Numbers 31:33

KJV

And threescore and twelve thousand beeves,

KJV (with Strong's)

And threescore and twelve {H7657}{H8147} thousand {H505} beeves {H1241},

Complete Jewish Bible

72,000 cattle,

Berean Standard Bible

72,000 cattle,

American Standard Version

and threescore and twelve thousand oxen,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 31:33, stating "And threescore and twelve thousand beeves," is a precise inventory detail within the larger narrative of Israel's divinely commanded war against the Midianites. This specific verse highlights the immense scale of the livestock spoils taken, representing a significant portion of the vast wealth acquired. It underscores God's meticulous attention to detail, His abundant provision for His people, and the tangible consequences of divine judgment executed through Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 31 details the Israelites' war against the Midianites, a direct command from God as retribution for Midian's role in luring Israel into idolatry and sexual immorality at Baal-peor, as recorded in [Numbers 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - The Sin at Baal-Peor"). Following a decisive victory where all Midianite males and five kings were slain, the chapter transitions into a meticulous accounting and division of the immense spoils. Verses 32-35 provide a detailed inventory of the captured items—sheep, cattle, donkeys, and human captives—before outlining the complex system for their distribution among the warriors, the congregation, and specific portions set aside for the Lord and the Levites. Verse 33, specifically enumerating the "beeves" (cattle), is an integral part of this precise inventory, demonstrating the exhaustive nature of the record-keeping and the sheer volume of resources acquired.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The war against Midian was not merely a territorial conquest but an act of divine judgment. Midian, a nomadic people often associated with trade routes, had played a significant role in corrupting Israel's covenant fidelity. In the ancient Near East, livestock, particularly cattle, represented immense wealth, status, and sustenance. They provided meat, milk, hides, and labor for agriculture and transport. The acquisition of 72,000 cattle would have been an astonishing logistical feat and an unparalleled economic boon for the burgeoning Israelite nation, underscoring the scale of their victory and God's provision. The meticulous division of spoils, as detailed in [Numbers 31:25-47](/numbers/31-25 "Numbers 31:25-47 - Division of Spoils"), reflects the highly ordered and legalistic nature of Israelite society under the Mosaic Law, emphasizing accountability and the sacred duty of setting aside portions for the Lord and His priestly servants.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, within its broader context, contributes to several foundational themes. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Judgment and Justice**, as the spoils are a direct result of God's righteous wrath against Midian's wickedness, particularly their role in the Baal-peor apostasy (cf. [Numbers 25:1-3](/numbers/25-1 "Numbers 25:1-3 - The Sin at Baal-Peor")). Secondly, it highlights **Obedience and Order**, as the entire campaign and subsequent division of spoils were carried out according to specific divine commands, emphasizing the importance of adhering to God's precise instructions and the structured nature of Israel's communal life (cf. [Numbers 31:1-2](/numbers/31-1 "Numbers 31:1-2 - God's Command to Avenge Midian")). Thirdly, the sheer abundance of "beeves" and other captured goods demonstrates **God's Abundant Provision** for His people, even through the challenging and often brutal means of warfare. These resources were vital for Israel's sustenance and economic stability as they continued their journey towards the Promised Land, showcasing God's faithfulness to meet their needs (cf. [Deuteronomy 8:3-4](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Deuteronomy 8:3-4 - God's Provision in the Wilderness")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Threescore (English, _threescore'_):** This is an archaic English term meaning "three times twenty," or sixty. The phrase "threescore and twelve thousand" therefore translates to (60 + 12) * 1,000 = 72,000. The use of this specific numerical system, common in older English translations like the KJV, emphasizes the precise and detailed accounting being presented. It highlights the meticulousness with which the inventory was conducted and recorded, reflecting the divine emphasis on order and accuracy in all matters pertaining to Israel's life and resources.
* **Beeves (English, _beeves'_):** This word is an archaic plural form of "beef," referring to oxen or cattle. In an ancient agrarian society, cattle were an incredibly valuable asset. They served multiple purposes: as a primary source of food (meat and milk), for their hides (leather), and most importantly, as draft animals for plowing fields and transporting goods. The acquisition of 72,000 "beeves" signifies an enormous influx of economic power and sustenance for the Israelite nation, far beyond mere sustenance, indicating a significant boost to their wealth and productive capacity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And threescore and twelve thousand beeves,":** This clause serves as a direct and precise numerical entry in the detailed inventory of the spoils taken from the Midianites. The conjunction "And" links it to the preceding enumeration of sheep (675,000), indicating a continuation of the meticulous accounting. The specific number, 72,000, underscores the vastness of the captured livestock, reflecting the overwhelming victory granted by God. This detail is not merely a dry statistic; it communicates the tangible result of divine judgment against an enemy and God's abundant provision for His people. It highlights the immense wealth transferred to Israel, demonstrating God's power to provide for His chosen nation even through the means of warfare, ensuring their material well-being as they prepared for settlement in the Promised Land.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Enumeration**, as it is part of a detailed listing of captured spoils. This meticulous counting (also seen in the sheep and donkeys) emphasizes the sheer scale of the victory and the vastness of God's provision. The precision of the numbers, though seemingly mundane, also contributes to a sense of **Verisimilitude**, lending credibility and historical weight to the narrative. Furthermore, the sheer magnitude of "threescore and twelve thousand beeves" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole** in its effect, even if literally true, as it dramatically conveys the overwhelming abundance and wealth acquired, serving to impress upon the reader the extent of God's blessing and the thoroughness of the judgment enacted.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 31:33, while a specific detail of war spoils, resonates with profound theological themes. It underscores God's sovereignty over all creation and His meticulous involvement in the affairs of nations, even in the distribution of material wealth. The acquisition of such vast resources, following a divinely commanded war of judgment, illustrates that God's justice often has tangible, material consequences, and His provision for His people is comprehensive, extending to their physical and economic needs. This event serves as a powerful reminder that all things belong to the Lord, and He orchestrates circumstances to fulfill His purposes, whether through judgment or blessing.

* [Deuteronomy 20:14](/deuteronomy/20-14 "Spoils of War")
* [Psalm 24:1](/psalm/24-1 "The Earth is the Lord's")
* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Seek First the Kingdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This ancient verse, detailing the spoils of an ancient war, offers enduring insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order and precision, attentive to every detail, even in areas we might deem mundane or purely logistical. His meticulousness in the accounting of these "beeves" challenges us to consider the importance of stewardship and accountability in our own lives, recognizing that all we possess ultimately belongs to Him. Furthermore, the abundance of these spoils, given after an act of righteous judgment, speaks to God's unwavering commitment to provide for His people, even in challenging or unexpected ways. It encourages us to trust in His provision, knowing that He can use diverse means to meet our needs, and that His justice will ultimately prevail. We are called to live in obedience, trusting that God's detailed plans, though sometimes beyond our comprehension, always work for His glory and our good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulousness in this passage challenge our approach to details and stewardship in our own lives?**
* **What does the abundance of spoils reveal about God's provision for His people, even in challenging circumstances like warfare?**
* **How can we apply the principle of righteous judgment and the consequences of sin, as seen in the Midianite war, to our understanding of God's character today?**

### FAQ
**Why was such a vast number of animals, specifically "beeves," taken from the Midianites?**

Answer: The immense number of "beeves" (cattle) taken from the Midianites served multiple purposes within the divine plan. Economically, livestock represented significant wealth and resources in ancient societies, providing food, labor, and trade goods. This massive acquisition was a direct act of divine provision for the Israelite nation, equipping them with vital sustenance and economic stability for their journey and future settlement. Theologically, it was part of the comprehensive judgment against the Midianites for their grievous sins, particularly their role in enticing Israel to idolatry at Baal-peor (as seen in [Numbers 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - The Sin at Baal-Peor")). The taking of spoils was a tangible consequence of their wickedness, demonstrating God's justice and His power to transfer wealth from the wicked to His chosen people (cf. [Proverbs 13:22](/proverbs/13-22 "Proverbs 13:22 - A Good Man's Inheritance")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Numbers 31:33 details a specific historical event of judgment and provision in the Old Testament, it foreshadows profound truths realized in Christ. The meticulous accounting of the "beeves" and other spoils points to God's precise and ordered nature, a characteristic fully embodied in Christ, who perfectly fulfills every jot and tittle of God's law (cf. [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). The judgment against Midian, leading to the acquisition of spoils for Israel, prefigures the ultimate judgment against sin and death accomplished by Christ on the cross. Through His sacrifice, Christ disarmed the powers of darkness, taking "spoils" in the form of victory over sin, death, and the devil (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). Just as the "beeves" provided sustenance and wealth for physical Israel, Christ Himself is the ultimate provision for spiritual Israel, the Church. He is the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus the Bread of Life"), the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd") who provides abundantly for His flock, and the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose sacrifice brings us true spiritual wealth and eternal life (cf. [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). The meticulous division of spoils, with portions for the Lord, hints at the truth that all blessings flow from God and are ultimately for His glory, a principle perfectly demonstrated in Christ's life and redemptive work.

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.