Numbers 31 43

Numbers 31:43 kjv

(Now the half that pertained unto the congregation was three hundred thousand and thirty thousand and seven thousand and five hundred sheep,

Numbers 31:43 nkjv

now the half belonging to the congregation was three hundred and thirty-seven thousand five hundred sheep,

Numbers 31:43 niv

the community's half?was 337,500 sheep,

Numbers 31:43 esv

now the congregation's half was 337,500 sheep,

Numbers 31:43 nlt

It totaled 337,500 sheep and goats,

Numbers 31 verses

Numbers 31 43 Meaning

Numbers 31:43 states the precise number of sheep allocated to the Israelite congregation from the spoil taken during the war against Midian: three hundred thirty-seven thousand five hundred. This detail is part of a meticulous accounting of the vast plunder, demonstrating God's provision and Israel's obedience in dividing and consecrating the spoil according to divine instruction. It highlights the abundance of God's blessing upon His people following their act of righteous vengeance.

Numbers 31 43 Context

Numbers chapter 31 describes Israel's military campaign against Midian, commanded by the Lord as retribution for Midian's role in enticing Israel to sin through Balaam and Baal-peor (Numbers 25). Moses dispatched 1,000 warriors from each tribe. Following their victory, the Israelites took immense plunder—people, livestock, and goods. Moses, seeing they spared Midianite women who were instruments of the initial seduction, became angry and ordered their execution, saving only young girls. The chapter then meticulously outlines purification rites for the soldiers and the spoil. Central to the chapter is the detailed division of the plunder into two equal halves: one for the warriors who fought, and the other for the rest of the congregation. From each half, a distinct portion (a tribute) was to be given to the Lord – for the priest Eleazar from the warriors' share, and for the Levites from the congregation's share. Verse 43 falls within the precise accounting of the "half" designated for the general congregation of Israel, specifically listing the sheep received. This shows the immense scale of the victory and God's provision for the entire nation, emphasizing the systematic and equitable distribution mandated by God's law.

Numbers 31 43 Word analysis

• And: (Hebrew: וְ - ve) A conjunction linking this specific item to the preceding list of valuable spoil taken by the Israelite congregation. It signals a continuation of the inventory, demonstrating the exhaustive nature of the accounting.
• the half: (Hebrew: הַמַּחֲצִית - ha'machatzit) This refers to the portion of the plunder that was designated for the non-combatant Israelite community, distinct from the half taken by the fighting men (Num 31:27). This divinely commanded division ensured equitable sharing among all Israelites, reflecting a communal principle under God's law. This highlights God's justice in provision, where even those who did not physically fight directly benefited from the victory granted by God.
• for the congregation: (Hebrew: לָעֵדָה - la'edah) "Congregation" or "assembly" refers to the entire collective body of the Israelites, excluding the warriors who went to battle but including their families and all other non-combatants. This specification reinforces that God's blessings and provision extend to the entire community, not just the military. It contrasts with typical ancient Near Eastern practices where spoils might largely be reserved for the king or fighting elite.
• was: A simple copula verb, affirming the established quantity.
• three hundred thirty-seven thousand five hundred: (Hebrew: שְׁלֹשׁ מֵאוֹת אֶלֶף וּשְׁלֹשִׁים וְשִׁבְעָה אֶלֶף וַחֲמֵשׁ מֵאוֹת - shlosh me'ot elef u'shloshim v'shivah elef vachamesh me'ot) This extremely large and precise numerical figure highlights the magnitude of the Midianite defeat and the immense wealth gained by Israel. The exactness of the number indicates meticulous divine accounting and transparency in distribution, a stark contrast to more informal plunder systems common in the ancient world. Such precision underscores the divine order and accountability in God's administration of His people and their resources. It speaks to God's lavish provision for His people.
• sheep: (Hebrew: צֹאן - tzo'n) Sheep were a foundational part of the ancient Israelite economy. They provided wool, meat, milk, and were vital for sacrificial offerings. The possession of such a vast quantity of sheep represents immense economic wealth and sustenance for the entire nation. It signified not only immediate material blessing but also the ongoing ability to perform the prescribed religious rituals requiring sacrifices. The severe loss of such livestock by Midian demonstrated God's judgment against them.

Words-Group analysis:

• "the half for the congregation": This phrase emphasizes God's distributive justice, ensuring that even non-combatants shared in the spoils of war won under His command. It speaks to communal welfare and highlights a structured, God-ordained system of allocation for all members of the nation.
• "three hundred thirty-seven thousand five hundred sheep": The sheer quantity underscores the completeness of God's judgment against Midian and the bountiful blessing bestowed upon Israel. This detail is not merely a record but a testament to divine power providing exceedingly abundantly for His people's sustenance, economic stability, and capacity for worship (through sacrificial animals). The meticulous nature of this exact number contrasts with the vagueness often found in historical records of plunder, showing divine order.

Numbers 31 43 Bonus section

• Significance of Accounting: The extremely precise numbers throughout Numbers 31, including 31:43, are unique in ancient historical records of plunder, where often general round numbers or exaggerations were given. This precision highlights God's orderliness, transparency, and the importance He places on accurate reckoning, especially concerning things acquired by divine provision and those dedicated for sacred purposes. It implicitly sets a standard for accountability for resources given by God.
• Livestock as Sacrificial Stock: Beyond economic value, the immense number of sheep meant a guaranteed supply of animals for Israel's numerous sacrifices. This was crucial for maintaining the priestly system and the tabernacle worship, underpinning the nation's spiritual life. God's provision in Numbers 31 ensures not just physical survival but also the means for spiritual fidelity.
• Ancient Near Eastern Context: In contrast to other ancient Near Eastern practices where spoils of war typically accrued primarily to the king or the direct warriors, Israel's system, as exemplified in Num 31, involved a much broader distribution to the entire congregation, with portions specifically designated for God's representatives (priests and Levites). This demonstrates God's care for His entire people and the unique communal nature of Israel under His direct rule, contrasting with hierarchical pagan systems.

Numbers 31 43 Commentary

Numbers 31:43 concisely articulates God's meticulously ordered provision for the non-combatant segment of the Israelite community, specifically detailing their share of the enormous sheep plunder from the Midianite war. This seemingly simple statement holds profound theological and practical significance. It reflects the meticulousness of divine command, ensuring fairness and accountability in distributing the vast wealth God granted. The vast quantity of sheep not only provided economic stability for the nation, securing sustenance and resources like wool and milk, but also ensured the continued availability of animals necessary for the sacrificial system, thereby supporting their covenant relationship with God. The orderly process of spoil division, mandated by God through Moses, demonstrated that all national endeavors, even warfare, were under divine authority and that blessings derived from such victories were to be distributed equitably for the welfare of the entire community and for the support of sacred service.