Numbers 31:36

KJV

And the half, [which was] the portion of them that went out to war, was in number three hundred thousand and seven and thirty thousand and five hundred sheep:

KJV (with Strong's)

And the half {H4275}, which was the portion {H2506} of them that went out {H3318} to war {H6635}, was in number {H4557} three {H7969} hundred {H3967} thousand {H505} and seven {H7651} and thirty {H7970} thousand {H505} and five {H2568} hundred {H3967} sheep {H6629}:

Complete Jewish Bible

The half which was the portion of the soldiers who went out to fight, numbered 337,500 sheep,

Berean Standard Bible

This was the half portion for those who had gone to war:

American Standard Version

And the half, which was the portion of them that went out to war, was in number three hundred thousand and thirty thousand and seven thousand and five hundred sheep:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 31:36 provides a precise numerical account of the sheep allocated to the Israelite warriors as their portion of the plunder taken from the Midianites. This seemingly simple statistic is deeply significant, underscoring God's meticulous attention to detail, His establishment of order and justice even in the aftermath of warfare, and His abundant provision for His people through the spoils of victory, all within the framework of a divinely commanded act of judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 31:36 is situated within a detailed account of the war against Midian, commanded by God through Moses, as an act of vengeance for Midian's role in enticing 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 no Israelite lives were lost ([Numbers 31:49](/numbers/31-49 "Numbers 31:49 - No Man Missing")), the chapter meticulously outlines the division of the vast spoils of war. The plunder, which included livestock, gold, silver, and captives, was divided into two equal halves: one for the 12,000 warriors who went to battle and one for the rest of the congregation. This verse specifically quantifies the sheep portion of the warriors' half, demonstrating the granular precision of the divine instructions for distribution that follow Moses' initial command in [Numbers 31:27](/numbers/31-27 "Numbers 31:27 - Division of Spoil").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Midianites were a nomadic people, often associated with trade routes and known for their livestock. Their involvement in the Baal-peor incident, particularly through the seduction of Israelite men by Midianite women, posed a direct threat to Israel's covenant fidelity and spiritual purity. God's command for vengeance was not merely punitive but served to cleanse Israel and reinforce the consequences of apostasy. The concept of "holy war" (herem) was common in the ancient Near East, where spoils were often dedicated to deities. However, Israel's practice, as seen here, involved a unique system of distribution, acknowledging God's sovereignty over all wealth while also providing for the community and the Levitical priesthood. The meticulous accounting of spoils was typical for ancient administrative practices, but here it is elevated to a divine mandate, reflecting a theocratic order.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights **Divine Justice and Vengeance**, as the war itself was a divinely sanctioned act of judgment against Midian for their wickedness and corruption of Israel ([Numbers 31:2](/numbers/31-2 "Numbers 31:2 - God Commands Vengeance on Midian")). The precise enumeration of the spoils underscores **Meticulous Order and Administration**, demonstrating God's demand for precision and fairness in all matters, even in the complexities of war's aftermath. Furthermore, it exemplifies **Divine Provision and Equitable Distribution**, showing how God abundantly supplied His people and how this wealth was to be shared justly between those who fought and those who remained in the camp ([Numbers 31:27](/numbers/31-27 "Numbers 31:27 - Division of Spoil")). Finally, it implicitly points to the theme of **The Lord's Portion**, as the larger context of [Numbers 31](/numbers/31 "Numbers 31 - Vengeance on Midian") emphasizes that a portion of both halves of the spoil was consecrated to the Lord and given to the priests and Levites, acknowledging God as the ultimate provider and sovereign over all wealth.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Half (Hebrew, _ḥeṣî'_):** Refers to one of two equal parts. In this context, it specifically denotes the portion of the plunder designated for the warriors who directly participated in the battle. This division into two halves—one for the combatants and one for the non-combatants—was a unique administrative decree by Moses, establishing a principle of shared benefit and communal responsibility for the spoils of war, ensuring that all members of the congregation, whether on the battlefield or in the camp, received a share.
* **Sheep (Hebrew, _ṣō'n'_):** A collective term for small cattle, including both sheep and goats. As a primary form of wealth and sustenance in ancient Israelite society, the sheer number of sheep acquired (337,500 for the warriors' half alone) signifies the immense scale of the Midianite plunder and, by extension, the abundant provision of God for His people. This vast quantity would have represented significant economic and dietary resources for the Israelite community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the half, [which was] the portion of them that went out to war":** This clause clearly identifies the specific recipient of this enumerated portion. It was not the total plunder, nor the portion for the entire congregation, but precisely the half designated for the 12,000 men who actively engaged in the military campaign against Midian. This highlights the careful and deliberate division of spoils, acknowledging the direct efforts of the warriors.
* **"was in number three hundred thousand and seven and thirty thousand and five hundred sheep":** This segment provides the exact numerical count of the sheep in the warriors' half. The precise, almost overwhelming, enumeration (337,500 sheep) emphasizes the immense wealth acquired and the meticulous record-keeping inherent in God's instructions. It underscores the tangible reality of God's provision and the scale of the victory, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding the quantity of this vital resource.

#### Literary Devices
The most prominent literary device in Numbers 31:36 is **Enumeration**, which is the detailed listing of numbers or items. The verse provides an exact, large numerical figure for the sheep, emphasizing the sheer volume of the plunder. This detailed counting serves to highlight the **Precision** of God's instructions and the meticulous administration of the Israelite camp. Rather than a general statement, the specific number underscores the divine attention to detail in all aspects of Israelite life, even in the division of war spoils. This precision also lends an air of **Verisimilitude** or realism to the narrative, making the account feel historically grounded and demonstrating the tangible results of God's intervention and provision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 31:36, with its precise enumeration of the spoils of war, reinforces the theological truth that God is a God of order, justice, and abundant provision. Even in the context of divine judgment and warfare, God's character is revealed through the meticulous instructions for the distribution of wealth. This principle extends beyond material gain, teaching that all blessings and resources ultimately come from God's hand and are to be managed according to His righteous decrees, ensuring fairness and meeting the needs of His people. It foreshadows a divine economy where resources are not hoarded but shared, reflecting a communal ethos rooted in God's generosity.

* [Deuteronomy 20:14](/deuteronomy/20-14 "Deuteronomy 20:14 - Division of Spoil in War")
* [Joshua 22:8](/joshua/22-8 "Joshua 22:8 - Sharing the Spoil")
* [1 Samuel 30:24](/1_samuel/30-24 "1 Samuel 30:24 - Principle of Sharing Spoil")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 31:36, though a seemingly dry statistic, offers profound insights into the character of God and principles for our lives. It reminds us that God is not only concerned with grand theological truths but also with the practical details of our existence—our resources, our fairness, and our administration. The meticulous accounting of the sheep speaks to God's desire for order and justice in all our dealings, whether personal or communal. It challenges us to consider how we manage the resources God has entrusted to us, whether material wealth, time, or talents. Are we precise in our stewardship? Are we equitable in our distribution? Do we acknowledge that all we possess is ultimately a gift from His hand? This verse encourages us to recognize God's abundant provision in our own lives and to respond with gratitude, responsible management, and a commitment to justice, ensuring that blessings are shared and that His order is reflected in our daily practices.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in this verse challenge my own approach to stewardship and organization in daily life?**
* **In what ways can I apply the principle of equitable distribution, as seen in the division of spoils, to my relationships and community today?**
* **How does recognizing God as the ultimate provider of all resources, even those gained through conflict, shape my perspective on personal wealth and possessions?**

### FAQ
**Why is such a precise number of sheep mentioned in the Bible?**

Answer: The precise enumeration of the sheep (337,500 for the warriors' half) serves multiple purposes within the biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the immense scale of the victory over the Midianites and the abundant provision of God for His people. This was not a minor skirmish but a decisive triumph with significant material gain. Secondly, it highlights God's meticulous attention to detail and His demand for order and accountability within the Israelite community. The division of spoils was not arbitrary but followed specific, divinely ordained instructions, as outlined in [Numbers 31:27-30](/numbers/31-27 "Numbers 31:27-30 - Moses' Instructions for Dividing Spoil"). This precision reflects the divine administration of a theocratic nation, where even seemingly mundane logistical matters were under God's oversight. It also lends historical credibility to the account, presenting it as a factual record of events.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Numbers 31:36 details the distribution of physical spoils from a literal war, it points to a deeper spiritual reality fulfilled in Christ. The meticulous accounting of the sheep, representing immense provision for God's people, foreshadows the spiritual abundance and immeasurable grace that believers receive through Christ's ultimate victory. Just as the warriors received their portion of the spoils, so too do believers share in the spoils of Christ's triumph over sin, death, and the devil. His sacrifice on the cross was a decisive victory, disarming the powers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The "half" allocated to the warriors can be seen as a shadow of the spiritual inheritance granted to those who are "in Christ," who are co-heirs with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")) and receive every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). The meticulousness of the Old Testament law, including the division of spoils, points to the perfect, comprehensive work of Christ, who fulfills every detail of God's righteous requirements and provides a lavish, eternal inheritance that far surpasses any earthly plunder ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Incorruptible Inheritance")).

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.