Numbers 31:36

This was the half portion for those who had gone to war: 337,500 sheep,

Study Bible

This was the half portion for those who had gone to war:
In the context of Numbers 31, the Israelites are commanded by God to take vengeance on the Midianites. This phrase refers to the division of the spoils of war. The warriors who participated in the battle received half of the plunder. This division underscores the principle of rewarding those who actively engage in the Lord's battles, a theme seen throughout Scripture, such as in 1 Samuel 30:24, where David establishes a statute that those who stay with the supplies share equally with those who fight.

337,500 sheep,
The specific number of sheep indicates the vastness of the plunder taken from the Midianites. Sheep were a significant measure of wealth in ancient times, providing not only food but also wool for clothing. This large number reflects the prosperity of the Midianites and the extent of the victory God granted to Israel. The division of livestock as part of the spoils is consistent with other biblical accounts of war, such as in 2 Chronicles 14:13-15, where livestock is also taken as plunder. Theologically, the sheep can be seen as a type of Christ, the Lamb of God, who is the ultimate sacrifice and provision for His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who was commanded by God to take vengeance on the Midianites.

2. Israelite Warriors
The men who went to battle against the Midianites as instructed by God.

3. Midianites
A people who were enemies of Israel and were defeated in this battle.

4. Eleazar the Priest
The priest who was involved in the distribution of the spoils of war.

5. The Plains of Moab
The location where the Israelites were camped during this event.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Battle
God directed the battle against the Midianites, demonstrating His control over the outcomes of conflicts.

Principles of Fair Distribution
The division of spoils among those who fought and those who stayed behind highlights fairness and community responsibility.

Obedience to Divine Commands
The Israelites' obedience to God’s command to take vengeance on the Midianites is a reminder of the importance of following God’s instructions.

The Role of Leadership
Moses and Eleazar’s roles in managing the aftermath of the battle underscore the importance of godly leadership in executing God’s plans.

Spiritual Warfare
The physical battle against the Midianites can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual battles, where believers must rely on God’s strength and guidance.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the division of spoils in Numbers 31:36 reflect God’s justice and fairness, and how can we apply these principles in our own lives?

2. In what ways does the account of the battle against the Midianites encourage us to trust in God’s sovereignty during our personal struggles?

3. How can the obedience of the Israelite warriors to God’s command inspire us to follow God’s instructions in our daily lives?

4. What lessons can we learn from Moses and Eleazar’s leadership in handling the aftermath of the battle, and how can these lessons be applied to leadership roles today?

5. How does the concept of spiritual warfare, as seen through the lens of this physical battle, challenge us to prepare and engage in our own spiritual battles?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 17
The Israelites' earlier conflict with the Amalekites, another group opposed to Israel, showing a pattern of God’s deliverance.

Deuteronomy 20
Provides laws concerning warfare, which relate to the conduct and division of spoils as seen in Numbers 31.

Joshua 22
Discusses the division of land and resources among the tribes, similar to the division of spoils in Numbers 31.

1 Samuel 30
David’s fair distribution of spoils after battle, echoing the principles seen in Numbers 31.