Context and Background:

Numbers 31:39 is part of a larger narrative detailing the aftermath of a military campaign led by the Israelites against the Midianites, as commanded by God through Moses. This campaign was a divine judgment against the Midianites for their role in leading Israel into idolatry and immorality, as recorded earlier in the Book of Numbers. The chapter outlines the distribution of the spoils of war, including livestock, which were divided among the warriors, the congregation, and the Levites.

Verse Text :

"and 30,500 donkeys, including 61 for the tribute to the LORD."

Analysis:

1. The Spoils of War:
· The verse specifically mentions the number of donkeys taken as part of the spoils from the Midianites. The total number of donkeys is recorded as 30,500. This reflects the wealth and resources of the Midianites, as donkeys were valuable assets in ancient times, used for transportation and agricultural work.

2. Tribute to the LORD:
· Of the 30,500 donkeys, 61 were set aside as a tribute to the LORD. This act of setting aside a portion of the spoils for God is significant in demonstrating obedience and reverence. It acknowledges God's sovereignty and the belief that victory in battle was granted by Him. The tribute served as a tangible expression of gratitude and recognition of divine provision.

3. Theological Implications:
· The allocation of a tribute to the LORD underscores the principle of dedicating the firstfruits or a portion of one's increase to God, a theme recurrent throughout the Scriptures. It reflects the understanding that all blessings and successes are ultimately derived from God, and thus, He is worthy of honor and acknowledgment through offerings.

4. Mosaic Law and Warfare:
· This passage also illustrates the application of Mosaic Law concerning warfare and the distribution of plunder. The law provided specific instructions on how to handle the spoils of war, ensuring that God was honored and that the community, including the Levites who served in the tabernacle, was supported.

5. Historical and Cultural Context:
· In the ancient Near Eastern context, warfare was a common means of resolving conflicts and acquiring resources. The detailed record of the spoils, including livestock, reflects the historical practice of documenting and distributing war gains. The inclusion of specific numbers highlights the importance of order and accountability in the community.

Conclusion:

Numbers 31:39, while seemingly a straightforward account of the distribution of donkeys, carries deeper theological and cultural significance. It serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging God's role in the victories and blessings experienced by His people. The act of setting aside a tribute to the LORD is a testament to the Israelites' commitment to honoring God and adhering to His commandments, even in the aftermath of conflict. This passage invites reflection on the principles of stewardship, gratitude, and obedience in the life of faith.61 (1 Occurrence)

Numbers 31:39
The donkeys were thirty thousand five hundred; of which Yahweh's tribute was sixty-one.
(See NAS NIV)

61 (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance 61 (1 Occurrence). Numbers 31:39 The donkeys were thirty
thousand five hundred; of which Yahweh's tribute was sixty-one. (See NAS NIV) ...
/num/61.htm - 6k

Noble (61 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) An English money of account, and, formerly, a gold coin, of the value
of 6 s. 8 d. sterling, or about USD1.61. ... Noble (61 Occurrences). ...
/n/noble.htm - 27k

Reply (61 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Reply (61 Occurrences). ... (WEY). Mark 14:61 But He remained
silent, and gave no reply. A second time the High Priest questioned Him. ...
/r/reply.htm - 23k

Preserve (61 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Preserve (61 Occurrences). ... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT
NIV). Psalms 61:7 He shall be enthroned in God's presence forever. ...
/p/preserve.htm - 23k

Acknowledge (61 Occurrences)
... Both in Old Testament and New Testament expressed by various forms of the word
"know" (Proverbs 3:6 Isaiah 61:9 Colossians 2:2 the King James Version). ...
/a/acknowledge.htm - 26k

Covereth (61 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Covereth (61 Occurrences). Luke 8:16 No man, when
he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or ...
/c/covereth.htm - 24k

Release (61 Occurrences)
... Release (61 Occurrences). ... (See NIV). Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord Yahweh is
on me; because Yahweh has anointed me to preach good news to the humble. ...
/r/release.htm - 26k

Obtained (61 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Obtain. Multi-Version Concordance
Obtained (61 Occurrences). Luke 19:15 And upon his return ...
/o/obtained.htm - 25k

Graven (61 Occurrences)
... tutelary god.". Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (pp) of Grave. 2. (vt) Carved.
Multi-Version Concordance Graven (61 Occurrences). Acts 17 ...
/g/graven.htm - 27k

Increasing (61 Occurrences)
... n.) of Increase. Multi-Version Concordance Increasing (61 Occurrences). Mark 4:8
Others fell into the good ground, and yielded fruit, growing up and increasing. ...
/i/increasing.htm - 24k

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