Numbers 31:26
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:
Original Language Analysis
שָׂ֗א
Take
H5375
שָׂ֗א
Take
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
1 of 13
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
אֵ֣ת
H853
אֵ֣ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְרָאשֵׁ֖י
and the chief
H7218
וְרָאשֵׁ֖י
and the chief
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
3 of 13
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
מַלְק֙וֹחַ֙
of the prey
H4455
מַלְק֙וֹחַ֙
of the prey
Strong's:
H4455
Word #:
4 of 13
transitively (in dual) the jaws (as taking food)
הַשְּׁבִ֔י
that was taken
H7628
הַשְּׁבִ֔י
that was taken
Strong's:
H7628
Word #:
5 of 13
exiled; captured; as noun, exile (abstractly or concretely and collectively); by extension, booty
בָּֽאָדָ֖ם
both of man
H120
בָּֽאָדָ֖ם
both of man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
6 of 13
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
וּבַבְּהֵמָ֑ה
and of beast
H929
וּבַבְּהֵמָ֑ה
and of beast
Strong's:
H929
Word #:
7 of 13
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
הַכֹּהֵ֔ן
the priest
H3548
הַכֹּהֵ֔ן
the priest
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
10 of 13
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
וְרָאשֵׁ֖י
and the chief
H7218
וְרָאשֵׁ֖י
and the chief
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
11 of 13
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
Historical Context
The census of plunder parallels Numbers' broader census theme (chs. 1-4, 26). Eleazar the priest (Aaron's son) now shares leadership with Moses, preparing for Joshua's succession. The 'chief fathers' were tribal representatives, ensuring fair witness across all Israel.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does God require such detailed accounting rather than trusting individuals' honesty?
- How might transparent financial accountability strengthen church or ministry integrity today?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Take the sum of the prey that was taken, both of man and of beast—The Hebrew malqowach (prey/booty) included 675,000 sheep, 72,000 cattle, 61,000 donkeys, and 32,000 captive virgins (31:32-35). Moses, Eleazar, and tribal leaders must census everything before distribution.
This meticulous accounting reveals God's concern for justice in material affairs. The spoils represented enormous wealth, yet required transparent inventory by religious and civil authorities together. No soldier could hide plunder; no leader could embezzle. The principle: when God grants increase, His people must handle it with integrity and communal awareness, not private greed.