Numbers 31:32

And the booty, [being] the rest of the prey which the men of war had caught, was six hundred thousand and seventy thousand and five thousand sheep,

And the booty {H4455}, being the rest {H3499} of the prey {H957} which the men of {H5971} war {H6635} had caught {H962}, was six {H8337} hundred {H3967} thousand {H505} and seventy {H7657} thousand {H505} and five {H2568} thousand {H505} sheep {H6629},

The booty, over and above the portion which the soldiers took, came to 675,000 sheep,

and this plunder remained from the spoils the soldiers had taken: 675,000 sheep,

Now the prey, over and above the booty which the men of war took, was six hundred thousand and seventy thousand and five thousand sheep,

Commentary

Numbers 31:32 provides a specific detail about the massive amount of spoil captured by the Israelite army during their divinely commanded war against the Midianites. This verse itemizes the number of sheep taken, illustrating the sheer scale of the victory and the resulting abundance of provisions for the Israelite nation.

Context of Numbers 31:32

This verse is found within the broader narrative of Numbers 31, which details Israel's punitive war against the Midianites. This conflict was instigated by God's direct command to Moses, serving as retribution for Midian's role in seducing Israel into idolatry and immorality at Baal-peor (Numbers 25). The war, described as a swift and decisive victory for Israel with no Israelite casualties (Numbers 31:1-3), resulted in an immense amount of plunder. Following the battle, Moses and Eleazar the priest meticulously oversaw the counting and division of these spoils, which included livestock, precious metals, and garments. Verse 32 specifically highlights the vast quantity of sheep, emphasizing the overwhelming wealth acquired by the Israelite forces.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Justice and Retribution: The war against Midian was not merely a territorial conquest but an act of God's righteous judgment against a people who had actively led Israel astray from the Lord. The spoils taken were a direct consequence of this divine retribution.
  • God's Abundant Provision: The staggering number of sheep (totaling 675,000) and other livestock mentioned in the surrounding verses demonstrates God's incredible capacity to provide richly for His people. This abundance underscored His faithfulness in supplying their needs as they prepared to enter the Promised Land, even through the context of warfare.
  • Order and Meticulousness: The detailed counting and specific instructions for the division of spoils (Numbers 31:27-47), including the dedication of a portion as a "tribute to the LORD" (as seen in Numbers 31:28-29), highlight the importance of order and obedience to God's precise commands in all aspects of life, even in the distribution of war gains.

Linguistic Insight

The King James Version uses both "booty" and "prey" in this verse, translating the Hebrew term shฤlฤl (ืฉึธืืœึธืœ), which refers to the spoil or plunder taken from an enemy in war. The detailed enumeration of the livestock, particularly the sheep, underscores the literal magnitude of the Midianite wealth and the thoroughness of the Israelite victory.

Practical Application

While Numbers 31:32 describes a unique historical event, it offers enduring principles. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's justice in dealing with wickedness and His incredible capacity to provide for His people, often in unexpected ways. For believers today, though we do not engage in physical wars of conquest, the passage can symbolize the spiritual victory over sin and temptation that God grants. It encourages us to recognize God as the ultimate source of all blessings and to walk in obedience to His directives, trusting in His provision for our lives and acknowledging His meticulous attention to detail in all His dealings.

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Cross-References

No cross-references found.