Covered Wagons

Reading:   Numbers 7:1-11

The tabernacle is finally complete, along with all the rites, ceremonies, and laws pertaining to its use.  At the dedication of the tabernacle, each prince of Israel brings forth an offering, with the exception of the Levites whose offering was "...that they should bear upon their shoulders [the burden of the tabernacle]."

NUMBERS 7:3

3 And they brought their offering before the Lord, six covered wagons, and twelve oxen; a wagon for two of the princes, and for each one an ox: and they brought them before the tabernacle. 

There was a lot more involved in the offering process but this verse was sufficient for my needs because it plainly discloses the use of covered wagons.  How awesome is that?  Covered wagons, that's right, COVERED WAGONS!  I'm sorry but I think that is so cool...millennia before my pioneer ancestors crossed the plains in covered wagons, the princes of Israel brought forth their treasures and offerings to God in covered wagons.  What a great parallel experience.  Just as each prince of Israel brought forth family treasures as an offering to God, so too did the princes of our church bring forth their treasures (their families and irreplaceables) to the Salt Lake valley in order to worship the same everlasting God.  I just think that is an absolute awesome parallel! Well done you descendants of Israel, pioneer ancestors, and all you Amish folks for keeping the covered wagon alive today!

~Kipling