Numbers 7:10-11

10, 11. In the day This “anointing” of the altar extended over a period of twelve days; so Knobel supposes that one day was allowed to each prince for the purpose of a greater display. But Mosaism makes no provision for ostentatious giving and worship, any more than does Christianity, which explicitly forbids it. Matthew 6:2-7, notes. A better reason is found in the nature and number of a portion of the gifts which were for immediate offering. Two hundred and fifty-two animals could not be slain and offered in one day by three priests, even if the altar had been sufficiently large, nor was it convenient to keep so large a drove at the door of the tabernacle till they could all be offered. Hence the extended time required for the presentation of these gifts, a few each day. Another reason is assigned in the following words, for the dedicating of the altar. By this protracted service and twelvefold offering the dedication of the altar was rendered impressive. See 1 Kings 8:63, note. The order in which the princes came with their offerings is that of the tribes in the camp. Numbers 2:0. Their names are the same as those of the census board associated with Moses in the enumeration of Israel. Numbers 1:5-15, note.