King James Version
What Does Numbers 31:25 Mean?
“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,”
Numbers 31:25 · KJV
Context
23
Every thing that may abide the fire, ye shall make it go through the fire, and it shall be clean: nevertheless it shall be purified with the water of separation: and all that abideth not the fire ye shall make go through the water.
24
And ye shall wash your clothes on the seventh day, and ye shall be clean, and afterward ye shall come into the camp.
25
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
26
Take the sum of the prey that was taken, both of man and of beast, thou, and Eleazar the priest, and the chief fathers of the congregation: that: Heb. of the captivity
27
And divide the prey into two parts; between them that took the war upon them, who went out to battle, and between all the congregation:
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd the LORD spake unto Moses, saying (וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה)—This prophetic formula introduces divine legislation for war spoils distribution. Following Israel's victory over Midian (31:1-24), God provides detailed instructions for mechelek (division) of the plunder, demonstrating that even military success belongs to Yahweh.
The timing matters: purification rituals completed (31:19-24), God now establishes precedent for holy war economics. This isn't human policy but covenant law—spoils aren't mere military reward but theocratic redistribution under divine sovereignty. The pattern prefigures NT principles: all increase comes from God (1 Cor 3:6-7), requiring faithful stewardship.
The timing matters: purification rituals completed (31:19-24), God now establishes precedent for holy war economics. This isn't human policy but covenant law—spoils aren't mere military reward but theocratic redistribution under divine sovereignty. The pattern prefigures NT principles: all increase comes from God (1 Cor 3:6-7), requiring faithful stewardship.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Written ca. 1400 BC during Israel's wilderness wandering. Ancient Near Eastern warfare typically gave victorious soldiers total rights to plunder. God's regulations here were radically different—requiring division between combatants and community, with tribute to Yahweh through the priesthood.
Reflection Questions
- How does God's ownership of war spoils challenge modern assumptions about 'earning' wealth through effort?
- What NT principles of stewardship and community sharing echo this OT distribution system?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 5 wordsיְהוָ֖ה2 of 5
“And the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Numbers 31:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.