Numbers 31:44

KJV

And thirty and six thousand beeves,

KJV (with Strong's)

And thirty {H7970} and six {H8337} thousand {H505} beeves {H1241},

Complete Jewish Bible

36,000 cattle,

Berean Standard Bible

36,000 cattle,

American Standard Version

and thirty and six thousand oxen,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 31:44, stating "And thirty and six thousand beeves," is a precise detail within the meticulous inventory of spoils taken from the Midianites after Israel's divinely commanded punitive war. This verse, seemingly a simple numerical entry, underscores the immense scale of the victory, God's abundant provision for His people, and the rigorous accountability observed in handling resources acquired through divine judgment, all set against the backdrop of Israel's journey toward the Promised Land and the consequences of idolatry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 31:44 is situated within a highly detailed account of the war against Midian, immediately following the successful campaign described in [Numbers 31:1-12](/numbers/31-1 "Numbers 31:1-12 - The War Against Midian"). The chapter then shifts to the purification rituals for the returning warriors and the spoils ([Numbers 31:19-24](/numbers/31-19 "Numbers 31:19-24 - Purification after Battle")). The verse specifically falls within the section detailing the division of the vast plunder. [Numbers 31:25-47](/numbers/31-25 "Numbers 31:25-47 - Division of Spoils") outlines the precise allocation: one portion for the warriors, a tribute from that portion to the Lord, and a larger portion for the congregation, from which a tribute was also given to the Levites. Verse 44 is part of the enumeration of the congregation's share, emphasizing the thoroughness and orderliness of this divinely ordained process.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The war against Midian was a direct consequence of Midian's role in luring Israel into idolatry and sexual immorality at Baal-peor, as recounted in [Numbers 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - The Incident at Baal-Peor"). This was not merely a territorial conflict but a divinely commanded act of judgment, a "holy war" (חֵרֶם, _ḥerem_), against a people who had actively sought to undermine Israel's covenant with God. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, the spoils of victory were customary, but here, the meticulous accounting and specific divine instructions for their distribution underscore God's sovereignty even over the material gains of war. Cattle, or "beeves," were a primary form of wealth, sustenance, and sacrificial offering in this agrarian society, making their quantity a significant indicator of prosperity and provision.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of Numbers 31:44 within the broader narrative highlights several key themes. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Justice and Retribution**, demonstrating God's unwavering resolve to judge those who lead His people astray and oppose His covenant, as seen in the severe judgment against Midian. Secondly, the immense quantity of spoils, including the 36,000 beeves, exemplifies **God's Abundant Provision** for His people, even in the context of war and judgment, ensuring their material needs were met in the wilderness. This provision is a recurring theme throughout the wilderness wanderings, as detailed in passages like [Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna and Quail"). Finally, the meticulous enumeration and division of the spoils emphasize **Order, Accountability, and Obedience** to God's commands, reinforcing that even in the aftermath of battle, God's people were to operate with precision and integrity, reflecting His character and the importance of adhering to the divine law, a principle echoed throughout the Pentateuch, for instance, in [Deuteronomy 12](/deuteronomy/12 "Deuteronomy 12 - Laws Concerning Worship").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Beeves (Hebrew, _bāqār'_):** This archaic English term, used in the King James Version, refers to bovine animals, encompassing both oxen and cows, or more generally, cattle. The Hebrew word בָּקָר (_bāqār_) is a common and broad term for cattle, often used collectively. In the context of ancient Israel, cattle were a vital resource, serving as a primary source of meat, milk, hides, and labor for agriculture. Their inclusion in the spoils of war signifies not only a substantial acquisition of wealth but also a significant increase in the community's capacity for sustenance and sacrificial offerings, underscoring the practical and religious importance of this particular type of livestock.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thirty and six thousand beeves,"**: This phrase presents a precise numerical count of a specific category of spoils: cattle. The conjunction "And" links this item to the preceding and following enumerated items in the inventory, emphasizing its place within a comprehensive and meticulously recorded list. The exact figure, "thirty and six thousand," highlights the vastness of the plunder and the administrative precision involved in its accounting. This detail is not merely incidental but serves to convey the scale of God's provision and the thoroughness of the divinely commanded operation, ensuring that every aspect of the victory and its proceeds was carefully managed and recorded according to divine instruction.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Numbers 31:44, and indeed throughout the inventory section of Numbers 31, is **Enumeration**. The text systematically lists the precise quantities of various items taken as spoils of war (e.g., sheep, donkeys, human captives, gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, and lead). This detailed enumeration serves to emphasize the completeness of the victory and the vastness of the resources acquired. Beyond simple listing, the sheer scale of the numbers (e.g., 675,000 sheep, 72,000 cattle, 61,000 donkeys, 32,000 human captives, and immense quantities of precious metals) also creates a sense of **Hyperbole** or at least **Amplification**, underscoring the overwhelming success of the campaign and the abundant provision of God. The meticulousness of the count itself also functions as a form of **Symbolism**, representing God's divine order, His attention to detail, and the importance of accountability within the covenant community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 31:44, though a simple numerical entry, is deeply embedded in the theological narrative of divine justice, provision, and covenant faithfulness. The war against Midian was not for territorial gain but as a direct judgment for their role in the Baal-peor incident, which threatened the very existence of Israel as a holy nation. The immense spoils, including the 36,000 beeves, serve as tangible evidence of God's comprehensive victory over His enemies and His abundant provision for His people even in the midst of executing judgment. This demonstrates that God is both a righteous judge who punishes sin and a faithful provider who cares for the material needs of His covenant people. The meticulous accounting further underscores the principle that all things, even the spoils of war, belong to the Lord and must be handled according to His precise instructions, highlighting the importance of obedience and stewardship within the community.

* [Deuteronomy 2:35](/deuteronomy/2-35 "Deuteronomy 2:35 - Spoils of War from King Sihon")
* [Joshua 8:2](/joshua/8-2 "Joshua 8:2 - Spoils of Ai")
* [1 Samuel 15:3](/1_samuel/15-3 "1 Samuel 15:3 - God's Command to Destroy Amalek")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the context of Numbers 31:44 is a specific historical event of divinely commanded warfare and judgment, its underlying principles offer profound insights for contemporary believers. The meticulous accounting of the spoils, including the 36,000 beeves, reminds us of God's incredible attention to detail and His sovereign control over all circumstances, even those as chaotic as war. It encourages us to recognize that God is a God of order, and that His provision for us is often far beyond what we might expect or imagine. This passage challenges us to consider our own stewardship of the resources God entrusts to us, whether material wealth, talents, or time, recognizing that all we have ultimately belongs to Him. Furthermore, it subtly points to the comprehensive nature of God's justice against sin, reminding us that while His mercy is vast, His holiness demands a response to rebellion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of the spoils in Numbers 31, including the count of "beeves," challenge or affirm your understanding of God's character?**
* **In what ways do you see God's abundant provision in your own life, even in unexpected or challenging circumstances?**
* **What does the careful accounting of the spoils teach us about the importance of stewardship and accountability in handling resources, both material and spiritual?**
* **How can we apply the principle of God's justice against sin, as seen in the Midianite war, to our understanding of His holiness and our call to righteousness today?**

### FAQ

**Why is such a specific number of "beeves" mentioned in the Bible?**

The mention of "thirty and six thousand beeves" in [Numbers 31:44](/numbers/31-44 "Numbers 31:44 - Spoils of War") is part of a highly detailed and meticulous inventory of the spoils taken from the Midianites. This precision serves several important purposes. Firstly, it underscores the vastness of God's provision for Israel, demonstrating His ability to supply their needs abundantly, even through the context of war. Secondly, it highlights the administrative order and accountability within the Israelite community, reflecting God's character as a God of order. The careful counting and division of spoils were not arbitrary but followed specific divine instructions, ensuring fairness and proper allocation, including a portion set aside for the Lord and the Levites (as seen in [Numbers 31:25-47](/numbers/31-25 "Numbers 31:25-47 - Division of Spoils")). This level of detail reinforces the historical veracity of the account and the importance of every aspect of the divine command.

**What was the significance of "beeves" (cattle) to the ancient Israelites?**

Cattle, or "beeves," were incredibly significant to the ancient Israelites, serving as a cornerstone of their economy, diet, and religious practices. As an agrarian society, cattle provided essential labor for plowing and other agricultural tasks. They were a primary source of meat and milk for sustenance, and their hides were used for clothing and other goods. Furthermore, cattle played a crucial role in the sacrificial system mandated by the Mosaic Law. Many of the prescribed offerings, such as burnt offerings, peace offerings, and sin offerings, required the sacrifice of cattle (e.g., [Leviticus 1:3-9](/leviticus/1-3 "Leviticus 1:3-9 - Burnt Offering of a Bull")). Therefore, the acquisition of 36,000 beeves was not merely a matter of material wealth but also a substantial increase in resources vital for their daily life and their worship of God.

**How does this passage relate to God's justice and judgment?**

Numbers 31:44, while a simple numerical detail, is inextricably linked to the theme of God's justice and judgment. The war against Midian was not a conquest for land but a divinely commanded act of retribution for Midian's role in luring Israel into idolatry and immorality at Baal-peor, as described in [Numbers 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - The Incident at Baal-Peor"). This was a "holy war" (חֵרֵם, _ḥerem_), where the spoils, including the beeves, were a consequence of God's righteous judgment against a people who had actively sought to corrupt His covenant nation. The immense scale of the spoils reflects the completeness of this judgment. It serves as a stark reminder that God is holy and righteous, and while He is merciful, He will not tolerate persistent rebellion and sin that seeks to undermine His people and His covenant. This act of judgment underscores the seriousness of sin and the unwavering nature of God's justice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 31:44, detailing the abundant spoils of war, including 36,000 beeves, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in material gain, but in the spiritual victory and lavish provision secured by Jesus Christ. The war against Midian was a physical battle against an enemy that sought to corrupt God's people; Christ's work on the cross was the decisive spiritual battle against sin, death, and the devil, the true enemies of humanity. Just as the Israelites received immense spoils from their victory, believers in Christ receive the immeasurable "spoils" of His triumph: forgiveness of sins, eternal life, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, as described in [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ"). The meticulous accounting of the beeves and other spoils foreshadows the perfect and complete work of Christ, who meticulously fulfilled every requirement of the law and secured a perfect redemption. Furthermore, just as the beeves provided sustenance and were used for sacrifices, Christ Himself is the ultimate and perfect sacrifice, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), providing eternal spiritual nourishment and making all further animal sacrifices obsolete ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). His victory provides us with an inheritance far richer and more enduring than any earthly spoils, an inheritance kept in heaven for us ([1 Peter 1:3-5](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3-5 - A Living Hope")).

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.