What can we learn about obedience from the Israelites' actions in Numbers 31:52? Setting the Scene - After the victory over Midian, the LORD directed Moses to divide the plunder (Numbers 31:25-30). - Commanders of thousands and hundreds responded by bringing an extra offering of gold—“All the gold that the commanders of thousands and of hundreds presented as an offering to the LORD weighed 16,750 shekels” (Numbers 31:52). - Their action was voluntary, over and above what the LORD required (Numbers 31:49-50). What Their Obedience Looked Like • Prompt – They acted immediately after counting the soldiers and the spoil. • Precise – They measured and presented a specific weight of gold (16,750 shekels). • Public – The offering was brought to Moses and Eleazar for all Israel to witness. • Personal – “Each man” brought what he had acquired (Numbers 31:50). • Purposeful – It was “to make atonement for our lives before the LORD” (31:50), showing awareness of sin and need for covering. Principles We Can Learn 1. Obedience flows from gratitude – Victory and preservation stirred them to give back (Psalm 116:12-14). 2. Obedience includes cheerful generosity – They were not coerced; they “presented” the gold (2 Corinthians 9:7). 3. Obedience values God’s holiness – Their offering acknowledged that success came from Him, not military prowess (Deuteronomy 8:17-18). 4. Obedience goes beyond the minimum – They fulfilled the command to divide the spoil, then added an unsolicited gift (Matthew 5:41). 5. Obedience impacts the community – Their faithfulness provided for the sanctuary and testified to the whole nation (Hebrews 10:24). Supporting Scriptures • 1 Samuel 15:22 — “Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings…? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice…” • Proverbs 3:9 — “Honor the LORD with your wealth…” • John 14:15 — “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • James 1:22 — “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only…” Putting It into Practice Today - Take inventory of victories God has granted; respond with tangible thanks. - Offer more than the bare minimum—time, talents, resources—trusting His provision. - Make acts of obedience visible to encourage fellow believers, yet with humble motives (Matthew 5:16). - Keep obedience precise: follow God’s Word carefully, not selectively (Psalm 119:4). - Let every obedient act point back to Christ, our true atonement (Hebrews 9:14). |
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