King James Version
What Does Numbers 31:31 Mean?
“And Moses and Eleazar the priest did as the LORD commanded Moses.”
Context
29
Take it of their half, and give it unto Eleazar the priest, for an heave offering of the LORD.
30
And of the children of Israel's half, thou shalt take one portion of fifty, of the persons, of the beeves, of the asses, and of the flocks, of all manner of beasts, and give them unto the Levites, which keep the charge of the tabernacle of the LORD. flocks: or, goats
31
And Moses and Eleazar the priest did as the LORD commanded Moses.
32
And the booty, being the rest of the prey which the men of war had caught, was six hundred thousand and seventy thousand and five thousand sheep,
33
And threescore and twelve thousand beeves,
Commentary
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary**Verses 25-47**
Whatever we have, God justly claims a part. Out of the people's share God required one in fifty, but out of the soldiers' share only one in five hundred. The less opportunity we have of honouring God with personal services, the more should we give in money or value.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714). Public Domain.
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 31:31 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.