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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Numbers 31:28 Set aside a tribute for the LORD from what belongs to the soldiers who went into battle: one out of every five hundred, whether persons, cattle, donkeys, or sheep.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/31-28.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/04_Num_31_28.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 31:28 - Division of the Spoils" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Set aside a tribute for the LORD from what belongs to the soldiers who went into battle: one out of every five hundred, whether persons, cattle, donkeys, or sheep." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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<a href="/nasb_/numbers/31.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Also, collect a tribute tax for the LORD from the men of war who went to battle, one in five hundred of the persons, of the cattle, of the donkeys, and of the sheep; <a href="/nasb/numbers/31.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Levy a tax for the LORD from the men of war who went out to battle, one in five hundred of the persons and of the cattle and of the donkeys and of the sheep; <a href="/nasb77/numbers/31.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “And levy a tax for the LORD from the men of war who went out to battle, one in five hundred of the persons and of the cattle and of the donkeys and of the sheep; <a href="/lsb/numbers/31.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And you shall exact a levy for Yahweh from the men of war who went out to battle, one in five hundred of the persons and of the cattle and of the donkeys and of the sheep; <a href="/amp/numbers/31.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Levy a tax for the LORD from the warriors who went to battle, one in five hundred of the persons, the oxen, the donkeys, and the flocks. <a href="/csb/numbers/31.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Set aside a tribute for the LORD from what belongs to the fighting men who went out to war: one out of every five hundred people, cattle, donkeys, sheep, and goats. <a href="/hcsb/numbers/31.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Set aside a tribute for the LORD from what belongs to the fighting men who went out to war: one out of every 500 humans, cattle, donkeys, sheep, and goats. <a href="/asv/numbers/31.htm">American Standard Version</a> And levy a tribute unto Jehovah of the men of war that went out to battle: one soul of five hundred, both of the persons, and of the oxen, and of the asses, and of the flocks: <a href="/erv/numbers/31.htm">English Revised Version</a> and levy a tribute unto the LORD of the men of war that went out to battle: one soul of five hundred, both of the persons, and of the beeves, and of the asses, and of the flocks: <a href="/gwt/numbers/31.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Collect a tax for the LORD. From the soldiers who served in the war collect one out of every 500 things. This includes people, cattle, donkeys, sheep, and goats. <a href="/gnt/numbers/31.htm">Good News Translation</a> From the part that belongs to the soldiers, withhold as a tax for the LORD one out of every five hundred prisoners and the same proportion of the cattle, donkeys, sheep, and goats. <a href="/isv/numbers/31.htm">International Standard Version</a> "After this, you are to exact a tribute for the LORD from the soldiers who went to war, consisting of the tribute earned by one person out of every 500, whether from people, cattle, donkeys, or flocks. <a href="/msb/numbers/31.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Set aside a tribute for the LORD from what belongs to the soldiers who went into battle: one out of every five hundred, whether persons, cattle, donkeys, or sheep. <a href="/net/numbers/31.htm">NET Bible</a> "You must exact a tribute for the LORD from the fighting men who went out to battle: one life out of five hundred, from the people, the cattle, and from the donkeys and the sheep. <a href="/nheb/numbers/31.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Levy a tribute to the LORD of the men of war who went out to battle: one soul of five hundred; of the persons, of the cattle, of the donkeys, and of the flocks. <a href="/wbt/numbers/31.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And levy a tribute to the LORD of the men of war who went out to battle: one soul of five hundred, both of the persons, and of the beeves, and of the asses, and of the sheep: <a href="/web/numbers/31.htm">World English Bible</a> Levy a tribute to Yahweh of the men of war who went out to battle: one soul of five hundred; of the persons, of the cattle, of the donkeys, and of the flocks. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/numbers/31.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and you have raised a tribute to YHWH from the men of battle, who go out to the war, one body out of five hundred, of man, and of the herd, and of the donkeys, and of the flock; <a href="/ylt/numbers/31.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and thou hast raised a tribute to Jehovah from the men of war, who go out to the host, one body out of five hundred, of man, and of the herd, and of the asses, and of the flock; <a href="/slt/numbers/31.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And cast a tribute to Jehovah from the men of the battle going forth to war: one soul from five hundred, from the men and from the oxen, and from the asses, and from the sheep:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/numbers/31.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And thou shalt separate a portion to the Lord from them that fought and were in the battle, one soul of five hundred as well of persons as of oxen and asses and sheep. <a href="/cpdv/numbers/31.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And you shall separate a portion for the Lord from the portion of those who fought and were in the battle: one soul out of five hundred, as much from humans, as from oxen and donkeys and sheep. <a href="/nabre/numbers/31.htm">New American Bible</a> You will levy a tax for the LORD on the soldiers who went on the campaign: one out of every five hundred persons, oxen, donkeys, and sheep. <a href="/nrsvce/numbers/31.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> From the share of the warriors who went out to battle, set aside as tribute for the LORD, one item out of every five hundred, whether persons, oxen, donkeys, sheep, or goats.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/numbers/31.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And levy a tribute for the LORD from the men of war who went out to battle; out of all the congregation, one person of every five hundred, both of the persons and of the oxen and of the asses and of the sheep; <a href="/hpbt/numbers/31.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And set apart a tax to LORD JEHOVAH from the men, the makers of war who went out in the army and from all of the assembly: one soul of fifty of the children of men and of oxen and of donkeys and of sheep:<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/numbers/31.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> and levy a tribute unto the LORD of the men of war that went out to battle: one soul of five hundred, both of the persons, and of the beeves, and of the asses, and of the flocks; <a href="/sep/numbers/31.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And ye shall take a tribute for the Lord from the warriors that went out to battle; one soul out of five hundred, from the men, and from the cattle, even from the oxen, and from the sheep, and from the asses; and ye shall take from their half. <a href="/parallel/numbers/31-28.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=9635" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/numbers/31.htm">Division of the Spoils</a> …27Then divide the captives between the troops who went out to battle and the rest of the congregation. 28<a href="/hebrew/7311.htm" title="7311: wa·hă·rê·mō·ṯā (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To be high or exalted, rise. A primitive root; to be high actively, to rise or raise.">Set aside</a> <a href="/hebrew/4371.htm" title="4371: me·ḵes (N-ms) -- Computation, proportion to be paid, tax. Probably from an unused root meaning to enumerate; an assessment.">a tribute</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">for the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: mê·’êṯ (Prep-m:: DirObjM) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc.">from what belongs</a> <a href="/hebrew/4421.htm" title="4421: ham·mil·ḥā·māh (Art:: N-fs) -- A battle, war. From lacham; a battle; generally, war.">to the soldiers</a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: ’an·šê (N-mpc) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: hay·yō·ṣə·’îm (Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">who went</a> <a href="/hebrew/6635.htm" title="6635: laṣ·ṣā·ḇā (Prep-l, Art:: N-cs) -- Or tsbadah; from tsaba'; a mass of persons, especially reg. Organized for war; by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively.">into battle:</a> <a href="/hebrew/259.htm" title="259: ’e·ḥāḏ (Number-msc) -- One. A numeral from 'achad; properly, united, i.e. One; or first.">one</a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: ne·p̄eš (N-fs) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: ū·min- (Conj-w:: Prep) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">out of</a> <a href="/hebrew/2568.htm" title="2568: mê·ḥă·mêš (Prep-m:: Number-fsc) -- Five. Masculine chamishshah; a primitive numeral; five.">every five</a> <a href="/hebrew/3967.htm" title="3967: ham·mê·’ō·wṯ (Art:: Number-fp) -- Hundred. Or metyah; properly, a primitive numeral; a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction.">hundred,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: min- (Prep) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses."></a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: hā·’ā·ḏām (Art:: N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">whether persons,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1241.htm" title="1241: hab·bā·qār (Art:: N-ms) -- Cattle, herd, an ox. From baqar; beef cattle or an animal of the ox family of either gender; collectively, a herd.">cattle,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: ū·min- (Conj-w:: Prep) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2543.htm" title="2543: ha·ḥă·mō·rîm (Art:: N-mp) -- A male ass. Or chamor; from chamar; a male ass.">donkeys,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: ū·min- (Conj-w:: Prep) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6629.htm" title="6629: haṣ·ṣōn (Art:: N-cs) -- Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock. Or tsaown; from an unused root meaning to migrate; a collective name for a flock; also figuratively.">or sheep.</a> 29Take it from their half and give it to Eleazar the priest as an offering to the LORD.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/exodus/30-13.htm">Exodus 30:13-16</a> Everyone who crosses over to those counted must pay a half shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs. This half shekel is an offering to the LORD. / Everyone twenty years of age or older who crosses over must give this offering to the LORD. / In making the offering to the LORD to atone for your lives, the rich shall not give more than a half shekel, nor shall the poor give less. ... <a href="/leviticus/27-30.htm">Leviticus 27:30-33</a> Thus any tithe from the land, whether from the seed of the land or the fruit of the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD. / If a man wishes to redeem part of his tithe, he must add a fifth to its value. / Every tenth animal from the herd or flock that passes under the shepherd’s rod will be holy to the LORD. ... <a href="/deuteronomy/20-14.htm">Deuteronomy 20:14</a> But the women, children, livestock, and whatever else is in the city—all its spoil—you may take as plunder, and you shall use the spoil of your enemies that the LORD your God gives you. <a href="/joshua/6-19.htm">Joshua 6:19-24</a> For all the silver and gold and all the articles of bronze and iron are holy to the LORD; they must go into His treasury.” / So when the rams’ horns sounded, the people shouted. When they heard the blast of the horn, the people gave a great shout, and the wall collapsed. Then all the people charged straight into the city and captured it. / With the edge of the sword they devoted to destruction everything in the city—man and woman, young and old, oxen, sheep, and donkeys. ... <a href="/1_samuel/15-3.htm">1 Samuel 15:3</a> Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them. Do not spare them, but put to death men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.’” <a href="/1_chronicles/26-26.htm">1 Chronicles 26:26-28</a> This Shelomith and his brothers were in charge of all the treasuries for the things dedicated by King David, by the heads of families who were the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and by the army commanders. / They had dedicated some of the plunder from their battles to the repair of the house of the LORD. / Everything that had been dedicated by Samuel the seer, Saul son of Kish, Abner son of Ner, and Joab son of Zeruiah, along with everything else that was dedicated, was under the care of Shelomith and his brothers. <a href="/2_chronicles/31-6.htm">2 Chronicles 31:6</a> And the Israelites and Judahites who lived in the cities of Judah also brought a tithe of their herds and flocks and a tithe of the holy things consecrated to the LORD their God, and they laid them in large heaps. <a href="/nehemiah/10-37.htm">Nehemiah 10:37-38</a> Moreover, we will bring to the priests at the storerooms of the house of our God the firstfruits of our dough, of our grain offerings, of the fruit of all our trees, and of our new wine and oil. A tenth of our produce belongs to the Levites, so that they shall receive tithes in all the towns where we labor. / A priest of Aaron’s line is to accompany the Levites when they collect the tenth, and the Levites are to bring a tenth of these tithes to the storerooms of the treasury in the house of our God. <a href="/ezekiel/45-13.htm">Ezekiel 45:13-16</a> This is the contribution you are to offer: a sixth of an ephah from each homer of wheat, and a sixth of an ephah from each homer of barley. / The prescribed portion of oil, measured by the bath, is a tenth of a bath from each cor (a cor consists of ten baths or one homer, since ten baths are equivalent to a homer). / And one sheep shall be given from each flock of two hundred from the well-watered pastures of Israel. These are for the grain offerings, burnt offerings, and peace offerings, to make atonement for the people, declares the Lord GOD. ... <a href="/malachi/3-8.htm">Malachi 3:8-10</a> Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you ask, ‘How do we rob You?’ In tithes and offerings. / You are cursed with a curse, yet you—the whole nation—are still robbing Me. / Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says the LORD of Hosts. “See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure. <a href="/matthew/22-21.htm">Matthew 22:21</a> “Caesar’s,” they answered. So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” <a href="/mark/12-17.htm">Mark 12:17</a> Then Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” And they marveled at Him. <a href="/luke/20-25.htm">Luke 20:25</a> So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” <a href="/romans/13-7.htm">Romans 13:7</a> Pay everyone what you owe him: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-13.htm">1 Corinthians 9:13-14</a> Do you not know that those who work in the temple eat of its food, and those who serve at the altar partake of its offerings? / In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And levy a tribute to the Lord of the men of war which went out to battle: one soul of five hundred, both of the persons, and of the beeves, and of the asses, and of the sheep:levy<a href="/genesis/14-20.htm">Genesis 14:20</a> And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.<a href="/joshua/6-19.htm">Joshua 6:19,24</a> But all the silver, and gold, and vessels of brass and iron, are consecrated unto the LORD: they shall come into the treasury of the LORD… <a href="/2_samuel/8-11.htm">2 Samuel 8:11,12</a> Which also king David did dedicate unto the LORD, with the silver and gold that he had dedicated of all nations which he subdued; … one soul<a href="/numbers/31-30.htm">Numbers 31:30,47</a> 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… <a href="/numbers/18-26.htm">Numbers 18:26</a> Thus speak unto the Levites, and say unto them, When ye take of the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then ye shall offer up an heave offering of it for the LORD, even a tenth part of the tithe.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/29-39.htm">Apart</a> <a href="/numbers/31-14.htm">Army</a> <a href="/numbers/16-15.htm">Asses</a> <a href="/numbers/31-27.htm">Battle</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-21.htm">Beeves</a> <a href="/numbers/31-26.htm">Cattle</a> <a href="/exodus/9-3.htm">Donkeys</a> <a href="/numbers/26-51.htm">Hundred</a> <a href="/1_kings/9-21.htm">Levy</a> <a href="/numbers/28-31.htm">Offered</a> <a href="/numbers/29-33.htm">Oxen</a> <a href="/numbers/19-18.htm">Persons</a> <a href="/numbers/29-37.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/numbers/31-27.htm">Soldiers</a> <a href="/numbers/30-13.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/romans/13-7.htm">Tax</a> <a href="/exodus/1-11.htm">Tribute</a> <a href="/numbers/31-27.htm">War</a> <a href="/numbers/29-39.htm">Whether</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/31-29.htm">Apart</a> <a href="/numbers/31-48.htm">Army</a> <a href="/numbers/31-30.htm">Asses</a> <a href="/numbers/31-36.htm">Battle</a> <a href="/numbers/31-30.htm">Beeves</a> <a href="/numbers/31-30.htm">Cattle</a> <a href="/numbers/31-30.htm">Donkeys</a> <a href="/numbers/31-32.htm">Hundred</a> <a href="/1_kings/5-13.htm">Levy</a> <a href="/numbers/31-52.htm">Offered</a> <a href="/numbers/31-33.htm">Oxen</a> <a href="/numbers/31-30.htm">Persons</a> <a href="/numbers/31-32.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/numbers/31-32.htm">Soldiers</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-9.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-33.htm">Tax</a> <a href="/numbers/31-29.htm">Tribute</a> <a href="/numbers/31-32.htm">War</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-16.htm">Whether</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 31</div>1. <a href="/numbers/31-1.htm">The Midianites are spoiled, and Balaam slain</a> 13. <a href="/numbers/31-13.htm">Moses is angry with the officers, for saving the women alive</a> 19. <a href="/numbers/31-19.htm">How the soldiers, with their captives and spoil, are to be purified</a> 25. <a href="/numbers/31-25.htm">The proportion in which the prey is to be divided</a> 48. <a href="/numbers/31-48.htm">The voluntary offering unto the treasure of the Lord</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/31.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/numbers/31.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Set aside a tribute for the LORD This phrase indicates a specific offering or portion dedicated to God, reflecting the principle of giving back to God from what He has provided. In the context of ancient Israel, tributes were a way to acknowledge God's sovereignty and provision. This practice is rooted in the broader biblical theme of tithing and offerings, seen in passages like <a href="/leviticus/27-30.htm">Leviticus 27:30-32</a>, where a tenth of produce and livestock is set apart for the Lord. It underscores the importance of recognizing God's role in victories and blessings.from what belongs to the soldiers who went into battle The soldiers are acknowledged as the recipients of the spoils of war, which was a common practice in ancient times. This reflects the cultural and historical context where warriors were rewarded for their service and risk. However, the directive to set aside a portion for the Lord emphasizes that even in victory, the ultimate credit and ownership belong to God. This principle is echoed in <a href="/deuteronomy/20-4.htm">Deuteronomy 20:4</a>, where God is described as the one who goes with the Israelites to fight for them.one out of every five hundred This specific ratio indicates a precise and relatively small portion, suggesting that the tribute is symbolic rather than burdensome. The number 500 may not have specific symbolic meaning, but the act of setting aside a portion is significant. It reflects the biblical principle of proportional giving, where the amount is less important than the act of giving itself, as seen in the widow's offering in <a href="/mark/12-41.htm">Mark 12:41-44</a>.whether persons, cattle, donkeys, or sheep The inclusion of various categories of spoils—people, livestock, and animals—demonstrates the comprehensive nature of the tribute. Each category represents different aspects of wealth and resources in the ancient Near Eastern context. The mention of "persons" likely refers to captives taken in war, which was a common practice. The inclusion of livestock highlights the agrarian economy of the time, where animals were a primary measure of wealth. This comprehensive list underscores the totality of God's claim over all aspects of life and victory.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a> The leader of the Israelites, who received God's instructions regarding the division of the spoils of war. 2. <a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a> The people of God, who were commanded to take vengeance on the Midianites and subsequently divide the spoils. 3. <a href="/topical/m/midianites.htm">Midianites</a> A nomadic tribe that opposed Israel and led them into idolatry and immorality, prompting God's judgment. 4. <a href="/topical/e/eleazar_the_priest.htm">Eleazar the Priest</a> The high priest who assisted Moses in the distribution of the spoils and the offering of the tribute. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a> The God of Israel, who commanded the tribute as a recognition of His provision and victory.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/a/acknowledgment_of_god's_sovereignty.htm">Acknowledgment of God's Sovereignty</a> The tribute from the spoils serves as a reminder that victory and provision come from the LORD. In our lives, we should acknowledge God's hand in our successes and blessings. <a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_commands.htm">Obedience to God's Commands</a> The specific instruction to set aside a tribute underscores the importance of following God's commands precisely. We are called to obey God's Word in all aspects of our lives, trusting in His wisdom and guidance. <a href="/topical/g/generosity_and_giving.htm">Generosity and Giving</a> The act of giving a portion of the spoils to the LORD reflects a heart of generosity and gratitude. As believers, we are encouraged to give back to God from what He has blessed us with, recognizing that all we have is from Him. <a href="/topical/c/community_and_shared_responsibility.htm">Community and Shared Responsibility</a> The division of the spoils among the community highlights the importance of shared responsibility and support within the body of Christ. We are called to care for one another and share our resources for the common good. <a href="/topical/h/holiness_and_dedication.htm">Holiness and Dedication</a> The tribute signifies a dedication to the LORD, setting apart a portion as holy. In our spiritual walk, we are called to live lives that are set apart and dedicated to God, reflecting His holiness in our actions and decisions.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_31.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 31</a> <a href="/q/how_does_spoils_distribution_fit_human_worth.htm">Numbers 31:28–30: How does distributing people as spoils align with the broader biblical theme of human worth? </a> <a href="/q/are_there_extrabiblical_records_of_2_sam_10.htm">In 2 Samuel 10:8-9, is there any extrabiblical record indicating the precise locations and numbers of soldiers involved in these battles?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_god_view_human_strength.htm">(Psalm 147:10-11) How does God's supposed indifference to physical strength align with other biblical passages that celebrate or rely upon human might in battles and conquests?</a> <a href="/q/could_a_nation_want_egypt_after_miracles.htm">In Numbers 14:2, how plausible is it that a whole nation would suddenly wish to return to Egypt after seeing so many miraculous events?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/31.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(28) And levy a tribute unto the Lord.--Literally, and thou shalt lift up (or, heave), &c. The portion assigned to the priests, which was taken from the prey that fell to the lot of the warriors, and which is described in <a href="/numbers/31-29.htm" title="Take it of their half, and give it to Eleazar the priest, for an heave offering of the LORD.">Numbers 31:29</a> as "the heave offering of the Lord," was one-five-hundredth part of the maidens and of the cattle which had fallen to their share. The maidens were probably employed as slaves, and the cattle used for the maintenance of the priests. Inasmuch, then, as the entire booty consisted of 32,000 maidens, 675,000 small cattle, 72,000 oxen, and 61,000 asses, the portion which fell to the lot of the 12,000 warriors was 16,000 maidens, 337,500 sheep and goats, 36,000 oxen, and 30,500 asses, of which the portion of the priests was 32 maidens, 675 sheep and goats, 72 oxen, and 61 asses. <a href="/commentaries/numbers/31-28.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Set aside וַהֲרֵמֹתָ֨ (wa·hă·rê·mō·ṯā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7311.htm">Strong's 7311: </a> To be high actively, to rise, raise a tribute מֶ֜כֶס (me·ḵes) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4371.htm">Strong's 4371: </a> Computation, proportion to be paid, tax for the LORD לַֽיהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel from what belongs מִן־ (min-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> A part of, from, out of to the soldiers הַמִּלְחָמָה֙ (ham·mil·ḥā·māh) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4421.htm">Strong's 4421: </a> A battle, war who went הַיֹּצְאִ֣ים (hay·yō·ṣə·’îm) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> To go, bring, out, direct and proxim into battle: לַצָּבָ֔א (laṣ·ṣā·ḇā) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6635.htm">Strong's 6635: </a> A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign one אֶחָ֣ד (’e·ḥāḏ) Number - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_259.htm">Strong's 259: </a> United, one, first out of וּמִן־ (ū·min-) Conjunctive waw | Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> A part of, from, out of every five מֵחֲמֵ֖שׁ (mê·ḥă·mêš) Preposition-m | Number - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2568.htm">Strong's 2568: </a> Five hundred, הַמֵּא֑וֹת (ham·mê·’ō·wṯ) Article | Number - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3967.htm">Strong's 3967: </a> A hundred whether persons, הָאָדָם֙ (hā·’ā·ḏām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> Ruddy, a human being cattle, הַבָּקָ֔ר (hab·bā·qār) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1241.htm">Strong's 1241: </a> Beef cattle, ox, a herd donkeys, הַחֲמֹרִ֖ים (ha·ḥă·mō·rîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2543.htm">Strong's 2543: </a> A male ass or sheep. הַצֹּֽאן׃ (haṣ·ṣōn) Article | Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6629.htm">Strong's 6629: </a> Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/31-28.htm">Numbers 31:28 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/numbers/31-28.htm">Numbers 31:28 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/numbers/31-28.htm">Numbers 31:28 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/numbers/31-28.htm">Numbers 31:28 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/numbers/31-28.htm">Numbers 31:28 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/31-28.htm">Numbers 31:28 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/31-28.htm">Numbers 31:28 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/31-28.htm">Numbers 31:28 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/31-28.htm">Numbers 31:28 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/numbers/31-28.htm">Numbers 31:28 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/numbers/31-28.htm">OT Law: Numbers 31:28 Levy a tribute to Yahweh (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/31-27.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 31:27"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 31:27" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/31-29.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 31:29"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 31:29" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>