King James Version
What Does Numbers 31:34 Mean?
“And threescore and one thousand asses,”
Numbers 31:34 · KJV
Context
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,
34
And threescore and one thousand asses,
35
And thirty and two thousand persons in all, of women that had not known man by lying with him.
36
And the half, which was the portion of them that went out to war, was in number three hundred thousand and seven and thirty thousand and five hundred sheep:
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd threescore and one thousand asses—61,000 donkeys (chamor) were essential pack animals for transport, agriculture, and commerce. Unlike horses (associated with warfare/Egypt), donkeys represented humble utility—the animal Jesus rode entering Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-11), fulfilling Zechariah 9:9.
Donkeys carried goods, transported families, worked fields. Their inclusion in holy tribute (1/500 to priests, 1/50 to Levites) shows no gift too common for God's service. The Midianite wealth enriched Israel practically: 30,500 donkeys each for soldiers and congregation meant widespread distribution enabling trade, travel, and territorial occupation. God provides not just miracles but mundane necessities.
Donkeys carried goods, transported families, worked fields. Their inclusion in holy tribute (1/500 to priests, 1/50 to Levites) shows no gift too common for God's service. The Midianite wealth enriched Israel practically: 30,500 donkeys each for soldiers and congregation meant widespread distribution enabling trade, travel, and territorial occupation. God provides not just miracles but mundane necessities.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Near Eastern culture, donkey wealth indicated commercial success. Midianites controlled trade routes between Arabia and Mediterranean, explaining large donkey herds. Job's pre-trial wealth included 500 female donkeys (Job 1:3), showing prosperity measure. These 61,000 donkeys equipped Israel for Conquest logistics.
Reflection Questions
- Why does God care about distribution of 'common' resources like donkeys, not just gold or sacred items?
- How does tithing animals, not just money, challenge modern stewardship assumptions?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 4 wordsאָֽלֶף׃4 of 4
“thousand”
H505hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
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 31:34 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.