The One Year® Chronological Bible (Tyndale, 2013), February 15
Twelve days of giving followed the anointing of the completed tabernacle for the LORD. Each day one leader from one of the tribes of Israel, beginning with Judah, presented Moses with a dedication offering to the LORD, and the LORD commanded Moses to accept their offerings, "Accept these from them, that they may be used in doing the work of the tabernacle of meeting; and you shall give them to the Levites, to every man according to his service" (Numbers 7:5).
God has taken several million former slaves and begun forming them into a cohesive community. God's interaction with Israel early during the wilderness provides insight into the creation of community. Giving toward a common goal or vision was just one of the many components that enabled Israel to feel interconnected-to experience community.
Experiencing several hundred years of cruel slavery together creates an unbreakable bond. They need one another.
God's identifying Himself with His people by imparting His glory in the midst in the Tent of Meeting communicates His desire to be among His people. They need a relationship with Him.
Having communal rules, regulations, and strong leaders prevents social anarchy. Israel needs structure.Israel certainly wasn"t a perfect community, but God was preparing them to enter the land of promise. Therefore, no experience in the wilderness was wasted.
Question from today's reading (Numbers 7:1-89)
Why does each tribe give exactly the same things to the LORD? What does that reveal about communal life? About God?