King James Version
What Does Numbers 31:42 Mean?
“And of the children of Israel's half, which Moses divided from the men that warred,”
Numbers 31:42 · KJV
Context
40
And the persons were sixteen thousand; of which the LORD'S tribute was thirty and two persons.
41
And Moses gave the tribute, which was the LORD'S heave offering, unto Eleazar the priest, as the LORD commanded Moses.
42
And of the children of Israel's half, which Moses divided from the men that warred,
43
(Now the half that pertained unto the congregation was three hundred thousand and thirty thousand and seven thousand and five hundred sheep ,
44
And thirty and six thousand beeves,
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd of the children of Israel's half, which Moses divided from the men that warred—The Hebrew מַחֲצִית (machatzit, "half") emphasizes the exact division of war spoils. This verse introduces the accounting of the non-combatant half: warriors kept their portion (vv. 25-41), but the congregation's share required priestly oversight. The verb חָלַק (chalaq, "to divide/apportion") reflects Moses' role as mediator of God's distributive justice.
The separation between warriors (אַנְשֵׁי הַמִּלְחָמָה, anshe ha-milchamah) and congregation (עֵדָה, edah) models the biblical principle that those who bear risk in battle receive priority share (cf. 1 Samuel 30:24), while the community still participates in God's provision through proportional distribution.
The separation between warriors (אַנְשֵׁי הַמִּלְחָמָה, anshe ha-milchamah) and congregation (עֵדָה, edah) models the biblical principle that those who bear risk in battle receive priority share (cf. 1 Samuel 30:24), while the community still participates in God's provision through proportional distribution.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Following Israel's victory over Midian (Numbers 31:1-12), Moses implemented divine instructions for equitable spoil distribution. The warriors who risked their lives received half, while the entire congregation received the other half—ensuring both valor and community welfare were honored. This accounting occurs at the plains of Moab (c. 1406 BC), just before entering Canaan.
Reflection Questions
- How does this division model both individual reward for labor and communal participation in God's blessings?
- What does Moses' mediating role in distribution teach about godly leadership in stewarding resources?
- In what ways should the church balance rewarding those who labor while ensuring the whole body benefits from God's provision?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 9 wordsבְּנֵ֣י2 of 9
“And of the children”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל3 of 9
“of Israel's”
H3478he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֲשֶׁר֙4 of 9
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֖ים8 of 9
H376a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
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 31:42 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.