Numbers 31:51

And Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold of them, [even] all wrought jewels.

And Moses {H4872} and Eleazar {H499} the priest {H3548} took {H3947} the gold {H2091} of them, even all wrought {H4639} jewels {H3627}.

Moshe and El'azar the cohen accepted their gold, all the jewelry.

So Moses and Eleazar the priest received from them all the articles made out of gold.

And Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold of them, even all wrought jewels.

Commentary

Numbers 31:51 describes a specific action taken by Moses and Eleazar the priest after the Israelites' victorious campaign against the Midianites. This verse highlights the collection of valuable gold items, designated as a special offering to the Lord.

Context

This verse is situated in the aftermath of Israel's divinely commanded war against the Midianites, a punitive expedition for their role in enticing Israel to sin at Baal-peor (Numbers 25). Following the victory, detailed instructions were given for the division of the spoils of war. A portion was to be set aside for the Lord as a "heave offering" โ€“ a special contribution acknowledging God's sovereignty and blessing in the victory. The preceding verse, Numbers 31:50, clarifies that this gold was brought as an "oblation for the LORD, to make an atonement for our souls," signifying a sacred dedication to God for preserving their lives in battle.

Key Themes

  • Divine Ownership and Stewardship: The act of taking a portion of the spoils and dedicating it to the Lord underscores the biblical principle that all blessings and victories come from God, and a part is to be returned to Him in recognition of His ownership. This resonates with the truth that the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.
  • Consecration and Holiness: By setting apart the gold, it became consecrated, or made holy, for divine service. This emphasized the sacred nature of God's commands and the Israelites' commitment to maintaining ritual purity and devotion.
  • Atonement and Gratitude: The offering served as an act of atonement, acknowledging God's mercy in preserving the lives of the soldiers. It was also an expression of profound gratitude for the victory and protection.
  • Leadership and Obedience: Moses and Eleazar, as the spiritual and temporal leaders, faithfully executed God's instructions regarding the collection and dedication of these valuable items, demonstrating their obedience to divine law.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "wrought jewels" translates the Hebrew keli zahav (ื›ึผึฐืœึดื™ ื–ึธื”ึธื‘), which literally means "vessels of gold" or "articles of gold." This implies crafted gold items, such as ornaments, jewelry, or perhaps small vessels, rather than raw gold. The term highlights the value and craftsmanship of the items dedicated to the Lord.

Practical Application

Numbers 31:51 reminds believers today of the importance of recognizing God as the source of all blessings, whether material possessions, success, or even life itself. It encourages a spirit of generosity and dedication, where a portion of what we receive is intentionally set aside or given back to God as an act of worship and gratitude. This can manifest through tithes, offerings, or dedicating our talents and time to His service, reflecting a heart that acknowledges His sovereignty and grace in our lives.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 7:2 (2 votes)

    That the princes of Israel, heads of the house of their fathers, who [were] the princes of the tribes, and were over them that were numbered, offered:

  • Numbers 7:6 (2 votes)

    And Moses took the wagons and the oxen, and gave them unto the Levites.