Numbers 31:30

KJV

And of the children of Israel's half, thou shalt take one portion of fifty, of the persons, of the beeves, of the asses, and of the flocks, of all manner of beasts, and give them unto the Levites, which keep the charge of the tabernacle of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And of the children {H1121} of Israel's {H3478} half {H4276}, thou shalt take {H3947} one {H259} portion {H270} of fifty {H2572}, of the persons {H120}, of the beeves {H1241}, of the asses {H2543}, and of the flocks {H6629}, of all manner of beasts {H929}, and give {H5414} them unto the Levites {H3881}, which keep {H8104} the charge {H4931} of the tabernacle {H4908} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

From the half that goes to the people of Isra'el, you are to take one-fiftieth of the persons, and of the cattle, donkeys and sheep, that is, of all the livestock; and give them to the L'vi'im taking care of the tabernacle of ADONAI."

Berean Standard Bible

From the Israelites’ half, take one out of every fifty, whether persons, cattle, donkeys, sheep, or other animals, and give them to the Levites who keep charge of the tabernacle of the LORD.”

American Standard Version

And of the children of Israel’s half, thou shalt take one drawn out of every fifty, of the persons, of the oxen, of the asses, and of the flocks, even of all the cattle, and give them unto the Levites, that keep the charge of the tabernacle of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 31:30 meticulously details the specific portion of the war spoils from the Midianite campaign that was to be allocated to the Levites from the half designated for the general congregation of Israel. This divine instruction underscores God's precise and comprehensive system for providing for those set apart for sacred service, ensuring the sustenance of the Levites who bore the solemn responsibility for the Tabernacle and its holy functions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the latter part of Numbers 31, which recounts Israel's divinely commanded war of retribution against the Midianites, a judgment for their role in leading Israel into idolatry and immorality at Baal Peor ([Numbers 25:1-18](/numbers/25-1 "Numbers 25:1-18 - Israel's Sin at Baal Peor")). Following a decisive victory and the capture of immense plunder, the chapter shifts to the purification rites for the warriors and their captives, and then to the elaborate instructions for dividing the spoils. Numbers 31:25-47 outlines the division of all captured persons and livestock into two equal halves: one for the 12,000 combatants and the other for the rest of the Israelite congregation. From the warriors' half, a small "tribute to the LORD" was given to Eleazar the priest ([Numbers 31:28-29](/numbers/31-28 "Numbers 31:28-29 - The Warriors' Tribute")). Numbers 31:30 then specifies a distinct, larger portion to be taken from the congregation's half and directly given to the Levites, highlighting the distinct yet complementary systems of support for the priestly and Levitical ministries.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, war spoils were typically distributed among the victorious army and their leaders. However, Israel's wars were often understood as "holy wars," executed under divine command, and their spoils were subject to unique divine regulations. The Levites, unlike the other tribes, received no territorial inheritance in the Promised Land ([Numbers 18:20-24](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20-24 - The Levites' Inheritance")). Their livelihood was entirely dependent on God's provision, channeled through the offerings, tithes, and specific allocations from the other tribes. This system ensured their full-time dedication to their sacred duties related to the Tabernacle, which served as the central point of worship and God's dwelling among His people. The meticulousness of the division in this chapter reflects the highly ordered and divinely regulated nature of Israelite society and worship.

* **Key Themes:** The instructions in [Numbers 31](/numbers/31 "Numbers 31 - The War Against Midian") and specifically in verse 30 contribute to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, **Divine Provision for Ministry** is paramount; God establishes a clear, sustainable mechanism for supporting those consecrated to His service, ensuring they are not burdened by secular concerns. Secondly, **Community Responsibility** is highlighted, as the entire congregation, not just the warriors, is mandated to contribute to the Levites' upkeep, acknowledging that the spiritual welfare provided by the Tabernacle ministry benefited all. Thirdly, the passage emphasizes **Order, Law, and Divine Meticulousness**, demonstrating God's precise attention to detail in all aspects of Israelite life, from warfare to worship and economic distribution. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Holiness and Consecration**, as the Levites were set apart for the sacred "charge of the Tabernacle," and even the spoils of war were brought under divine order and dedicated to sacred purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Portion (חֵלֶק, _cheleq_):** This Hebrew term signifies a "share," "part," or "inheritance." In this context, it denotes a divinely allotted share of the spoils. It emphasizes that the Levites' sustenance was not a mere charitable gift but a rightful, God-ordained allocation, underscoring their unique status and the divine commitment to their provision.
* **Charge (מִשְׁמֶרֶת, _mishmeret_):** Meaning "duty," "guard," "watch," or "office," this word conveys the solemn responsibility entrusted to the Levites. It highlights that their receipt of this "portion" was directly tied to their consecrated service and the heavy burden of caring for the sacred Tabernacle, which required constant vigilance and adherence to precise rituals.
* **Tabernacle (מִשְׁכָּן, _mishkan_):** Literally "dwelling place," this refers to the portable sanctuary where God's presence resided among His people. The Levites' "charge" was centered on the Tabernacle, underscoring the spiritual significance of their role and the centrality of the Tabernacle to Israel's worship and identity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And of the children of Israel's half":** This specifies the source of the allocation. After the total spoils were divided into two equal halves (one for the combatants, one for the non-combatant congregation), this refers to the latter, indicating that the entire community shared in the responsibility of supporting the Levites.
* **"thou shalt take one portion of fifty":** This provides the precise fraction (1/50th) to be taken from the congregation's half. This exact numerical instruction reflects God's meticulousness and the precise nature of His laws and provisions, leaving no room for arbitrary discretion.
* **"of the persons, of the beeves, of the asses, and of the flocks, of all manner of beasts":** This comprehensive list enumerates the types of plunder from which the 1/50th portion was to be taken. It demonstrates the breadth of the Levites' support, encompassing both human captives (who would serve as servants) and all categories of livestock, ensuring their needs were met comprehensively.
* **"and give them unto the Levites":** This is a direct, imperative command for the transfer of these specific goods. It emphasizes the divine mandate behind this provision, making it a non-negotiable act of obedience.
* **"which keep the charge of the tabernacle of the LORD":** This clause identifies the recipients by their sacred function, reinforcing the purpose of this provision. It underscores that the support was not arbitrary but directly linked to their consecrated duties in maintaining and serving at the central sanctuary of Israel's worship.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Enumeration** through the detailed listing of "persons, beeves, asses, and flocks, of all manner of beasts," which serves to emphasize the comprehensive nature of the spoils and the meticulousness of the divine instruction regarding their distribution. This precise cataloging highlights God's orderly character and His attention to every detail of His people's lives and their sacred duties. Furthermore, the phrase "Tabernacle of the LORD" functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where the physical structure stands in for the entire system of worship, laws, and divine presence that the Levites were consecrated to serve. The direct, imperative language, "thou shalt take... and give," exemplifies a **Divine Command**, underscoring God's absolute authority and the non-negotiable nature of this law, which establishes a foundational principle of support for sacred ministry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 31:30 serves as a foundational text for understanding God's commitment to providing for those dedicated to His service and the communal responsibility to uphold such provision. It illustrates that God's economy is one of order and care, where those who are set apart for spiritual labor are sustained by the community they serve. This principle extends beyond the specific context of war spoils to the broader system of tithes and offerings that maintained the Levitical priesthood, ensuring that the work of the Tabernacle—and later the Temple—could continue without interruption. The meticulousness of the command reflects God's character as a God of order, who provides precisely for the needs of His people and His work.

* [Numbers 18:20-24](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20-24 - The Levites' Inheritance"): The Lord declares Himself to be the Levites' inheritance, and they are to receive tithes from the other tribes as their portion for their service.
* [Deuteronomy 12:18-19](/deuteronomy/12-18 "Deuteronomy 12:18-19 - Care for the Levite"): Commands the Israelites not to forsake the Levite, emphasizing ongoing care for those without land inheritance.
* [1 Corinthians 9:13-14](/1_corinthians/9-13 "1 Corinthians 9:13-14 - Support for Gospel Workers"): Paul articulates the New Testament principle that "those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel," drawing a parallel to the Old Testament support for temple workers.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 31:30, though rooted in a unique historical context of ancient Israelite warfare, offers enduring principles for the contemporary believer and the church. It powerfully reminds us that God establishes clear systems for the sustenance of those who dedicate their lives to spiritual ministry. Just as the Levites were freed from secular concerns to focus on the Tabernacle, so too should those in full-time ministry today be enabled to devote themselves wholeheartedly to their calling without undue financial burden. This passage challenges us to consider our role in the collective responsibility of supporting spiritual work, whether through financial contributions, practical assistance, or prayer. It underscores that God often provides for His servants through the generosity and obedience of His people. Moreover, the meticulous detail of God's instructions encourages us to be diligent and orderly stewards of all resources entrusted to us, recognizing that every aspect of our lives and possessions can be consecrated to God's purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this passage challenge our understanding of stewardship and generosity in supporting spiritual work today?**
* **In what ways can we, as a community, ensure that those dedicated to ministry are adequately supported, allowing them to focus on their divine calling?**
* **What does the meticulous detail of God's instructions here reveal about His character and His expectations for our obedience?**

### FAQ

**Why was the Levites' portion taken from the congregation's half and not the warriors' half?**

Answer: The division of spoils in [Numbers 31](/numbers/31 "Numbers 31 - The War Against Midian") specifies two distinct contributions. From the warriors' half, a very small "tribute to the LORD" (1/500th of persons, 1/50th of animals) was given directly to Eleazar the priest ([Numbers 31:28-29](/numbers/31-28 "Numbers 31:28-29 - The Warriors' Tribute")). This was a specific offering from those who risked their lives in battle, a direct acknowledgment of God's hand in their victory. In contrast, the congregation's half represented the entire community who benefited from the war's outcome, even if they did not fight. From this larger communal share, a more substantial portion (1/50th of everything) was designated for the Levites. This distinction highlights the broader communal responsibility for the Levites' sustenance, recognizing that their sacred service benefited the entire nation, not just the combatants, and thus the entire nation was to contribute to their upkeep.

**What was the "charge of the tabernacle of the LORD" that the Levites kept?**

Answer: The "charge of the tabernacle of the LORD" refers to the comprehensive and vital duties assigned exclusively to the Levites, as detailed throughout the Pentateuch, particularly in the book of Numbers (e.g., [Numbers 3:5-10](/numbers/3-5 "Numbers 3:5-10 - Levites' duties")). Their responsibilities included the meticulous disassembling, transporting, and reassembling of the Tabernacle during Israel's wilderness journeys; guarding the sacred precinct against unauthorized access by common Israelites or foreigners, which could result in death; assisting the priests in various liturgical and ritualistic duties, such as preparing sacrifices, maintaining the sacred vessels, and ensuring the cleanliness of the sanctuary; and generally overseeing the physical care and sanctity of God's dwelling place. They were the primary workforce enabling the Tabernacle's operations, allowing the priests (Aaron's descendants) to focus on the most sacred sacrificial and intercessory functions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 31:30, with its meticulous provision for the Levites who served the Tabernacle, foreshadows the comprehensive and perfect provision found in Christ for the new covenant ministry. The earthly Tabernacle, which the Levites maintained, was a shadow of heavenly realities and ultimately pointed to Jesus Christ Himself, who is the true and perfect dwelling place of God among humanity, the ultimate [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") whose sacrifice fulfills all the types and shadows of the Old Testament sacrificial system. In the New Covenant, the need for a physical Tabernacle and a Levitical priesthood to maintain it is fulfilled in Christ, who is our great High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Our Great High Priest")) and the very temple of God ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up")). While the specific laws of tithing and spoil division are not directly transferred, the underlying principle of supporting those who labor in the Word of God remains ([1 Corinthians 9:13-14](/1_corinthians/9-13 "1 Corinthians 9:13-14 - Support for Gospel Workers"); [Galatians 6:6](/galatians/6-6 "Galatians 6:6 - Share with your teacher")). Christ's work ensures that His ministers are equipped and sustained, not for the maintenance of a physical sanctuary, but for the building of His spiritual temple—the Church—and the proclamation of the Gospel to the ends of the earth ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). Thus, God's meticulous care for His people and His work, evident in the Old Testament, finds its ultimate and most profound expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who provides for all the needs of His Kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.