What does Numbers 31:47 mean?

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. Numbers 31:47

Explanation

Numbers 31:47 refers to the aftermath of Israel’s battle with the Midianites, where God commanded Moses to take a census of the war plunder and divide it equally between the warriors who fought in the battle and the rest of the Israelite community. This specific verse addresses how Moses was instructed by God to take one out of every fifty captives and livestock obtained from Israel’s half of the spoils and give it to the Levites who were responsible for the upkeep of the Tabernacle. This verse emphasizes God’s provision and care for the Levites, as they did not have a land inheritance like the other tribes and were set apart for religious duties.

Historical Context

Numbers 31 occurs in the broader narrative of the Israelites’ wilderness wanderings, after their Exodus from Egypt and before entering the Promised Land of Canaan. The battle against the Midianites came as a judgment upon them for their role in leading Israel to sin through idolatry and sexual immorality (Num. 25). The Levites were a tribe set apart for religious duties and the service of God’s sanctuary (Num. 3:5-10). They were not allotted land for agricultural purposes or other economic endeavors, hence the tithe from the war plunder was a means of providing for their needs.

Theological Insights

This verse illustrates theological themes such as divine justice, provision, holiness, and the special role of the Levites. From a theological perspective, the instruction indicates God’s fairness in distributing resources, providing for all members of the community according to their roles and necessities. It highlights the holiness associated with the Levites, who were consecrated for service to God, suggesting a sacred dimension to their sustenance.

Practical Applications

Numbers 31:47 can have contemporary applications in emphasizing communal responsibility and care for those dedicated to religious service. The principle of setting aside a portion to support those who minister within spiritual communities can be seen as an application, regardless of religious background. Moreover, it teaches the idea of equitable distribution of resources and the importance of contributing to the maintenance of community functions and services.

Cross-References

• Numbers 31:25-30: “And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Take the sum of the prey that was taken, both of man and of beast, thou, and Eleazar the priest, and the chief fathers of the congregation: … And divide the prey into two parts; between them that took the war upon them, who went out to battle, and between all the congregation: … And levy a tribute unto 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.”
• Numbers 3:45-50: Instructions on the Levites’ substitution for the firstborn and how they are to serve in place of them.
• Deuteronomy 10:8-9: Discussing the Levites’ role and their lack of inheritance of land.

Language Study

In the original Hebrew, some notable words in this verse are:

• “Moses” (מֹשֶׁה Mosheh): the leader of the Israelites during the Exodus, whose name means “drawn out” [of water].
• “Levites” (לֵוִי Leviyy): referring to the descendants of Levi, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, set apart for religious duties.
• “Kept the charge” (שָׁמַר mishmereth): often translated as “kept” or “custodians,” indicates a duty or guardianship, in this case of the Tabernacle.
• “Tabernacle” (מִשְׁכָּן mishkan): meaning “dwelling place,” it describes the portable sanctuary where God dwelt among the Israelites during their wanderings.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient cultures, the spoils of war often included the distribution of goods, captives, and livestock among the victors, with a portion dedicated to the gods or temple service. In Mesopotamian and other Near Eastern societies, such distributions were common, and the priests or temple staff were typically supported by allocations from conquests and tributes. The practice of providing for a religious class through spoils of war or other communal resources has parallels in various ancient societies.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse does not offer direct insights from a scientific perspective. However, the division of spoils and care for domesticated animals touch upon anthropology and the economic practices of ancient communities, including the management of livestock and resources, which are within the scope of archaeological and anthropological research.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators interpret Numbers 31:47 through various lenses. Many agree that the verse showcases a divinely-ordained system of support for the Levites. Matthew Henry, in his commentary, reflects on how God ensures that his ministers are provided for. The Pulpit Commentary highlights the care that was taken in apportioning the spoils and the sanctity of the Levite’s role in relation to this provision. Others may view this as part of a broader legal or cultic structure within the Israelite society that ensured equitable distribution and support for essential community services.