Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version the community’s half—was 337,500 sheep, New Living Translation It totaled 337,500 sheep and goats, English Standard Version now the congregation’s half was 337,500 sheep, Berean Standard Bible this half belonged to the congregation: 337,500 sheep, King James Bible (Now the half that pertained unto the congregation was three hundred thousand and thirty thousand and seven thousand and five hundred sheep, New King James Version now the half belonging to the congregation was three hundred and thirty-seven thousand five hundred sheep, New American Standard Bible now the congregation’s half was 337,500 sheep, NASB 1995 now the congregation’s half was 337,500 sheep, NASB 1977 now the congregation’s half was 337,500 sheep, Legacy Standard Bible now the congregation’s half was 337,500 sheep, Amplified Bible now the congregation’s half was 337,500 sheep, Christian Standard Bible the community’s half was: 337,500 sheep and goats, Holman Christian Standard Bible the community’s half was: 337,500 sheep and goats, American Standard Version (now the congregation's half was three hundred thousand and thirty thousand, seven thousand and five hundred sheep, English Revised Version (now the congregation's half was three hundred thousand and thirty thousand, seven thousand and five hundred sheep, GOD'S WORD® Translation The community received 337,500 sheep and goats, International Standard Version there were 337,500 sheep for the community, NET Bible there were 337,500 sheep from the portion belonging to the community, New Heart English Bible (now the congregation's half was three hundred thirty-seven thousand five hundred sheep, Webster's Bible Translation (Now the half that pertained to the congregation was three hundred thousand and thirty thousand and seven thousand and five hundred sheep, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblethis half belonged to the congregation: 337,500 sheep, World English Bible (now the congregation’s half was three hundred thirty-seven thousand five hundred sheep, Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand the congregation’s half is three hundred thousand and thirty thousand [and] seven thousand and five hundred of the flock; Young's Literal Translation and the company's half is, of the flock three hundred thousand, and thirty thousand, seven thousand and five hundred; Smith's Literal Translation (And the assembly's half from the sheep, will be three hundred thousand and thirty thousand and seven thousand five hundred, Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut out of the half that fell to the rest of the multitude, that is to say, out of the three hundred thirty-seven thousand five hundred sheep, Catholic Public Domain Version Yet truly, from the one half portion which fell to the remainder of the multitude, that is, from the three hundred thirty-seven thousand five hundred sheep, New American Bible the community’s half was three hundred and thirty-seven thousand five hundred sheep, New Revised Standard Version the congregation’s half was three hundred thirty-seven thousand five hundred sheep and goats, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa Bible(Now the half that pertained to the congregation was three hundred and thirty-seven thousand and five hundred sheep. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the division of the assembly of the sheep was three hundred and thirty and seven thousand and five hundred, OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917now the congregation's half was three hundred thousand and thirty thousand and seven thousand and five hundred sheep, Brenton Septuagint Translation And the half taken from the sheep, belonging to the congregation, was three hundred and thirty-seven thousand and five hundred. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Division of the Spoils…42From the Israelites’ half, which Moses had set apart from the men who had gone to war, 43this half belonged to the congregation: 337,500 sheep, 4436,000 cattle,… 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.” 1 Samuel 30:24-25 Who will listen to your proposal? The share of the one who went to battle will match the share of the one who stayed with the supplies. They will share alike.” / And so it has been from that day forward. David established this statute and ordinance for Israel to this very day. 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. 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. Genesis 14:23-24 that I will not accept even a thread, or a strap of a sandal, or anything that belongs to you, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ / I will accept nothing but what my men have eaten and the share for the men who went with me—Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre. They may take their portion.” 1 Chronicles 26:27 They had dedicated some of the plunder from their battles to the repair of the house of the LORD. Exodus 12:35-36 Furthermore, the Israelites acted on Moses’ word and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold, and for clothing. / And the LORD gave the people such favor in the sight of the Egyptians that they granted their request. In this way they plundered the Egyptians. 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. 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. 2 Chronicles 28:15 Then the men who were designated by name arose, took charge of the captives, and provided from the plunder clothing for the naked. They clothed them, gave them sandals and food and drink, anointed their wounds, and put all the feeble on donkeys. So they brought them to Jericho, the City of Palms, to their brothers. Then they returned to Samaria. Luke 3:14 Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” “Do not take money by force or false accusation,” he said. “Be content with your wages.” Matthew 5:40-42 if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well; / and if someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. / Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. Acts 2:44-45 All the believers were together and had everything in common. / Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need. Acts 4:32-35 The multitude of believers was one in heart and soul. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned. / With great power the apostles continued to give their testimony about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And abundant grace was upon them all. / There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, ... 1 Corinthians 9:7-14 Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Who tends a flock and does not drink of its milk? / Do I say this from a human perspective? Doesn’t the Law say the same thing? / For it is written in the Law of Moses: “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” Is it about oxen that God is concerned? ... Treasury of Scripture (Now the half that pertained to the congregation was three hundred thousand and thirty thousand and seven thousand and five hundred sheep, Jump to Previous Assembly Belonging Congregation Half Hundred People's Pertained Seven Sheep Thirty Thirty-Seven Thousand ThreeJump to Next Assembly Belonging Congregation Half Hundred People's Pertained Seven Sheep Thirty Thirty-Seven Thousand ThreeNumbers 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 this half belonged to the congregation: In the context of Numbers 31, the division of the spoils from the battle against the Midianites is being described. The congregation refers to the entire assembly of Israel, highlighting the communal aspect of the nation. This division underscores the principle of sharing resources among God's people, reflecting the communal and covenantal nature of Israelite society. The concept of sharing spoils can be seen in other biblical narratives, such as the division of the land in Joshua. It also prefigures the New Testament teaching of sharing within the body of Christ, as seen in Acts 2:44-45. 337,500 sheep: Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites who is overseeing the distribution of the spoils of war. 2. Israelites The congregation receiving their share of the spoils from the battle against the Midianites. 3. Midianites The people defeated by the Israelites, whose possessions are being divided. 4. Sheep Part of the livestock taken as spoils, representing wealth and sustenance for the Israelites. 5. The Battle The conflict between the Israelites and the Midianites, commanded by God as a form of judgment. Teaching Points God's ProvisionGod provides for His people through various means, including the spoils of war. This reminds us to trust in His provision in our lives. Community Sharing The division of spoils among the congregation highlights the importance of sharing resources within the community of believers. Obedience and Blessing The Israelites' obedience in battle led to tangible blessings. Obedience to God can lead to spiritual and material blessings in our lives. Stewardship The Israelites were entrusted with resources. We are called to be good stewards of what God has given us, using it for His glory and the benefit of others. Justice and Fairness The fair distribution of spoils underscores the biblical principle of justice and fairness, which should guide our interactions and decisions. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 31:43?2. How does Numbers 31:43 illustrate God's provision and fairness in resource distribution? 3. What lessons on stewardship can we learn from Numbers 31:43? 4. How does Numbers 31:43 connect with Jesus' teachings on sharing and generosity? 5. How can we apply the principles of Numbers 31:43 in our community today? 6. What does Numbers 31:43 teach about God's expectations for handling wealth and resources? 7. How does Numbers 31:43 align with the concept of divine justice? 8. What historical evidence supports the events described in Numbers 31:43? 9. How should Christians interpret the division of spoils in Numbers 31:43? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 31? 11. What is sheep stealing and how can it be prevented? 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. In Genesis 30:32-36, how plausible is it for Jacob's selective breeding plan to produce spotted or speckled livestock solely through visual stimuli? What Does Numbers 31:43 Mean This half• After Israel’s victory over Midian, the LORD commanded, “You and Eleazar the priest and the heads of the fathers’ households of the congregation are to take a count of the spoils that were captured, both of man and of beast. Then divide the spoils in halves between the warriors who went out to battle and the rest of the congregation” (Numbers 31:26-27). • “This half” signals the precise, God-ordered split—one portion for the 12,000 soldiers, one equal portion for everyone else. The equity echoes later moments, such as David’s ruling that those who guarded the baggage would share the plunder with those who fought (1 Samuel 30:24) and Joshua’s charge to the returning eastern tribes to share their riches with the families at home (Joshua 22:8). • The principle teaches that victory and its benefits belong to the entire covenant people, not only to the visibly heroic. It safeguards unity, gratitude, and mutual care. Belonged to the congregation • The phrase stresses collective ownership. The congregation—men, women, children, Levites—receive God’s provision together. No Israelite is overlooked (compare Numbers 18:24, where the tithe is for “the sons of Levi” because they serve the whole camp). • Sharing the spoil reinforces the truth of Exodus 19:6: “You shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” Every household participates in the blessing flowing from obedience. • Later, the early church mirrors this heart: “All the believers were together and had everything in common” (Acts 2:44). The pattern of caring for the whole assembly remains intact across covenants. 337,500 sheep • The specific tally underlines historicity—real animals counted, real wealth distributed. Earlier verses list 675,000 sheep total (Numbers 31:32), so half equals 337,500. Scripture’s detail assures us these events actually happened and were recorded with precision. • Sheep meant clothing, food, and ongoing livelihood. In agrarian culture they signified tangible, sustainable provision, echoing Genesis 13:2 where Abram’s wealth is marked by livestock, and Job 42:12 where restoration is measured by multiplied flocks. • The sheer number spotlights divine generosity: “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1). God is not stingy with His people; He equips them abundantly so they can honor Him (Proverbs 3:9) and bless others (2 Corinthians 9:10-11). • Sheep imagery also foreshadows Christ, the Good Shepherd (John 10:11). While Numbers records literal animals, the distribution prefigures the Shepherd’s care for every member of His flock. summary Numbers 31:43 records a historically exact division of Midianite spoil. God ordered half the plunder to go to the fighting men and half to the wider congregation; “337,500 sheep” spotlights the scale of His provision. The verse teaches communal equity, underscores God’s faithfulness to sustain His people, and anticipates the shared life and generosity that characterize believers in every age. Hebrew this half belonged toמֶחֱצַ֥ת (me·ḥĕ·ṣaṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 4275: A halving the congregation: הָעֵדָ֖ה (hā·‘ê·ḏāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5712: A stated assemblage 337,500 שְׁלֹשׁ־ (šə·lōš-) Number - feminine singular construct Strong's 7969: Three, third, thrice sheep, הַצֹּ֑אן (haṣ·ṣōn) Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 6629: Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock Links Numbers 31:43 NIVNumbers 31:43 NLT Numbers 31:43 ESV Numbers 31:43 NASB Numbers 31:43 KJV Numbers 31:43 BibleApps.com Numbers 31:43 Biblia Paralela Numbers 31:43 Chinese Bible Numbers 31:43 French Bible Numbers 31:43 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 31:43 Now the congregation's half was three hundred (Nu Num.) |
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