46: The Midianite War: Distribution of Spoils (Num 31:25 - 54)

The Lord asked Moses to distribute the spoils among the Israelites fairly.

πŸ‘‰ Read Numbers 31:25 - 54

The Lord commanded them to divide the spoils between those who went out to battle and the other for all the community. Fill in the table.

 

Total spoils: 

675000 sheep, 72000 cattle, 61000 donkeys, 32000 people

fighting men's  portion (A) 

337500 sheep, 36000 cattle, 30500 donkeys, 16000 people

Lord’s tribute (B)

(        ) sheep

(       ) cattle

(       ) donkeys

(       ) people

The fighting men’s final portion (A - B)

37500 – 675 = 336825 sheep

…

Others' portion (C): the same as the warriors’ portion

Leviticus portion (D)

6750 sheep

(         ) cattle

(        ) donkeys

320 people

Others' final portion (C - D)

337500 – 6750 = 330750 sheep

…

 

The Lord asked them to give some spoils to the Levites because they were responsible for the (                          ).

 

Why did they bring to the Lord gold ornaments from their spoils?

 

Answers and Meditations

Lord’s tribute: 675 sheep, 72 cattle, 61 donkeys, 32 people.

Leviticus' portion: 6750 sheep, 720 cattle, 610 donkeys, 320 people

 

Lord’s tabernacle

 

In appreciation for the Lord’s protection in the battle.


Not all their fighting men went to the battle; only 1000 from each tribe. In ancient times, they joined battles to get spoils. But it shouldn’t be the case for the Lord's people. They fought the Lord's battles as His soldiers. The Lord gave them victory, and their spoils should be distributed according to the Lord’s command.

Their offering of gold was voluntary. Moses and Aaron brought this into the tent of meeting in a plea for the Lord's protection in future battles.

Putting down non-essential possessions and asking for God's protection is a beautiful confession of faith in this world where people greedily collect beyond their needs.

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