What is the meaning of Numbers 31:32?

And this plunder remained

• Numbers 31:32 opens by stressing that what follows is what was left after everything required by God had already been set aside (see Numbers 31:28–31).

• Scripture repeatedly shows God’s people ending up with “leftover” abundance after obedience—Exodus 12:36; 2 Chronicles 20:25; John 6:12–13.

• The wording highlights God’s faithfulness: even after offerings and tithes, His provision is still overflowing (Malachi 3:10).

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from the spoils

• “Spoils” points to war plunder that God permitted Israel to claim as part of His judgment on Midian for leading Israel into idolatry (Numbers 25:1–9; 31:1–3).

• Deuteronomy 20:14 and 1 Samuel 30:24 show that God established orderly principles for handling war gains so that no one exploited the weak.

• Calling it “spoils” also reminds readers that victory came from the Lord, not military skill alone (Psalm 44:3).

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the soldiers had taken

• The text credits the fighting men, underscoring their obedience to divine command through Moses (Numbers 31:5–7).

• After the battle, the soldiers willingly brought everything to Moses and Eleazar, allowing transparent distribution (Numbers 31:48–50; cf. Joshua 6:24).

• God’s fairness shines: warriors and the larger community both receive a share (Numbers 31:25–27; compare 1 Samuel 30:24–25).

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675,000 sheep

• The specific tally shows the event is historical, not symbolic; Scripture records real figures to testify to God’s mighty acts (cf. Judges 7:7; 2 Chronicles 35:7).

• Sheep mattered economically and spiritually—providing food, clothing, and countless sacrifices (Leviticus 1:10; 1 Kings 8:63).

• Numbers 31:40 notes that 675 of these went directly to the LORD, supporting worship and acknowledging His ownership of the whole flock (Psalm 50:10–12).

• The sheer number illustrates both the depth of Midian’s prosperity before judgment and the extent of God’s provision for Israel’s future worship needs.

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summary

Numbers 31:32 captures a moment of divinely granted abundance: after judgment on Midian, Israel still has a vast remainder—“675,000 sheep.” Each phrase affirms God’s justice, generosity, and precise care for His people, reminding us that obedience yields provision and that every victory and resource ultimately belongs to Him.