### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מֶכֶס (mekeç), transliterated as *mekeç* (Strong's H4371), is derived from an unused root believed to mean "to enumerate" or "to count." This etymological foundation points directly to its primary semantic range: an "assessment" or "tribute" that is based upon a careful calculation or census. It denotes a fixed, determined levy, often imposed or required, rather than a voluntary offering. The core concept is one of a precisely calculated portion or share, typically collected for a specific purpose or authority.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *mekeç* appears exclusively in the book of Numbers, specifically within chapter 31, where it occurs six times: [[Numbers 31:28]], [[Numbers 31:37]], [[Numbers 31:38]], [[Numbers 31:39]], [[Numbers 31:40]], and [[Numbers 31:41]]. The context is the division of the immense spoils taken from the Midianites following a divinely commanded war.
In [[Numbers 31:28]], the Lord commands Moses to "levy a tribute (מֶכֶס) for the Lord" from the warriors' share of the plunder, specifying "one out of every five hundred, of persons and of cattle and of donkeys and of flocks." This establishes *mekeç* as a divinely mandated tax or assessment.
The subsequent verses (31:37-41) detail the exact calculation and distribution of this *mekeç*. From the half of the spoils belonging to the congregation (the non-combatants), a *mekeç* of "one out of every fifty" was to be taken, encompassing persons, cattle, donkeys, and flocks. This portion was then given to the Levites, "who kept guard over the tabernacle of the Lord" ([[Numbers 31:30]]). Conversely, the *mekeç* from the warriors' share (one out of 500) was given to Eleazar the priest, representing the Lord's portion directly ([[Numbers 31:41]]).
This precise numerical specification underscores the "enumeration" aspect of *mekeç*. It is not a vague offering but a meticulously calculated percentage of the spoils, demonstrating divine order and clear stipulations for the distribution of wealth acquired through battle.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of a calculated levy or tribute connects *mekeç* to several related Hebrew terms and theological ideas:
* **Tribute/Taxation:** Other words denoting tribute or tax include `{{H4506}}` (*mas*), often referring to forced labor or a general levy, `{{H4888}}` (*minchah*), which can mean an offering or tribute, and `{{H6185}}` (*ōmer*), another term for tribute. Unlike these, *mekeç* carries the specific nuance of a precisely calculated assessment, often from spoils.
* **Census/Counting:** The root meaning of enumeration links *mekeç* to terms like `{{H4660}}` (*mispār*), meaning "number," and {{H6485}}` (*pāqad*), "to number" or "to muster." The very act of calculating the *mekeç* necessitated a detailed counting of the spoils.
* **Holy Portion/Firstfruits:** The concept of setting aside a portion for God and His consecrated servants (priests and Levites) resonates with the laws concerning firstfruits, tithes, and other offerings. While *mekeç* is not a tithe in the usual sense, it shares the principle of acknowledging divine ownership and providing for those dedicated to sacred service.
* **Spoils of War:** The context of *mekeç* within the division of war spoils highlights the divine claim over all victory and its material benefits.
### Theological Significance
The *mekeç* in Numbers 31 carries profound theological significance:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Ownership:** The command to levy a *mekeç* powerfully asserts God's ultimate sovereignty over all things, including the spoils of war. Victory in battle is attributed to Him, and therefore, a portion of the resulting wealth is rightfully His. This reinforces the theological truth that all possessions ultimately belong to the Lord.
2. **Provision for Priesthood and Levites:** The *mekeç* served as a divinely ordained means of support for the priests (through Eleazar) and the Levites. This demonstrates God's meticulous care for those dedicated to His service, ensuring their sustenance without requiring them to engage in worldly labor for their provision. Their sustenance was directly linked to the community's obedience to God's commands.
3. **Holiness and Separation:** By dedicating a specific portion of the spoils as *mekeç* for the Lord, the entire act of plunder was sanctified. It transformed potentially defiling gain into a means of supporting sacred service, underscoring the principle of setting aside a holy portion for God.
4. **Order and Justice in Divine Economy:** The precise, enumerated nature of the *mekeç* reflects God's character of order, justice, and meticulousness. His commands are not arbitrary but are given with clear instructions and calculations, demonstrating His wisdom in establishing systems for the well-being and spiritual health of His people.
5. **Acknowledgement of Divine Blessing:** The act of paying the *mekeç* was an act of worship and acknowledgement that the victory and the resulting abundance were a direct blessing from the Lord. It was a tangible expression of gratitude and dependence.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מֶכֶס (*mekeç*, H4371) denotes a precisely calculated "assessment" or "tribute," stemming from a root meaning "to enumerate." Its sole biblical occurrences in Numbers 31 describe a divinely mandated levy on the spoils of the Midianite war. This *mekeç* was meticulously calculated (one out of 500 from the warriors, one out of 50 from the congregation) and designated for the support of the priests and Levites. Theologically, *mekeç* underscores God's absolute sovereignty and ownership over all things, His meticulous provision for those consecrated to His service, and the principle of sanctifying material gain by dedicating a portion to Him. It stands as a testament to divine order and the importance of acknowledging God's hand in all blessings.
TRV