Numbers 31 51

Numbers 31:51 kjv

And Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold of them, even all wrought jewels.

Numbers 31:51 nkjv

So Moses and Eleazar the priest received the gold from them, all the fashioned ornaments.

Numbers 31:51 niv

Moses and Eleazar the priest accepted from them the gold?all the crafted articles.

Numbers 31:51 esv

And Moses and Eleazar the priest received from them the gold, all crafted articles.

Numbers 31:51 nlt

So Moses and Eleazar the priest received the gold from all the military commanders ? all kinds of jewelry and crafted objects.

Numbers 31 verses

Numbers 31 51 Meaning

Numbers 31:51 details the reception by Moses and Eleazar the priest of a specific gold offering from the military commanders after the successful war against Midian. This gold, consisting of "fashioned articles" or handcrafted valuables, was presented as a unique "atonement offering" (Num 31:50) for the preservation of the lives of the Israelite soldiers, none of whom were lost in the battle. It represents a tangible expression of gratitude and acknowledgement of divine protection, distinguished from the general war spoil.

Numbers 31 51 Context

Numbers 31:51 occurs at the conclusion of Israel's divinely commanded war against the Midianites, who had seduced the Israelites into idolatry and immorality at Peor (Num 25). Following the swift and decisive victory, the spoils of war were meticulously divided according to specific divine instructions (Num 31:25-47). Uniquely, the military officers — the commanders of thousands and hundreds — presented a special offering (Num 31:50-51). This was not part of the standard levy on the spoil but was a voluntary act of gratitude, specifically an "atonement offering for our lives." The reason for this offering, highlighted in the preceding verse (Num 31:49), was the astonishing fact that not a single Israelite soldier from their ranks was lost in the battle, an explicit sign of God's protection. Moses and Eleazar, as the principal leaders, received this sacred gold which was then brought into the Tent of Meeting as a "memorial before the Lord" (Num 31:54). This act underscores Israel's reliance on God for protection, the sanctity of life, and the appropriate dedication of special gifts to the Tabernacle.

Numbers 31 51 Word analysis

• So: Indicating the conclusion or culmination of an action described in previous verses, linking this verse to the commanders' offering.

• Moses: מֹשֶׁה (Mosheh). The leader of Israel, authorized by God to receive and execute divine commands. His presence ensures the proper, authorized handling of the sacred offering.

• and Eleazar the priest: וְאֶלְעָזָר הַכֹּהֵן (ve'El'azar ha-Kohen). Eleazar, Aaron's son, held the esteemed position of High Priest. His involvement signifies the holy nature of the transaction and the destination of the gold for sacred use. His role guarantees proper ritual oversight.

• took: לָקַח (laqach). A common verb meaning "to take," "receive." In this context, it denotes receiving a valuable offering, not seizing or acquiring. It highlights the official, priestly act of acceptance.

• the gold: הַזָּהָב (ha-zahav). Gold, a precious and uncorruptible metal, frequently used in the Tabernacle's construction and furnishings (e.g., Ark, altar of incense). Its intrinsic value and sacred symbolism make it a fitting offering for divine purposes.

• from them: מֵאִתָּם (me'ittam). Refers specifically to the commanders of thousands and hundreds (Num 31:48), distinguishing this special offering from the general war spoil. It emphasizes their initiative in making the offering.

• all the fashioned articles: כָּל־כְּלִי מַעֲשֶׂה (kol-kli ma'aseh). This phrase translates as "every vessel of work" or "all articles made by craftsmanship/handicraft." It refers to items of jewelry, ornaments, or skillfully crafted golden objects, not raw gold. This implies a greater personal value and artistry, making them especially suitable as an "atonement offering" for lives preserved by divine grace. It signifies not just the material's worth, but the skill and beauty dedicated to God.

• Moses and Eleazar the priest took: This pairing highlights the combined civil and spiritual authority overseeing a sacred transaction. Moses represents divine authority in leading the people, while Eleazar represents the sacred authority in handling things pertaining to God. Their joint action validates the offering's purity and proper reception for its divine purpose.

• took the gold from them, all the fashioned articles: This specifies the precise nature and source of the offering. It wasn't raw material but processed, valued items. The "from them" clearly marks this as a specific offering from a specific group, distinct from the broader division of spoils. This also differentiates it from common tribute or tax, as it originated from deep gratitude for unique divine favor.

Numbers 31 51 Bonus section

The term "atonement offering" (כִּפֻּרִים - kippurim) in Num 31:50, while usually associated with sacrifices for sin, here signifies an offering for the lives (נַפְשׁוֹת - naphshoth) of the men. It's an offering because their lives were preserved, attributing this miraculous preservation to God and essentially "covering" or "making amends" for the mere fact of their continued existence, acknowledging it as a pure gift from God. This profound theological concept recognizes that even continued life is a grace requiring recognition and tribute to the Divine. It’s an act of "ransom for their lives" in gratitude for not losing life. This act sets a standard for leaders and warriors in acknowledging God's sovereignty over battle outcomes, demonstrating humble dependence rather than relying solely on military might.

Numbers 31 51 Commentary

Numbers 31:51 marks a poignant moment of corporate gratitude and proper religious observance at the culmination of the Midianite war. The "fashioned articles" of gold represent not merely wealth, but human skill and artistic beauty dedicated back to the Creator. This offering was given not as a tax, but as a spontaneous act of devotion from military leaders overwhelmed by God's protective hand, as evidenced by the lack of casualties (Num 31:49). Moses and Eleazar, by accepting it, consecrated this valuable treasure for the Tabernacle's use (Num 31:54), underscoring that all success and life preservation ultimately stem from God and are to be acknowledged and consecrated to Him. This passage reinforces the principle of recognizing divine providence in victory and life, reminding Israel to always attribute their blessings, especially miraculous ones, to the Lord. It serves as a stark contrast to behaviors like Achan's sin (Josh 7), where forbidden spoils were kept, demonstrating that proper handling of victory's fruits is paramount in pleasing God.