Context and Background:

Numbers 31:38 is part of a larger narrative found in the Book of Numbers, which is the fourth book of the Pentateuch in the Old Testament. This book details the experiences of the Israelites as they journey through the wilderness under the leadership of Moses. Numbers 31 specifically recounts the events surrounding the Israelites' war against the Midianites, a campaign commanded by God as a form of divine judgment against Midian for their role in leading Israel into idolatry and immorality (Numbers 25).

Verse Text (Berean Standard Bible):

"From the 36,000 cattle, the tribute to the LORD was 72."

Analysis and Interpretation:

In Numbers 31:38, the verse describes the allocation of spoils taken from the Midianites after their defeat. The context of this verse is the division of the plunder among the Israelite warriors and the community, with a portion set aside as a tribute to the LORD. This tribute, or offering, was a way to acknowledge God's sovereignty and provision in granting victory to the Israelites.

The specific mention of "72" cattle as the LORD's tribute from a total of "36,000" highlights the practice of giving a portion of the spoils to God, which was a common requirement in theocratic Israel. This act of giving was not merely a ritualistic duty but a tangible expression of gratitude and recognition of God's role in their success. The tribute served as a reminder of the Israelites' dependence on God and their covenant relationship with Him.

Theological Significance:

Theologically, this passage underscores several key principles. First, it reflects the concept of stewardship, where the Israelites are reminded that all they possess ultimately belongs to God. By setting aside a portion of the spoils, they acknowledge that their victory and the resulting wealth are gifts from God, not merely the result of their own efforts.

Second, the passage illustrates the importance of obedience to divine commands. The Israelites' compliance with God's instructions regarding the distribution of the spoils demonstrates their commitment to following His will, which is a recurring theme throughout the Pentateuch.

Lastly, the tribute to the LORD can be seen as a precursor to the later established system of tithes and offerings, which became a central aspect of Israelite worship and community life. It emphasizes the principle of giving back to God as an act of worship and devotion.

Conclusion:

Numbers 31:38, while seemingly a straightforward account of the distribution of war spoils, carries deeper theological implications about stewardship, obedience, and worship. It serves as a reminder of the Israelites' covenant relationship with God and their responsibility to honor Him with the firstfruits of their victories. This passage invites readers to reflect on their own practices of gratitude and giving, encouraging a heart of worship and acknowledgment of God's provision in all aspects of life.36000 (2 Occurrences)

Numbers 31:38
The cattle were thirty-six thousand; of which Yahweh's tribute was seventy-two.
(See NAS)

1 Chronicles 7:4
With them, by their generations, after their fathers' houses, were bands of the army for war, thirty-six thousand; for they had many wives and sons.
(See NAS)

36000 (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance 36000 (2 Occurrences). Numbers 31:38 The cattle were
thirty-six thousand; of which Yahweh's tribute was seventy-two. (See NAS). ...
/num/36000.htm - 6k

37000 (1 Occurrence)

/num/37000.htm - 6k

35034 (1 Occurrence)

/num/35034.htm - 6k

Shinar (8 Occurrences)
... As one of its early kings, Berosus mentions Alorus, "the shepherd of the
people," as having reigned for 10 sari, or 36,000 years. ...
/s/shinar.htm - 27k

Ephesus (20 Occurrences)
... explored. The city wall of Lysimachus was found to be 36,000 ft. in length,
enclosing an area of 1,027 acres. It was 10 1/2 ft. ...
/e/ephesus.htm - 24k

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