Numbers 31:33

Context of Numbers 31:33

Numbers 31 details the Israelites' war against the Midianites, a conflict commanded by God as retribution for Midian's role in enticing Israel to idolatry and immorality at Baal-peor (Numbers 25:1-3). This military campaign was unique in its specific divine mandate for complete destruction of their enemies. Following a decisive victory, the chapter meticulously outlines the division of the vast spoils taken from the Midianites. Verse 33, "And threescore and twelve thousand beeves," is part of a detailed inventory of the immense livestock and other goods captured, which were then divided between the warriors who fought and the rest of the congregation, with a portion also set aside for the Lord and for the Levites.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Judgment and Justice: The war itself, and the subsequent taking of spoils, served as an act of divine judgment against the Midianites for their grievous sins against God and Israel. It underscores God's justice in holding nations accountable for their actions.
• Obedience and Order: The meticulous counting and division of the spoils, as commanded by Moses and Eleazar the priest, highlight the importance of obedience to God's specific instructions and the highly organized nature of Israelite society and law.
• God's Provision: The sheer volume of livestock and other goods acquired demonstrates God's abundant provision for His people, even through the means of warfare. These spoils would have been vital resources for the burgeoning Israelite nation as they journeyed towards the Promised Land.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "threescore and twelve thousand beeves" offers a glimpse into archaic English and the scale of the spoils:

• "Threescore": This is an older term for sixty (3 x 20). Thus, "threescore and twelve thousand" translates to seventy-two thousand (60 + 12 = 72). This precise and very large number emphasizes the immense wealth and resources acquired.
• "Beeves": This word is an archaic plural form of "beef," referring to oxen or cattle. It specifically denotes large domesticated bovine animals, a crucial asset in an agricultural society for food, labor, and trade.

Practical Application

While this verse details a specific historical event under unique divine command, it offers several enduring insights:

• God's Meticulousness: Even in the distribution of war spoils, God's instructions were precise and detailed. This reminds us that God is a God of order and pays attention to every detail, even in areas we might deem mundane.
• The Consequences of Sin: The judgment upon Midian serves as a sober reminder that sin has consequences, and God will ultimately bring justice. This can be paralleled with the wages of sin being death in a spiritual sense.
• God's Provision for His People: Despite the harsh realities of ancient warfare, this passage also illustrates God's commitment to providing for His people's needs. He can use various means, even challenging circumstances, to ensure their sustenance and well-being.