What lessons can we learn about stewardship from Numbers 31:11? Key Text Numbers 31:11: “and they took all the plunder and all the spoil, both of man and beast.” The Setting: Stewardship in a Time of Victory • Israel has just won a divinely directed battle against Midian. • Every item captured—people, livestock, and goods—is recorded as God-given spoil (vv. 26–31). • What follows in the chapter shows how that spoil is distributed, dedicated, and accounted for. Stewardship Lessons Drawn from the Spoils • Ownership begins with God – Psalm 24:1: “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof.” – Israel’s victory and loot are viewed as the Lord’s property first, Israel’s responsibility second. • Accurate accounting matters – vv. 32-47 list exact tallies of sheep, cattle, donkeys, and persons. – 1 Corinthians 4:2: “Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” • A portion is always set apart for God’s service – vv. 28-29: a tribute is presented “to the LORD” through Eleazar the priest. – Proverbs 3:9: “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits.” • Community benefit is prioritized – v. 27: half goes to the soldiers, half to the rest of the congregation. – Acts 4:34-35 shows the same spirit in the early church. • Purity and usefulness are safeguarded – vv. 22-23: metal objects are purified by fire; others by water. – 2 Timothy 2:21: vessels set apart for noble use must be cleansed. • Gratitude over greed – vv. 48-50: commanders willingly offer extra gold to the LORD in thanks for preserved lives. – Luke 16:10: faithfulness in “very little” shows readiness for greater trust. Heart Attitudes Behind Faithful Stewardship • Dependence—recognizing every gain as God’s gift (Deuteronomy 8:17-18). • Humility—submitting personal claims to God’s claims (Matthew 6:19-21). • Generosity—sharing rather than hoarding (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). • Accountability—keeping clear, honest records (Romans 14:12). Practical Ways to Live These Truths Today • Track income, possessions, and time as resources on loan from God. • Give deliberately—set aside a “tribute” first, not last. • Budget with community impact in view: family, church, needy. • Purify motives and methods—ask if each purchase or plan can pass through the “fire” of God’s standards. • Celebrate God’s provision with tangible thanksgiving, just as Israel’s commanders brought gold. |
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