What is the meaning of Numbers 31:47? From the Israelites’ half The verse begins by recalling that the spoils of war had been divided equally between the warriors and the rest of the nation (Numbers 31:25-27). • This “half” refers to the share assigned to the general congregation. • It underscores that every Israelite benefited from God’s victory, not just the soldiers (Joshua 22:8). • By highlighting “the Israelites’ half,” Scripture reminds us that even what the people retained was still subject to the Lord’s directions (Deuteronomy 8:17-18). Moses took one out of every fifty persons and animals • A ratio of 1/50 is generous toward the Levites yet still leaves the people with 98 percent of their portion. • The giving of both “persons and animals” shows that every kind of spoil—human captives, livestock, and other goods—was to serve God’s purposes (Exodus 13:2). • Similar proportional offerings appear in Leviticus 27:30-33, where God claims a tithe of produce and animals. and gave them to the Levites • The Levites had no territorial inheritance (Numbers 18:20-24); their livelihood came from tithes and special portions like this. • By assigning part of the booty to them, Moses ensured that those devoted to temple service were provided for, echoing Deuteronomy 12:19. • This act affirms the principle that the people’s increase supports spiritual leadership (1 Corinthians 9:13-14). who kept charge of the tabernacle of the LORD • The Levites’ main task was guarding, transporting, and ministering within the tabernacle (Numbers 3:5-10). • Supplying them materially freed them to focus on worship and intercession—an early picture of “the laborer being worthy of his wages” (Luke 10:7). • The tabernacle served as the visible center of God’s presence, so investing in its caretakers honored the Lord Himself (2 Samuel 6:17-18). as the LORD had commanded him • Moses did not innovate; he followed explicit divine instruction (Numbers 31:28-29). • Obedience to God’s command safeguards fairness and prevents favoritism (Deuteronomy 16:19-20). • By framing the distribution as God-ordered, the text teaches that giving is ultimately directed to God, even when administered by human leaders (Malachi 3:10). summary Numbers 31:47 records Moses’ faithful execution of God’s directive: from the civilian half of Israel’s war spoils, 2 percent was set apart for the Levites who served the tabernacle. The verse highlights communal responsibility, provision for spiritual ministry, and obedience to divine command. In doing so, it models how God’s people are to honor Him with their resources while ensuring His servants are equipped to carry out sacred duties. |
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