Numbers 31:27
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:
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמַּלְק֔וֹחַ
the prey
H4455
הַמַּלְק֔וֹחַ
the prey
Strong's:
H4455
Word #:
3 of 11
transitively (in dual) the jaws (as taking food)
בֵּ֚ין
H996
בֵּ֚ין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
4 of 11
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
תֹּֽפְשֵׂ֣י
between them that took
H8610
תֹּֽפְשֵׂ֣י
between them that took
Strong's:
H8610
Word #:
5 of 11
to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably
הַמִּלְחָמָ֔ה
the war
H4421
הַמִּלְחָמָ֔ה
the war
Strong's:
H4421
Word #:
6 of 11
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
הַיֹּֽצְאִ֖ים
upon them who went out
H3318
הַיֹּֽצְאִ֖ים
upon them who went out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
7 of 11
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
לַצָּבָ֑א
to battle
H6635
לַצָּבָ֑א
to battle
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
8 of 11
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
וּבֵ֖ין
H996
וּבֵ֖ין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
9 of 11
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern custom gave warriors full rights to plunder. David later reinforced this Mosaic principle after defeating Amalekites (1 Samuel 30:21-25), establishing it as 'statute and ordinance' in Israel. This countered the warrior-aristocracy common in surrounding nations.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this 50-50 division challenge societies that excessively reward certain professions over others?
- What would equitable 'spoils sharing' look like in churches where some serve publicly and others behind the scenes?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And divide the prey into two parts; between them that took the war upon them...and between all the congregation—The Hebrew chatsah (divide) creates 50-50 split between combatants (12,000 men, 31:5) and non-combatants (approximately 600,000+ total population). Soldiers risked death; community supported them with prayer, logistics, families.
This radical redistribution prevents military elitism. Soldiers don't become a privileged warrior class; Israel remains a covenant community where all share God's blessings. Paul echoes this: 'He that goeth to battle, and he that tarrieth by the baggage—they shall share alike' (1 Sam 30:24), applied to ministry support (1 Cor 9:7-14). Service takes different forms; reward is communal.