Numbers 31:28

Set aside a tribute for the LORD from what belongs to the soldiers who went into battle: one out of every five hundred, whether persons, cattle, donkeys, or sheep.

Study Bible

Set aside a tribute for the LORD

Israel’s victory over Midian was attributed to the Lord, who had commanded the campaign and preserved the army. The tribute was given to Eleazar the priest as a sacred offering, acknowledging that the spoils belonged ultimately to God. Israel was not to treat military success or gained wealth as self-made possessions.

Lev 27:30 Thus any tithe from the land, whether from the seed…
Exo 35:5 Take from among you an offering to the LORD.…

from what belongs to the soldiers who went into battle:

The warriors received half of the captured people and livestock as their share of the spoil. Yet even those who had faced the danger of battle were required to yield a portion to the Lord. God had gone with them into the conflict, and their survival—remarkably, without the loss of a single Israelite soldier (Numbers 31:49)—called for grateful recognition.

1Sa 30:24-25 Who will listen to your proposal? The share of the one…
Jos 22:8 “Return to your homes with your great wealth”…
Deu 20:14 But the women, children, livestock, and whatever else…

one out of every five hundred,

The required portion was one five-hundredth of the soldiers’ share. Though comparatively small, it was a holy tribute given through the priesthood. The remaining Israelites gave a larger portion, one out of fifty, to the Levites (Numbers 31:30), who served the tabernacle on behalf of the nation. The arrangement joined worship, priestly ministry, and the distribution of the spoils.

Num 18:26-28 Speak to the Levites and tell them: ‘When you receive…
Exo 30:13-16 Everyone who crosses over to those counted must pay…
Lev 27:32-33 Every tenth animal from the herd or flock…

whether persons, cattle, donkeys, or sheep.

Every category of captured wealth came under God’s claim. The persons were Midianite captives spared according to the later instructions of Moses, and the animals represented the principal forms of movable wealth in Israel’s agrarian world. Nothing gained in battle stood outside the Lord’s authority, and the tribute testified that He is sovereign over Israel’s victories, possessions, and future.

Jos 6:21 With the edge of the sword they devoted to destruction…
1Sa 15:3 Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote…
Gen 34:28-29 They took their flocks and herds and donkeys,…

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who received God's instructions regarding the division of the spoils of war.

2. Israelites
The people of God, who were commanded to take vengeance on the Midianites and subsequently divide the spoils.

3. Midianites
A nomadic tribe that opposed Israel and led them into idolatry and immorality, prompting God's judgment.

4. Eleazar the Priest
The high priest who assisted Moses in the distribution of the spoils and the offering of the tribute.

5. The LORD
The God of Israel, who commanded the tribute as a recognition of His provision and victory.

Teaching Points

Acknowledgment of God's Sovereignty
The tribute from the spoils serves as a reminder that victory and provision come from the LORD. In our lives, we should acknowledge God's hand in our successes and blessings.

Obedience to God's Commands
The specific instruction to set aside a tribute underscores the importance of following God's commands precisely. We are called to obey God's Word in all aspects of our lives, trusting in His wisdom and guidance.

Generosity and Giving
The act of giving a portion of the spoils to the LORD reflects a heart of generosity and gratitude. As believers, we are encouraged to give back to God from what He has blessed us with, recognizing that all we have is from Him.

Community and Shared Responsibility
The division of the spoils among the community highlights the importance of shared responsibility and support within the body of Christ. We are called to care for one another and share our resources for the common good.

Holiness and Dedication
The tribute signifies a dedication to the LORD, setting apart a portion as holy. In our spiritual walk, we are called to live lives that are set apart and dedicated to God, reflecting His holiness in our actions and decisions.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of a tribute in Numbers 31:28 help us understand the importance of acknowledging God's role in our victories and successes?

2. In what ways can we practice obedience to God's commands in our daily lives, similar to the Israelites' obedience in setting aside a tribute?

3. How can the principle of generosity and giving, as seen in this passage, be applied in our financial stewardship and support of the church?

4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate shared responsibility and support within our Christian community, reflecting the division of spoils among the Israelites?

5. How can we live lives that are set apart and dedicated to God, as symbolized by the tribute given to the LORD in this passage?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 30:11-16
This passage discusses the concept of a ransom or tribute to the LORD, similar to the tribute in Numbers 31:28, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging God's sovereignty and provision.

1 Samuel 15:22
This verse highlights the importance of obedience over sacrifice, which relates to the Israelites' need to follow God's specific instructions regarding the spoils.

Malachi 3:10
The principle of giving to God and recognizing His provision is echoed in the call to bring tithes into the storehouse, trusting in God's faithfulness.