Context and Background:

Numbers 31:37 is situated within the broader narrative of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, as recorded in the Book of Numbers. This chapter details the aftermath of a divinely commanded military campaign against the Midianites, a people who had led Israel into idolatry and immorality (Numbers 25). The campaign was a response to the Midianite seduction of the Israelites, which had resulted in a plague as divine judgment. Moses, under God's instruction, sends 12,000 Israelite warriors to execute judgment on Midian, resulting in a decisive victory.

Verse Text (Berean Standard Bible):

"The LORD’s tribute was 675 sheep."

Analysis:

Numbers 31:37 specifically addresses the portion of the spoils of war that was designated as a tribute to the LORD. This tribute was part of a larger division of the plunder taken from the Midianites. The total number of sheep taken as plunder was 675,000, and the LORD's tribute, as specified in this verse, was 675 sheep, representing a small but significant portion set aside for sacred purposes.

Theological Significance:

1. Divine Ownership and Sovereignty: The concept of a tribute to the LORD underscores the belief in God's ultimate ownership of all things. By setting aside a portion of the spoils, the Israelites acknowledged God's sovereignty and His role in granting them victory. This act of tribute was a tangible expression of gratitude and recognition of divine provision.

2. Holiness and Dedication: The tribute signifies the importance of dedicating a portion of one's resources to God. This principle is echoed throughout Scripture, where offerings and tithes are seen as acts of worship and devotion. The dedication of the tribute to the LORD served as a reminder of the need for holiness and the setting apart of resources for God's purposes.

3. Community and Worship: The tribute also played a role in supporting the religious community, particularly the Levites, who were responsible for the tabernacle and the spiritual life of Israel. By providing for the needs of those who served in the tabernacle, the tribute facilitated the ongoing worship and spiritual health of the nation.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, it was common for victors in battle to dedicate a portion of their spoils to their deities. This practice among the Israelites, however, was distinct in its monotheistic focus and its integration into the covenantal relationship between God and His people. The tribute system reflected a structured approach to acknowledging God's role in the life of the nation and ensuring that the community remained centered on worship and obedience.

Conclusion:

Numbers 31:37, while a brief verse, encapsulates key themes of divine sovereignty, holiness, and communal worship. It serves as a reminder of the importance of dedicating resources to God and recognizing His hand in the victories and provisions of life. Through this act of tribute, the Israelites demonstrated their commitment to honoring God and maintaining the spiritual integrity of their community.675 (1 Occurrence)

Numbers 31:37
and Yahweh's tribute of the sheep was six hundred seventy-five.
(See NAS NIV)

675 (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance 675 (1 Occurrence). Numbers 31:37 and Yahweh's tribute
of the sheep was six hundred seventy-five. (See NAS NIV). ...
/num/675.htm - 6k

690 (1 Occurrence)

/num/690.htm - 6k

667 (1 Occurrence)

/num/667.htm - 6k

Tirhakah (2 Occurrences)
... According to the Babylonian Chronicle, the Assyrian army fought in Egypt in the
7th year of Esar-haddon (675 BC), and the country was then apparently quiet ...
/t/tirhakah.htm - 11k

Mallus
... stands Kara-Tash. Mallus stood on a height (Strabo, 675) to the East of
the western arm, a short distance from the shore. The site ...
/m/mallus.htm - 7k

Derbe (4 Occurrences)
... xiii0.73; Strabo xxx0.569; Ptolemeus, v.6, 17; Steph. Byz., Hierocl., 675;
Notit, Episcop., I, 404, and the Acta Conciliorum. WM Calder. ...
/d/derbe.htm - 15k

Shebna (9 Occurrences)
... Another explanation is put forward by K. Fullerton in AJT, IX, 621-42 (1905)
and criticized by E. Konig in X, 675-86 (1906). Fullerton ...
/s/shebna.htm - 20k

Hamath (36 Occurrences)
... mention is made of Israelites in captivity at Hamath, and Hamathites were among
the colonists settled in Samaria (2 Kings 17:24) by Esarhaddon in 675 BC Their ...
/h/hamath.htm - 25k

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