Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version 61,000 donkeys New Living Translation 61,000 donkeys, English Standard Version 61,000 donkeys, Berean Standard Bible 61,000 donkeys, King James Bible And threescore and one thousand asses, New King James Version sixty-one thousand donkeys, New American Standard Bible sixty-one thousand donkeys, NASB 1995 and 61,000 donkeys, NASB 1977 and 61,000 donkeys, Legacy Standard Bible and 61,000 donkeys, Amplified Bible and 61,000 donkeys, Christian Standard Bible 61,000 donkeys, Holman Christian Standard Bible 61,000 donkeys, American Standard Version and threescore and one thousand asses, English Revised Version and threescore and one thousand asses, GOD'S WORD® Translation 61,000 donkeys, and International Standard Version 61,000 donkeys, and NET Bible 61,000 donkeys, New Heart English Bible and sixty-one thousand donkeys, Webster's Bible Translation And sixty one thousand asses, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible61,000 donkeys, World English Bible sixty-one thousand donkeys, Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand sixty-one thousand donkeys; Young's Literal Translation and of asses one and sixty thousand; Smith's Literal Translation And the asses, one and sixty thousand, Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleSixty-one thousand asses: Catholic Public Domain Version sixty-one thousand donkeys, New American Bible sixty-one thousand donkeys, New Revised Standard Version sixty-one thousand donkeys, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd sixty-one thousand asses, Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And donkeys, sixty and one thousand, OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917and threescore and one thousand asses, Brenton Septuagint Translation and asses, sixty-one thousand. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Division of the Spoils…3372,000 cattle, 3461,000 donkeys, 35and 32,000 women who had not slept with a man.… Cross References Joshua 22:8 saying, “Return to your homes with your great wealth, with immense herds of livestock, with silver, gold, bronze, iron, and very many clothes. Divide with your brothers the spoil of your enemies.” Deuteronomy 20:14 But the women, children, livestock, and whatever else is in the city—all its spoil—you may take as plunder, and you shall use the spoil of your enemies that the LORD your God gives you. 1 Samuel 30:20 And he took all the flocks and herds, which his men drove ahead of the other livestock, calling out, “This is David’s plunder!” 2 Chronicles 14:13-15 Then Asa and his army pursued them as far as Gerar. The Cushites fell and could not recover, for they were crushed before the LORD and His army. So the people of Judah carried off a great amount of plunder / and attacked all the cities around Gerar, because the terror of the LORD had fallen upon them. They plundered all the cities, since there was much plunder there. / They also attacked the tents of the herdsmen and carried off many sheep and camels. Then they returned to Jerusalem. Genesis 14:16 He retrieved all the goods, as well as his relative Lot and his possessions, together with the women and the rest of the people. 2 Kings 7:16 Then the people went out and plundered the camp of the Arameans. It was then that a seah of fine flour sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley sold for a shekel, according to the word of the LORD. 1 Chronicles 5:21 They seized the livestock of the Hagrites—50,000 camels, 250,000 sheep, and 2,000 donkeys. They also took 100,000 captives, 2 Chronicles 20:25 Then Jehoshaphat and his people went to carry off the plunder, and they found on the bodies an abundance of goods and valuables—more than they could carry away. They were gathering the plunder for three days because there was so much. Exodus 12:38 And a mixed multitude also went up with them, along with great droves of livestock, both flocks and herds. Judges 5:30 ‘Are they not finding and dividing the spoil—a girl or two for each warrior, a plunder of dyed garments for Sisera, the spoil of embroidered garments for the neck of the looter?’ 1 Samuel 15:3 Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them. Do not spare them, but put to death men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.’” 2 Kings 14:14 He took all the gold and silver and all the articles found in the house of the LORD and in the treasuries of the royal palace, as well as some hostages. Then he returned to Samaria. Isaiah 10:6 I will send him against a godless nation; I will dispatch him against a people destined for My rage, to take spoils and seize plunder, and to trample them down like clay in the streets. Ezekiel 39:10 They will not gather wood from the countryside or cut it from the forests, for they will use the weapons for fuel. They will loot those who looted them and plunder those who plundered them, declares the Lord GOD. Luke 11:22 But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted, and then he divides up his plunder. Treasury of Scripture And three score and one thousand asses, Jump to Previous Asses Donkeys Sixty Thousand ThreescoreJump to Next Asses Donkeys Sixty Thousand ThreescoreNumbers 31 1. The Midianites are spoiled, and Balaam slain13. Moses is angry with the officers, for saving the women alive 19. How the soldiers, with their captives and spoil, are to be purified 25. The proportion in which the prey is to be divided 48. The voluntary offering unto the treasure of the Lord 61,000 donkeys In the context of Numbers 31, the Israelites are returning from a victorious battle against the Midianites, a people who had led them into idolatry and immorality. The spoils of war are being counted, and among them are 61,000 donkeys. Donkeys were valuable animals in ancient times, serving as beasts of burden and transportation. Their mention here underscores the wealth and resources acquired from the Midianites. The large number of donkeys indicates the extent of the Midianite wealth and the magnitude of the victory God granted to Israel. In biblical times, donkeys were often associated with peace and service, contrasting with horses, which were associated with war. This distinction is seen in the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, where the Messiah is described as coming "gentle and riding on a donkey," a prophecy fulfilled by Jesus in the New Testament (Matthew 21:5). The inclusion of donkeys in the spoils also reflects the comprehensive nature of God's provision for His people, ensuring they had the necessary resources for their journey and settlement in the Promised Land. This provision can be seen as a type of Christ, who provides for the spiritual and physical needs of His followers. The number 61,000, while literal, also symbolizes abundance and completeness in God's blessings. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who was commanded by God to take vengeance on the Midianites. 2. Midianites A nomadic tribe that opposed Israel and led them into idolatry and immorality. 3. Israelites The people of God, who were instructed to carry out God's judgment against the Midianites. 4. Plunder The goods and livestock taken by the Israelites from the Midianites, including the 61,000 donkeys mentioned in this verse. 5. God's Command The directive given to Moses to execute judgment on the Midianites as a consequence of their actions against Israel. Teaching Points Obedience to God's CommandsThe Israelites' actions against the Midianites were in direct obedience to God's command. This highlights the importance of following God's instructions, even when they are difficult or challenging. Consequences of Sin The judgment on the Midianites serves as a reminder of the consequences of leading others into sin. It underscores the seriousness with which God views idolatry and immorality. God's Provision The plunder, including the 61,000 donkeys, represents God's provision for His people. It serves as a reminder that God provides for His people, even in the midst of judgment. Spiritual Warfare The physical battle against the Midianites can be seen as a parallel to the spiritual battles believers face today. It encourages Christians to be vigilant and to rely on God's strength in overcoming spiritual adversaries. Stewardship of Resources The distribution and use of the plunder, including the donkeys, can be seen as a lesson in stewardship. Believers are called to manage God's resources wisely and for His glory. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 31:34?2. How does Numbers 31:34 demonstrate God's provision for His people? 3. What lessons on stewardship can we learn from Numbers 31:34? 4. How does Numbers 31:34 connect to God's commands in Deuteronomy 20:14? 5. How can we apply the principles of Numbers 31:34 in our daily lives? 6. What does Numbers 31:34 teach about God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises? 7. Why does Numbers 31:34 mention livestock in the context of war spoils? 8. How does Numbers 31:34 align with the concept of divine justice? 9. What is the historical significance of livestock in Numbers 31:34? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 31? 11. What happened to the Midianite virgins in the Bible? 12. Numbers 31:32-35: Is there any historical or archaeological evidence supporting the capture of such a large number of Midianite captives? 13. Numbers 31:28-30: How does distributing people as spoils align with the broader biblical theme of human worth? 14. Is there any historical or archaeological evidence supporting the existence of Balaam and the events of Numbers 22? What Does Numbers 31:34 Mean 61,000“and 61,000 donkeys” (Numbers 31:34) • The sheer size of the count highlights how decisive God’s victory over Midian was, matching earlier promises of abundance when Israel obeyed (Leviticus 26:7–10; Deuteronomy 28:2). • These animals formed part of the total plunder (Numbers 31:32–35), demonstrating the Lord’s right to redistribute wealth for His covenant people’s welfare, just as He did after Egypt’s defeat (Exodus 12:35-36) and in later battles (2 Chronicles 20:25). • The number also shows that nothing was missing or lost in transit, underscoring God’s meticulous care (Deuteronomy 2:7). • Dividing the 61,000 equally between the soldiers and the congregation (Numbers 31:27) modeled shared blessing, echoing the principle of honoring those who fight yet providing for the whole community (1 Samuel 30:24). donkeys • Donkeys were essential beasts of burden. By supplying 61,000 of them, the Lord equipped Israel for travel, agriculture, and commerce as they neared the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 8:7-10). • In Scripture the donkey carries royal and humble symbolism—Abraham’s wealth included donkeys (Genesis 12:16), and ultimately the Messiah would ride one in peace (Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:5). This spoil therefore foreshadows God’s habit of turning instruments of war into tools for service and peace. • Each firstborn donkey required redemption by a lamb (Exodus 13:13), reminding Israel that even their new livestock pointed back to substitutionary sacrifice—anticipating Christ, the true Lamb (John 1:29). • The Levites received one out of every thirty donkeys (Numbers 31:30), ensuring provision for those who served at the tabernacle, just as later tithes and offerings would support temple ministry (Nehemiah 12:44). summary Numbers 31:34 records more than a census figure; it testifies to the Lord’s faithful, detailed care. The 61,000 donkeys illustrate His power to grant overwhelming victory, His desire to bless both warrior and worshiper, and His pattern of turning the spoils of conflict into resources for everyday life and future peace. Hebrew 61,000אֶחָ֥ד (’e·ḥāḏ) Number - masculine singular Strong's 259: United, one, first donkeys, וַחֲמֹרִ֕ים (wa·ḥă·mō·rîm) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 2543: A male ass Links Numbers 31:34 NIVNumbers 31:34 NLT Numbers 31:34 ESV Numbers 31:34 NASB Numbers 31:34 KJV Numbers 31:34 BibleApps.com Numbers 31:34 Biblia Paralela Numbers 31:34 Chinese Bible Numbers 31:34 French Bible Numbers 31:34 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 31:34 And sixty-one thousand donkeys (Nu Num.) |