The Book of Numbers, Bamidbar in Hebrew, is full of details about the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. And in chapter 7, we find a fascinating account of the dedication of the altar. It all begins with the princes, the nesi'im, bringing their offerings. As Numbers 7:10 tells us, "The princes brought the dedication of the altar on the day that it was anointed, and the princes brought their offering before the altar."
But it wasn't as simple as just showing up with a gift. The text emphasizes that these weren't just random donations. "The princes brought the dedication of the altar…" – this teaches us, says Bamidbar Rabbah, that just as the princes contributed to the construction of the Tabernacle, so too did they contribute to the altar's dedication. Everyone played their part.
But here’s where it gets interesting. Even though the princes were ready and willing, Moses hesitated. He didn't just accept their offerings right away. Why? Because he needed divine instruction! He waited, Bamidbar Rabbah tells us, "until it was stated to him from the mouth of the Holy One, blessed be He: 'Shall present their offering for the dedication of the altar.'"
Even after receiving this initial instruction, Moses still had questions. He wasn't sure of the order. Should they present their offerings based on their tribal banners, a kind of journey order? Or according to birth order? Again, he needed clarification from God: "that they should bring their offering according to the journeys." Still, how were they to bring them? All at once? Or each on a separate day?
The answer, according to Numbers 7:11, came directly from God: "One prince on each day, one prince on each day shall present their offering for the dedication of the altar." Each prince would have his moment. Each tribe would be honored individually.
But here’s a little twist. Why the emphasis on "One prince on each day?" Were there concerns that someone might try to hog the spotlight? Bamidbar Rabbah suggests a fascinating reason. Naḥshon, the prince of the tribe of Judah, was, in a sense, the "king" – the tribe from which future kings would descend. He brought his offering first. The verse clarifies, so he wouldn't think, "Since I brought first, I will bring with each and every one on his day." In other words, to make sure no one tried to take over!
There's another beautiful interpretation offered. Some say that when God told Moses that each prince would bring an offering, Moses relayed this to the princes but admitted he didn't know who should go first. So, Bamidbar Rabbah says, "They all directed their eyes to Naḥshon."
Why Naḥshon? Because, as the story goes, "This one sanctified the name of the Holy One blessed be He at the sea." Naḥshon was the first to step into the Red Sea when it split, displaying incredible faith. Therefore, "it is he who is worthy to cause the Divine Presence to descend, and he will bring the first of them all." And so he did. As Numbers 7:12 states: "The one who presented [his offering on the first day was Naḥshon son of Aminadav, of the tribe of Judah]."
What does this all mean? It's a story about leadership, about divine guidance, and about recognizing those who have shown exceptional faith and courage. It reminds us that even the most well-intentioned acts require clarity and humility. And sometimes, the greatest honor is not in being first, but in recognizing who should be.