Numbers Chapter 31 · Verse 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?
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.