Numbers 31:27

And divide the prey into two parts; between them that took the war upon them, who went out to battle, and between all the congregation:

And divide {H2673} the prey {H4455} into two parts {H2673}; between them that took {H8610} the war {H4421} upon them, who went out {H3318} to battle {H6635}, and between all the congregation {H5712}:

and divide the booty into two parts: half for the experienced soldiers who went out to battle, and half for the rest of the community.

Then divide the captives between the troops who went out to battle and the rest of the congregation.

and divide the prey into two parts: between the men skilled in war, that went out to battle, and all the congregation.

Commentary

Context of Numbers 31:27

Numbers 31:27 is part of the detailed instructions given by Moses concerning the spoils taken from the Midianites. This war was commanded by God as an act of vengeance for the Baal-peor apostasy, where Midianite women enticed Israel into idolatry and immorality. After the decisive victory, a significant amount of plunder—livestock, gold, silver, and other valuables—was captured. The preceding verses (Numbers 31:21-24) deal with the purification of the plunder, emphasizing the need for ritual cleansing after contact with war and the slain. Verse 27 then lays out the fundamental principle for the division of this vast wealth, ensuring fairness and adherence to divine law.

Key Themes in Numbers 31:27

  • Equitable Distribution: The verse establishes a clear and equitable division of the war spoils into two distinct halves. This principle ensured that both those who directly participated in the dangerous mission of battle and the broader community shared in the benefits of God's victory.
  • Community Participation: By dividing the plunder "between them that took the war upon them" and "all the congregation," God's law acknowledges the collective effort and support of the entire community. Even those who remained in the camp played a vital role in sustaining the nation and deserved to partake in the blessings of the victory. This highlights the concept of shared responsibility and shared reward within the Israelite nation.
  • Divine Ordination of Law: Moses' instructions for this division underscore that even matters of warfare and wealth distribution were subject to God's precise laws, reflecting His concern for justice and order within His people. This system prevented disputes and fostered unity.

Linguistic Insights

The term "prey" (Hebrew: shalal) simply refers to the spoils, plunder, or booty taken in war. The emphasis in this verse is not on the nature of the "prey" itself, but on the precise method of its division. The phrase "two parts" (Hebrew: shnayim cheleqim) clearly indicates an exact halving, underscoring the principle of equal apportionment between the two designated groups.

Practical Application

While modern warfare and economies differ significantly, the principle of Numbers 31:27 offers timeless lessons:

  • Shared Responsibility and Reward: It reminds us that significant achievements often involve the efforts of many, not just those on the front lines. Whether in a family, church, or community, recognizing and sharing the fruits of success with all who contribute, directly or indirectly, builds stronger bonds and fosters a sense of unity.
  • Fairness and Stewardship: The verse implicitly teaches the importance of fair distribution and responsible stewardship of resources. It discourages greed and promotes a system where benefits are spread, reflecting a concern for the well-being of the entire collective body. This resonates with the New Testament principle of sharing resources within the early Christian community, where "all that believed were together, and had all things common."
  • God's Order: Even in matters as seemingly secular as dividing war spoils, God provides clear guidance, demonstrating His desire for order, justice, and community welfare. This encourages believers to seek divine wisdom in all areas of life, from personal finances to communal endeavors.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Joshua 22:8

    And he spake unto them, saying, Return with much riches unto your tents, and with very much cattle, with silver, and with gold, and with brass, and with iron, and with very much raiment: divide the spoil of your enemies with your brethren.

  • 1 Samuel 30:24

    For who will hearken unto you in this matter? but as his part [is] that goeth down to the battle, so [shall] his part [be] that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike.

  • 1 Samuel 30:25

    And it was [so] from that day forward, that he made it a statute and an ordinance for Israel unto this day.

  • Psalms 68:12

    Kings of armies did flee apace: and she that tarried at home divided the spoil.

  • 1 Samuel 30:4

    Then David and the people that [were] with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep.
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