Numbers 31:45

KJV

And thirty thousand asses and five hundred,

KJV (with Strong's)

And thirty {H7970} thousand {H505} asses {H2543} and five {H2568} hundred {H3967},

Complete Jewish Bible

30,500 donkeys

Berean Standard Bible

30,500 donkeys,

American Standard Version

and thirty thousand and five hundred asses,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 31:45 is a precise accounting within the detailed inventory of spoils taken from the Midianites, specifically recording "thirty thousand asses and five hundred," totaling 30,500 donkeys. This seemingly minor detail underscores the immense scale of the Israelite victory, the divine provision for the nation, and the meticulous adherence to God's instructions regarding the collection, purification, and distribution of war plunder, reflecting a broader theme of divine order and accountability in the book of Numbers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 31:45 is embedded within a comprehensive account of the Israelite war against Midian, which spans the entirety of [Numbers chapter 31](/numbers/31 "Numbers 31 - The War Against Midian"). Following the divine command for vengeance against Midian due to their role in tempting Israel to idolatry and immorality at Peor (as detailed in [Numbers 25:1-18](/numbers/25-1 "Numbers 25 - Israel's Sin at Peor")), the chapter describes the execution of the war, the complete victory, and the subsequent return of the army with immense spoils. The bulk of the chapter, from [Numbers 31:25-47](/numbers/31-25 "Numbers 31:25-47 - Division of Spoils"), is dedicated to the meticulous inventory and division of these spoils among the warriors, the congregation, and special portions designated for the Lord and the Levites. Verse 45, along with other verses listing specific quantities of animals and precious metals, contributes to the overall picture of the vast wealth acquired, emphasizing the thoroughness of the divine instructions and the Israelites' obedience in their implementation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The war against Midian, as depicted in Numbers 31, was not merely a territorial conflict but a divinely commanded act of judgment against a people who had actively sought to corrupt Israel's covenant relationship with God. The practice of taking spoils of war was common in the ancient Near East, but the Israelite approach, as outlined here, was unique in its divine mandate for purification and precise distribution. The Midianites, a nomadic people, would have possessed large herds of livestock, including asses, which were vital for transport, labor, and wealth in an agrarian and pastoral society. The sheer numbers recorded reflect the economic devastation inflicted upon Midian and the significant material provision for Israel. Furthermore, the detailed accounting reflects a cultural emphasis on record-keeping, especially concerning tribute and wealth, but here it is elevated to a theological act of obedience and recognition of God's sovereignty over all resources.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, though brief, contributes to several overarching themes in Numbers and the Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates **Divine Judgment** being executed against those who oppose God and tempt His people, a direct consequence of Midian's actions at Peor (cf. [Numbers 25:17-18](/numbers/25-17 "Numbers 25:17-18 - God's Command Against Midian")). Simultaneously, the vast quantity of spoils, including the asses, highlights **God's Abundant Provision** for His people, demonstrating His faithfulness to care for them even through means of judgment on their enemies. The meticulous enumeration of every item, down to specific numbers of animals, underscores **Divine Meticulousness and Order**, reflecting God's attention to detail and His expectation of accountability from His people in handling resources. Finally, the Israelites' diligent adherence to the counting and division process, as commanded by Moses, exemplifies **Obedience and Accountability** to God's specific instructions, particularly concerning the handling of sacred spoils and the system of offerings (see [Numbers 31:27-47](/numbers/31-27 "Numbers 31:27-47 - Detailed Division of Spoils")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Asses (Hebrew, _ḥămôr'_):** The Hebrew word חֲמוֹר (_chamor_) is the standard term for a male donkey or ass. In the ancient world, donkeys were indispensable animals, serving as beasts of burden for transport, agricultural labor, and a significant form of wealth. Their inclusion in the spoils inventory highlights their economic value and practical utility to the Israelite community. The sheer number, 30,500, indicates a massive acquisition, underscoring the scale of the Midianite herds and the extent of the Israelite victory and subsequent provision.
* **Thirty thousand (Hebrew, _shloshim elef'_):** The Hebrew phrase שְׁלֹשִׁים אֶלֶף (_shloshim elef_) literally means "thirty thousand." This precise numerical designation, along with "five hundred," emphasizes the meticulous nature of the inventory. In ancient Near Eastern contexts, such exact counts of war spoils were common, reflecting a culture of detailed record-keeping for administrative and economic purposes. Here, it also serves to validate the divine command for a thorough accounting of all that was taken, demonstrating God's orderliness and the Israelites' obedience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thirty thousand asses":** This clause begins the enumeration of a specific category of livestock taken as spoils from the Midianites. The number "thirty thousand" immediately conveys the immense scale of the captured animals, highlighting the wealth and resources acquired. It points to the significant economic impact of the war, providing the Israelites with a vast new source of transport, labor, and potential trade goods.
* **"and five hundred":** This addition refines the previous number, specifying an exact total of 30,500 donkeys. The precision of "and five hundred" underscores the meticulousness of the inventory process. This level of detail is not merely for record-keeping but reflects the divine command for a thorough and accurate accounting of all spoils, ensuring that the distribution and dedicated portions were handled with exactitude and integrity according to God's instructions.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Numbers 31:45, and indeed throughout the inventory section of [Numbers 31](/numbers/31 "Numbers 31 - The War Against Midian"), is **Enumeration**. The text provides a precise, itemized list of the spoils, down to the exact number of each type of animal and precious metal. This meticulous counting serves to emphasize the vastness of the plunder and the thoroughness with which the divine command was executed. It creates a sense of overwhelming abundance and divine provision. Furthermore, the detailed nature of the enumeration can be seen as a form of **Verisimilitude**, lending credibility and realism to the narrative by presenting it with the kind of specific data that would have been recorded in ancient administrative contexts. While not a direct literary device, the effect of this enumeration is to highlight **Divine Meticulousness**, portraying God as one who orchestrates events and demands accountability even in the smallest details, reflecting His orderly character.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 31:45, though a simple numerical detail, is rich in theological implications. It speaks to God's sovereign control over all things, including the outcomes of war and the distribution of wealth. The sheer abundance of the spoils, including these 30,500 asses, signifies God's tangible provision for His people after a decisive act of judgment against their enemies. This provision is not random but meticulously accounted for, underscoring God's orderliness and His expectation of faithful stewardship from His people. It reminds us that all blessings, even those acquired through conflict, ultimately originate from Him and are to be managed according to His principles. The detailed inventory reflects a divine standard of accountability, where every resource is recognized as belonging to the Lord and is to be handled with integrity.

* [Deuteronomy 20:14](/deuteronomy/20-14 "Deuteronomy 20:14 - Spoils of War")
* [Joshua 8:27](/joshua/8-27 "Joshua 8:27 - Spoils of Ai")
* [Proverbs 27:23](/proverbs/27-23 "Proverbs 27:23 - Be Diligent to Know the State of Your Flocks")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous accounting of the asses and other spoils in Numbers 31:45 might seem like a dry detail, yet it offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order, precision, and intentionality, even in what might appear to be mundane details. Just as He commanded a thorough inventory of the physical spoils, He calls us to live with intentionality and integrity in every area of our lives. This verse challenges us to consider our own stewardship: how diligently do we manage the resources, talents, and time God has entrusted to us? Are we as meticulous in our spiritual and practical accounting as the Israelites were with their physical assets? Furthermore, the abundance of the spoils serves as a powerful reminder of God's boundless provision for His people. Even in the midst of judgment against evil, God’s generosity overflows to those who are faithful. This should cultivate a deep trust in His ability and willingness to provide for our needs, often in unexpected ways, as we walk in obedience to His commands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I need to cultivate greater intentionality and meticulousness, reflecting God's orderly character?**
* **How does the abundance of spoils in this passage encourage my trust in God's provision for my own life?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the importance of accountability in handling resources, whether material or spiritual?**
* **How can I apply the principle of "divine meticulousness" to my daily responsibilities and spiritual disciplines?**

### FAQ
**Why is such a specific number of asses mentioned in the Bible?**

Answer: The mention of "thirty thousand asses and five hundred" in [Numbers 31:45](/numbers/31-45 "Numbers 31:45 - Asses as Spoils") is part of a larger, highly detailed inventory of the spoils taken from the Midianites. This level of specificity serves several purposes. Firstly, it underscores the immense scale of the Israelite victory and the vast wealth acquired, showcasing God's abundant provision for His people. Secondly, it highlights the meticulousness of the divine command regarding the handling of war spoils, emphasizing God's orderliness and His expectation of precise accountability from the Israelites. In the ancient Near East, detailed records of tribute and plunder were common, and this biblical account reflects that cultural practice while elevating it to a theological statement about divine oversight and human obedience. It demonstrates that God cares about the details and expects His people to be diligent stewards of what He entrusts to them, as seen in the comprehensive division outlined in [Numbers 31:25-47](/numbers/31-25 "Numbers 31:25-47 - Division of Spoils").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Numbers 31:45 describes a literal accounting of war spoils, its underlying themes find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The meticulous judgment against Midian, which resulted in such vast provision for Israel, foreshadows Christ's ultimate victory over sin, death, and the forces of evil. Just as the Israelites received tangible spoils from their enemies, believers in Christ receive an immeasurable spiritual inheritance, far greater than any earthly wealth (cf. [Ephesians 1:3-14](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3-14 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). The divine meticulousness in accounting for every ass points to the even greater precision and intentionality of God's redemptive plan, where every detail, from the incarnation to the crucifixion and resurrection, was perfectly orchestrated for our salvation (cf. [Galatians 4:4-5](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4-5 - God Sent His Son")). Christ, as the true Lamb of God, did not merely take spoils from an enemy but became the ultimate sacrifice, conquering sin and death to secure for us eternal life and an imperishable inheritance (cf. [1 Peter 1:3-5](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3-5 - An Inheritance That Is Imperishable")). The abundance of asses served Israel's earthly needs; the abundance of grace and spiritual blessings in Christ serves our eternal needs, providing everything necessary for life and godliness through His divine power (cf. [2 Peter 1:3](/2_peter/1-3 "2 Peter 1:3 - His Divine Power")).

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.