Numbers 31:29

Take it from their half and give it to Eleazar the priest as an offering to the LORD.

Study Bible

Take it from their half
This phrase refers to the division of the spoils of war, specifically the portion allocated to the Israelite soldiers who fought in the battle against the Midianites. The Hebrew root for "take" is "לָקַח" (laqach), which means to take, receive, or acquire. This action signifies a deliberate and divinely ordained redistribution of resources. The "half" indicates a fair and equitable division, ensuring that those who risked their lives in battle are rewarded, yet also acknowledging that the victory and spoils ultimately belong to God. This reflects the biblical principle of stewardship, where all possessions are seen as God's provision, and humans are merely caretakers.

and give it to Eleazar the priest
Eleazar, the son of Aaron, serves as the high priest, a role of significant spiritual authority and responsibility. The Hebrew name "אֶלְעָזָר" (Eleazar) means "God has helped," highlighting the divine assistance and favor upon his priestly duties. By giving a portion of the spoils to Eleazar, the Israelites are reminded of the priest's role as an intermediary between God and His people. This act underscores the importance of supporting the priesthood, which is essential for maintaining the spiritual health and guidance of the nation. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of honoring those who serve in spiritual leadership.

as an offering to the LORD
The term "offering" in Hebrew is "תְּרוּמָה" (terumah), which denotes a contribution or gift set apart for sacred purposes. This offering is a tangible expression of gratitude and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and provision. It serves as a reminder that all victories and blessings come from the LORD, and thus, a portion is rightfully returned to Him as an act of worship and dedication. The concept of offering is deeply rooted in the covenant relationship between God and His people, where offerings are not merely transactions but acts of devotion and commitment to God's will and purposes.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Eleazar the Priest
Eleazar was the son of Aaron and served as the high priest after Aaron's death. He played a crucial role in the religious leadership of Israel, particularly in the distribution of the spoils of war as described in Numbers 31.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who commanded the Israelites to take vengeance on the Midianites and instructed them on how to handle the spoils of war.

3. The Israelites
The people of God who were commanded to go to war against the Midianites. They were to follow God's instructions regarding the distribution of the spoils.

4. The Midianites
A nomadic people who were adversaries of Israel. The conflict with the Midianites was partly due to their role in leading Israel into idolatry and immorality.

5. The Spoils of War
The goods and livestock taken from the Midianites after their defeat. These were to be divided according to God's instructions, with a portion given as an offering to the LORD.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
The Israelites were required to follow God's specific instructions regarding the spoils of war. This teaches us the importance of obedience in our own lives, especially in matters that may seem mundane or material.

The Role of the Priesthood
Eleazar's role in receiving the offering underscores the importance of spiritual leadership and the need for mediators between God and His people. In the New Testament, Jesus is our High Priest, mediating on our behalf.

The Principle of Giving
The act of giving a portion of the spoils to the LORD highlights the principle of dedicating a part of our resources to God. This can be applied in our lives through tithing and offerings.

God's Sovereignty in Warfare
The victory over the Midianites and the subsequent distribution of spoils remind us of God's sovereignty and His involvement in the affairs of nations and individuals.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of Eleazar in Numbers 31:29 reflect the responsibilities of spiritual leaders today?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of giving a portion of our "spoils" to the LORD in our modern context?

3. How does the account of the Israelites' obedience in Numbers 31 compare to Saul's disobedience in 1 Samuel 15, and what lessons can we learn from these accounts?

4. What does the distribution of the spoils of war teach us about God's justice and provision?

5. How can understanding the role of the priesthood in the Old Testament enhance our appreciation of Jesus' role as our High Priest in the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 27
This chapter discusses the concept of dedicating things to the LORD, which parallels the idea of giving a portion of the spoils as an offering.

1 Samuel 15
The account of Saul and the Amalekites highlights the importance of obeying God's commands regarding the spoils of war.

Hebrews 7
This chapter discusses the priesthood, which can be related to Eleazar's role in receiving offerings on behalf of the LORD.