming easily or even eagerly. Fortunately, despite knowing everything and seeing the end from the beginning, God walks with me through my individual experience the way I live it.

What if all that mattered to God was how much He collected per month? Or what if His concern was centered on the sum total that I’ll give over the course of my lifetime? Fortunately, that is not God’s focus. Rather, He regards me as though I were the only giver on earth and treats each time I give as if I had never done so before or will do so again. The lesson in Numbers 7 is that every single gift that comes from a willing heart is exceedingly precious to God, for He indeed cherishes the cheerful giver.

Rachel Williams-Smith