Connect Numbers 31:29 with other instances of offerings in the Old Testament. Setting of Numbers 31:29 “You are to take it from their half and give it to Eleazar the priest as an offering to the LORD.” (Numbers 31:29) - Israel had just defeated Midian. - The spoils were divided: half to the warriors, half to the rest of the congregation (Numbers 31:27). - From the warriors’ half, one item out of every 500 was lifted up as “a contribution to the LORD” and handed to Eleazar. - The act is called a תְּרוּמָה (terumah)—the same word used for many other sacred contributions. What Was Being Offered? - A fixed portion of livestock and valuables. - Physically given to the high priest, but spiritually presented to Yahweh. - Functioned like a “wave” or “heave” offering (compare Exodus 29:27–28); it was lifted, signifying transfer from human hands to God’s ownership. Earlier Legal Foundations for Such Contributions - Exodus 25:2: freewill offerings funded the Tabernacle. - Exodus 29:27–28: the breast and thigh from ordination sacrifices became “a contribution to the LORD” for Aaron’s family. - Leviticus 7:32–34: specified priestly portions from peace offerings. - Numbers 18:24, 28: Levites tithed to the priests from the tithes they themselves received. These laws taught Israel that whenever God blessed them, a consecrated slice belonged back to Him and supported priestly service. Offerings from War Spoils Elsewhere - Joshua 6:19, 24: gold, silver, and bronze from Jericho placed in the LORD’s treasury. - 1 Chronicles 26:26–27: David and commanders dedicated plunder to repair the temple. - 2 Samuel 8:11: David set apart silver and gold taken from many nations “for the LORD.” Numbers 31:29 is therefore the earliest full description of a principle later practiced by Joshua and David: victory spoils are not fully the soldier’s; God still gets first claim. Parallels in Agricultural and Monetary Offerings - Firstfruits: Exodus 23:19; Deuteronomy 26:1–11. - Annual tithes: Leviticus 27:30; Deuteronomy 14:22–23. - Freewill gifts: Exodus 35:21–29 for the Tabernacle; 1 Chronicles 29:5–9 for the Temple. Whether grain, flocks, money, or military gains, the pattern stays constant: the best and first are lifted up to the LORD. Portion for the Priest—A Consistent Theme - God ordained that “those who proclaim the gospel should live from the gospel” long before Paul wrote it (1 Corinthians 9:13–14). - The terumah of Numbers 31:29 supplies Eleazar materially so he can continue mediating spiritually. - Exodus 29:33; Leviticus 7:35–36 reaffirm that priestly portions are “a perpetual allotment.” Key Takeaways - Victory and prosperity are acknowledged as gifts from God by returning a consecrated share. - Offerings, whether peaceful harvests or violent spoils, underscore the same truth: God is sovereign Provider. - The priestly share maintains worship at the center of national life; governance, warfare, and economy all orbit around divine service. |
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