Numbers 31:25-31

How are the captured people and animals to be divided?

Berean Standard Bible

25 The LORD said to Moses, 26 “You and Eleazar the priest and the family heads of the congregation are to take a count of what was captured, both of man and beast. 27 Then divide the captives between the troops who went out to battle and the rest of the congregation. 28 Set aside a tribute for the LORD from what belongs to the soldiers who went into battle: one out of every five hundred, whether persons, cattle, donkeys, or sheep. 29 Take it from their half and give it to Eleazar the priest as an offering to the LORD. 30 From the Israelites’ half, take one out of every fifty, whether persons, cattle, donkeys, sheep, or other animals, and give them to the Levites who keep charge of the tabernacle of the LORD.” 31 So Moses and Eleazar the priest did as the LORD had commanded Moses,

What is the context?

The Lord directs Moses, Eleazar, and the family heads to count the captured people and animals and divide them into two halves, one for the troops and one for the rest of the congregation.

One out of every five hundred from the soldiers’ half is to go to Eleazar as an offering to the Lord. One out of every fifty from the congregation’s half is to go to the Levites. The rates differ, and the rule includes human captives as well as animals.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley explains the differing shares by the soldiers’ risk and the different numbers of priests and Levites. The USCCB notes emphasize the tenfold difference between the contribution rates. Those explanations help readers follow the allocation; they do not make captivity equivalent to a voluntary modern gift.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

No deeper study linked yet.

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