Numbers 31:47

Even of the children of Israel's half, Moses took one portion of fifty, [both] of man and of beast, and gave them unto the Levites, which kept the charge of the tabernacle of the LORD; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Even of the children {H1121} of Israel's {H3478} half {H4276}, Moses {H4872} took {H3947} one {H259} portion {H270} of fifty {H2572}, both of man {H120} and of beast {H929}, and gave {H5414} them unto the Levites {H3881}, which kept {H8104} the charge {H4931} of the tabernacle {H4908} of the LORD {H3068}; as the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} Moses {H4872}.

from the people of Isra'el's half, Moshe took one-fiftieth of the persons and animals and gave them to the L'vi'im taking care of the tabernacle of ADONAI, as ADONAI had ordered Moshe.

From the Israelites’ half, Moses took one out of every fifty persons and animals and gave them to the Levites who kept charge of the tabernacle of the LORD, as the LORD had commanded him.

even of the children of Israel’s half, Moses took one drawn out of every fifty, both of man and of beast, and gave them unto the Levites, that kept the charge of the tabernacle of Jehovah; as Jehovah commanded Moses.

Commentary

Numbers 31:47 concludes the detailed account of the division of spoils taken from the Midianites, specifically focusing on the portion allocated to the Levites from the congregation's share. This verse highlights God's meticulous instructions for supporting those dedicated to His service.

Context

This verse is situated within the aftermath of Israel's divinely commanded war against the Midianites, as detailed in Numbers chapter 31. This punitive expedition was ordered by the LORD due to Midian's role in seducing Israel into idolatry and immorality at Peor (Numbers 25:1-3). After the victory, the vast plunder of people, livestock, and goods was divided into two main halves: one for the 12,000 warriors who fought, and the other for the rest of the Israelite congregation. From the warriors' half, a small tribute (1 in 500) was given to the priests (Numbers 31:28-29). From the congregation's half, as described in this verse, a more significant portion (1 in 50) was designated for the Levites. This system ensured the Levites, who had no tribal land inheritance, were sustained by the community they served.

Key Themes

  • Divine Command and Obedience: The phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" underscores the divine authority behind these specific instructions. It emphasizes Moses' faithful adherence to God's detailed will, even in matters of resource distribution.
  • Support for the Levites: This passage clearly illustrates God's established provision for the Levites, who were set apart for the service of the Tabernacle. They performed vital spiritual duties, including guarding, maintaining, and transporting the sacred dwelling place of God, and thus were to be supported by the offerings and contributions of the people. This principle of supporting those who minister spiritually is a recurring theme throughout scripture (Deuteronomy 18:1-2, 1 Corinthians 9:14).
  • God's Order and Provision: The meticulous division of spoils, down to specific ratios for different groups, demonstrates God's concern for order, justice, and comprehensive provision for His people and His appointed servants. It reflects a divine blueprint for a well-ordered society.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "kept the charge of the tabernacle of the LORD" highlights the Levites' specific responsibilities. The Hebrew word for "charge" (mishmeret) implies a sacred duty, a guard, or a keeping. It refers to their assigned tasks of caring for the sanctuary, its vessels, and ensuring its proper function and reverence within the Israelite camp. Their role was not merely ceremonial but deeply practical and sacred, requiring their full dedication.

Practical Application

Numbers 31:47 offers timeless principles for believers today:

  • Supporting Spiritual Leadership: Just as the Levites were supported for their dedicated service, there is a biblical principle of supporting those who faithfully minister God's Word and serve in spiritual capacities within the community. This allows them to focus on their calling without undue worldly distractions.
  • Obedience to God's Word: Moses' strict adherence to the LORD's command, even in the intricacies of distributing spoils, reminds us of the importance of obedience to God's revealed will in all areas of life, not just the overtly spiritual.
  • Stewardship and Generosity: The system of giving portions from the spoil demonstrates a pattern of stewardship, where a portion of God's blessings is returned to Him through supporting His work and His people. It encourages generosity as an act of worship and obedience.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 31:30 (3 votes)

    And of the children of Israel's half, thou shalt take one portion of fifty, of the persons, of the beeves, of the asses, and of the flocks, of all manner of beasts, and give them unto the Levites, which keep the charge of the tabernacle of the LORD.

  • Luke 10:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.

  • Luke 10:8 (2 votes)

    And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:

  • Isaiah 56:10 (2 votes)

    His watchmen [are] blind: they are all ignorant, they [are] all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.

  • Isaiah 56:11 (2 votes)

    Yea, [they are] greedy dogs [which] can never have enough, and they [are] shepherds [that] cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.

  • Psalms 134:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ A Song of degrees. Behold, bless ye the LORD, all [ye] servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD.

  • Deuteronomy 12:17 (2 votes)

    Thou mayest not eat within thy gates the tithe of thy corn, or of thy wine, or of thy oil, or the firstlings of thy herds or of thy flock, nor any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy freewill offerings, or heave offering of thine hand: