Take it from their half and give it to Eleazar the priest as an offering to the LORD. Take it from their halfThis phrase refers to the division of the spoils of war after the Israelites' victory over the Midianites. The spoils were divided into two parts: one for the warriors who fought in the battle and the other for the rest of the congregation. This division underscores the principle of sharing the blessings and responsibilities among the community. It reflects the communal nature of Israelite society, where both those who directly engage in battle and those who support them are considered part of the victory. and give it to Eleazar the priest as an offering to the LORD Persons / Places / Events 1. Eleazar the PriestEleazar was the son of Aaron and served as the high priest after Aaron's death. He played a crucial role in the religious leadership of Israel, particularly in the distribution of the spoils of war as described in Numbers 31. 2. The LORD (Yahweh) The covenant God of Israel, who commanded the Israelites to take vengeance on the Midianites and instructed them on how to handle the spoils of war. 3. The Israelites The people of God who were commanded to go to war against the Midianites. They were to follow God's instructions regarding the distribution of the spoils. 4. The Midianites A nomadic people who were adversaries of Israel. The conflict with the Midianites was partly due to their role in leading Israel into idolatry and immorality. 5. The Spoils of War The goods and livestock taken from the Midianites after their defeat. These were to be divided according to God's instructions, with a portion given as an offering to the LORD. Teaching Points Obedience to God's CommandsThe Israelites were required to follow God's specific instructions regarding the spoils of war. This teaches us the importance of obedience in our own lives, especially in matters that may seem mundane or material. The Role of the Priesthood Eleazar's role in receiving the offering underscores the importance of spiritual leadership and the need for mediators between God and His people. In the New Testament, Jesus is our High Priest, mediating on our behalf. The Principle of Giving The act of giving a portion of the spoils to the LORD highlights the principle of dedicating a part of our resources to God. This can be applied in our lives through tithing and offerings. God's Sovereignty in Warfare The victory over the Midianites and the subsequent distribution of spoils remind us of God's sovereignty and His involvement in the affairs of nations and individuals. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the role of Eleazar in Numbers 31:29 reflect the responsibilities of spiritual leaders today?2. In what ways can we apply the principle of giving a portion of our "spoils" to the LORD in our modern context? 3. How does the account of the Israelites' obedience in Numbers 31 compare to Saul's disobedience in 1 Samuel 15, and what lessons can we learn from these accounts? 4. What does the distribution of the spoils of war teach us about God's justice and provision? 5. How can understanding the role of the priesthood in the Old Testament enhance our appreciation of Jesus' role as our High Priest in the New Testament? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 27This chapter discusses the concept of dedicating things to the LORD, which parallels the idea of giving a portion of the spoils as an offering. 1 Samuel 15 The account of Saul and the Amalekites highlights the importance of obeying God's commands regarding the spoils of war. Hebrews 7 This chapter discusses the priesthood, which can be related to Eleazar's role in receiving offerings on behalf of the LORD.
People Balaam, Beor, Daniel, Eleazar, Evi, Hur, Israelites, Levites, Midianites, Moses, Phinehas, Reba, Rekem, ZurPlaces Jericho, Jordan River, Midian, Moab, PeorTopics Apart, Eleazar, Elea'zar, Half, Hast, Heave, Heave-offering, Lifted, Lord's, Offering, Portion, Priest, Share, WaveDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 31:28-29Library NumbersLike the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution … John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 31:29 NIVNumbers 31:29 NLT Numbers 31:29 ESV Numbers 31:29 NASB Numbers 31:29 KJV Numbers 31:29 Commentaries Bible Hub |
    |