Numbers 31:52

All the gold that the commanders of thousands and of hundreds presented as an offering to the LORD weighed 16,750 shekels.

Study Bible

All the gold that the commanders of thousands and of hundreds presented as an offering to the LORD
This phrase highlights the practice of dedicating spoils of war to God, a common practice in ancient Israel. The commanders, representing the military leadership, are acknowledging God's role in their victory by offering a portion of the plunder. This act of giving is a form of worship and gratitude, recognizing God's sovereignty and provision. The concept of offering the first fruits or a portion of one's gain to God is seen throughout the Old Testament, such as in Exodus 23:19 and Proverbs 3:9. It underscores the principle of stewardship and the acknowledgment that all blessings come from God.

weighed 16,750 shekels
The specific weight of the gold, 16,750 shekels, indicates the substantial amount of wealth acquired and dedicated to God. A shekel was a unit of weight used in ancient Israel, approximately 11 grams or 0.4 ounces. This detail not only provides historical context but also emphasizes the magnitude of the offering. The precision in recording the weight reflects the importance of accountability and integrity in handling resources dedicated to God. This practice of careful record-keeping is seen in other parts of Scripture, such as in the construction of the Tabernacle (Exodus 38:24-31). The offering of gold can also be seen as a type of Christ, who is described as the ultimate offering and sacrifice for humanity's sins, fulfilling the law and the prophets.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. In this passage, Moses is responsible for receiving the gold offering from the commanders.

2. Eleazar
The son of Aaron and the high priest at this time. He assists Moses in bringing the gold into the Tent of Meeting, signifying his role in the spiritual leadership of Israel.

3. Commanders of Thousands and Hundreds
Military leaders of the Israelite army who contributed gold as an offering to the Lord. Their contribution signifies their acknowledgment of God's role in their victory.

4. Tent of Meeting
The sacred place where God met with Moses and the Israelites. It served as a central place of worship and a symbol of God's presence among His people.

5. Gold Offering
The gold collected from the spoils of war, given as an offering to God. This act of giving reflects gratitude and recognition of God's provision and protection.

Teaching Points

The Role of Leadership in Worship
Leaders are called to set an example in giving and worship. Moses and Eleazar's actions demonstrate the importance of leadership in guiding others in acts of worship.

The Significance of Sacrificial Giving
The gold offering represents a sacrifice from the spoils of war, reminding us that true worship often involves giving up something valuable to honor God.

Acknowledging God's Provision
The commanders' offering is a recognition of God's hand in their victory. We are reminded to acknowledge God's provision in our lives through acts of gratitude.

The Importance of Community Worship
The collective offering brought into the Tent of Meeting underscores the communal aspect of worship, where the community comes together to honor God.

Symbolism of the Tent of Meeting
As a place where God met with His people, the Tent of Meeting symbolizes God's desire for relationship and communication with His followers.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the act of giving by the commanders in Numbers 31:52 reflect their understanding of God's role in their victory?

2. In what ways can we, like the commanders, offer our resources to God as an act of worship today?

3. How does the leadership of Moses and Eleazar in this passage inspire us to lead others in worship and giving?

4. What parallels can you draw between the gold offering in Numbers 31:52 and the concept of cheerful giving in 2 Corinthians 9?

5. How can the communal aspect of worship, as seen in the Tent of Meeting, be applied to our modern-day church gatherings?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25
The instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, where offerings of gold and other materials were first commanded by God. This connection highlights the continuity of giving as an act of worship.

1 Chronicles 29
David's collection of materials for the Temple, where leaders and people gave generously. This parallel emphasizes the importance of leadership in encouraging sacrificial giving.

2 Corinthians 9
Paul's teaching on cheerful giving, which aligns with the spirit of the commanders' offering in Numbers 31:52, showing that giving should be done willingly and joyfully.