Numbers 7:48Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Three individuals united to offer a tribute, originating from the liberated Rachel: Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin. Following them, another trio came together, born of handmaidens, namely Dan, Asher, and Naphtali. It is noteworthy that those who are children of free women receive precedence and are accorded great honor, while those born of maidservants follow in their wake. Does this not echo what the apostle Paul teaches us? He states that when “the full number of the Gentiles shall come in, and so all Israel shall be saved” (Rom. 11:25-26).