Numbers 31:26

"You and Eleazar the priest and the family heads of the congregation are to take a count of what was captured, both of man and beast.

Study Bible

You and Eleazar the priest
This phrase highlights the collaborative leadership between Moses and Eleazar, the son of Aaron, who served as the high priest. The Hebrew root for "priest" is "kohen," which signifies one who mediates between God and the people. Eleazar's involvement underscores the importance of spiritual oversight in matters of war and plunder, ensuring that the actions align with God's commandments. Historically, the priesthood played a crucial role in guiding Israel in both religious and civil matters, reflecting the theocratic nature of their society.

and the heads of the families of the congregation
This phrase indicates the involvement of tribal leaders in the process. The Hebrew word for "heads" is "rosh," meaning chief or leader. These leaders were responsible for representing their respective tribes and ensuring that the distribution of plunder was fair and according to God's instructions. This structure of leadership emphasizes the communal and organized nature of Israelite society, where decisions were made collectively and with accountability.

are to count
The act of counting, or taking a census, is significant in the Hebrew context. The Hebrew word "paqad" can mean to count, muster, or appoint. This was not merely an administrative task but a divinely ordained action to ensure that everything was accounted for and distributed justly. Counting also implies stewardship and responsibility, reminding the Israelites that all they possess is ultimately from God.

all the people and animals captured as plunder
The phrase "captured as plunder" refers to the spoils of war, which included both people and livestock. In the ancient Near Eastern context, plunder was a common practice after a military victory. However, for the Israelites, there were specific divine instructions on how to handle such plunder, as seen in previous chapters. The inclusion of both people and animals highlights the comprehensive nature of the victory and the need for careful management of resources. This also serves as a reminder of God's provision and the importance of obedience to His laws in the distribution and use of these resources.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who is instructed by God to take a census of the plunder.

2. Eleazar the Priest
The son of Aaron, serving as the high priest, who assists Moses in the task.

3. Heads of the Families
Leaders of the tribes of Israel, involved in the distribution and management of the plunder.

4. The Plunder
The goods and captives taken from the Midianites after the battle, which are to be counted and divided.

5. The Midianites
A people who opposed Israel and were defeated in battle, leading to the capture of their possessions.

Teaching Points

Accountability and Stewardship
The act of counting the plunder emphasizes the importance of accountability and stewardship over resources. Believers are called to manage their blessings responsibly.

Leadership and Cooperation
Moses, Eleazar, and the tribal leaders work together, demonstrating the need for cooperation among leaders in the community of faith.

Fairness and Justice
The division of plunder underscores the biblical principle of fairness and justice, ensuring that all parties receive their due share.

Obedience to God's Commands
The Israelites' obedience in counting and dividing the plunder reflects the importance of following God's instructions in all aspects of life.

Community and Sharing
The distribution of resources among the community highlights the value of sharing and supporting one another within the body of Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the process of counting and dividing the plunder in Numbers 31:26 reflect principles of stewardship in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we apply the cooperation between Moses, Eleazar, and the tribal leaders to our roles in church or community leadership?

3. How does the concept of fairness in the distribution of plunder challenge us to act justly in our personal and professional dealings?

4. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' obedience to God's commands in this passage, and how can we apply them to our daily walk with God?

5. How can the principles of community and sharing seen in this passage be implemented in our local church or community group?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 30:12
This verse discusses the importance of taking a census and the associated atonement money, highlighting the significance of counting and accountability before God.

Joshua 22:10-34
The division of land and resources among the tribes of Israel, similar to the division of plunder in Numbers 31.

1 Samuel 30:24-25
David's equitable distribution of plunder among his men, reflecting principles of fairness and community responsibility.

Proverbs 16:11
The importance of honest scales and measures, which can be related to the fair distribution of plunder.

Acts 6:1-7
The appointment of deacons to ensure fair distribution within the early church, paralleling the organized distribution of plunder in Numbers 31.