Numbers 7:60

Study note

Setting — The narrator addresses the Israelite community, documenting the sequential arrival of tribal chieftains during the tabernacle dedication. At the moment designated as the ninth day, Abidan son of Gideoni approaches to present the offering of Benjamin.

The words — The phrase בַּיּוֹם הַתְּשִׁיעִי (ba/yom ha/te.shi'i) literally renders "on the day the ninth," establishing the precise chronological marker for this leader's appearance. The term נָשִׂיא (na.si') denotes "leader" or "prince," identifying Abidan's official tribal authority.

The thread — This specific leadership identification recurs in the tribal census and encampment arrangements of Numbers 1:11 and Numbers 2:22, confirming Abidan's established role before the dedication narrative. The sequential structure of Numbers 7 mirrors the ordered tribal listings found in those earlier chapters.

Why it lands — The text demands recognition of the deliberate order governing Israel's worship, where each tribe approaches in a fixed sequence. It requires the reader to track the progression of the dedication without assuming priority or omission based on arrival order.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.