The Church Fathers on this verse

Numbers 7:3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Their gifts before the Lord, six wagons covered, and twelve oxen. Two princes offered one wagon, and each one an ox, and they offered them before the tabernacle.

Douay-Rheims

וַיָּבִ֨יאוּ אֶת־קָרְבָּנָ֜ם לִפְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֗ה שֵׁשׁ־עֶגְלֹ֥ת צָב֙ וּשְׁנֵ֣י עָשָׂ֣ר בָּקָ֔ר עֲגָלָ֛ה עַל־שְׁנֵ֥י הַנְּשִׂאִ֖ים וְשׁ֣וֹר לְאֶחָ֑ד וַיַּקְרִ֥יבוּ אוֹתָ֖ם לִפְנֵ֥י הַמִּשְׁכָּֽן׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

2 Church Fathers comment on this verse

Cyrill of Alexandria

5th centuryChurch Father

Consider that the bulls were brought forth and dedicated to the tasks of the tabernacle, alleviating the burdens and concerns of the priestly servants during their journey by supporting the load of the chariots. In a similar manner, the Church finds rest in Christ, who carries us, ensuring that the holy and honorable lineage, as well as those adept in sacred matters, are not overwhelmed by labors beyond their capacity. Therefore, everything previously stated pertains to Christ. Each individual contributed a bull, totaling twelve. These animals transported the sacred tabernacle, with two bulls harnessed together to one chariot and under a shared yoke, designated for the Levites' service.

Read more (136 words)

This can be seen as a representation of the two nations, not yet divided due to their shared beliefs and way of life, but appearing as if they are joined together, walking patiently and steadfastly under the singular yoke of the Savior; as it is written, "Be of good courage, and let thy heart be strong, and bear with the Lord" (Psalms 26:14). The bull, known for its endurance and strength, symbolizes those who choose to honor God, assuming a voluntary yoke upon themselves as they bear Christ, who is manifested in the sacred tabernacle. The Church is indeed referred to as His body by the apostle Paul (cf. Col. 1:24, 18), and it was said to Ananias regarding Paul, "Go, for he is My chosen vessel to proclaim My name before the nations" (Acts 9:15).

Ephraem the Syrian

4th centuryChurch Father

The twelve leaders symbolize the spiritual powers, while the oxen signify the apostles. The twelve tribes, from which both prophets and apostles emerged, serve as a further representation of them. The six chariots depict the six nations where the Gospel of Christ was proclaimed.