Numbers 31:30
And of the children of Israel's half, thou shalt take one portion of fifty, of the persons, of the beeves, of the asses, and of the flocks, of all manner of beasts, and give them unto the Levites, which keep the charge of the tabernacle of the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
בְּנֵֽי
And of the children
H1121
בְּנֵֽי
And of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 25
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל
of Israel's
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל
of Israel's
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
3 of 25
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
תִּקַּ֣ח׀
thou shalt take
H3947
תִּקַּ֣ח׀
thou shalt take
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
4 of 25
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
אָחֻ֣ז
portion
H270
אָחֻ֣ז
portion
Strong's:
H270
Word #:
6 of 25
to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
7 of 25
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
9 of 25
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הָֽאָדָ֧ם
of the persons
H120
הָֽאָדָ֧ם
of the persons
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
10 of 25
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
11 of 25
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הַבָּקָ֛ר
of the beeves
H1241
הַבָּקָ֛ר
of the beeves
Strong's:
H1241
Word #:
12 of 25
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
13 of 25
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
וּמִן
H4480
וּמִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
15 of 25
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הַצֹּ֖אן
and of the flocks
H6629
הַצֹּ֖אן
and of the flocks
Strong's:
H6629
Word #:
16 of 25
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
מִכָּל
H3605
מִכָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
17 of 25
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַבְּהֵמָ֑ה
of all manner of beasts
H929
הַבְּהֵמָ֑ה
of all manner of beasts
Strong's:
H929
Word #:
18 of 25
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
וְנָֽתַתָּ֤ה
and give
H5414
וְנָֽתַתָּ֤ה
and give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
19 of 25
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֹתָם֙
H853
אֹתָם֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
20 of 25
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שֹֽׁמְרֵ֕י
which keep
H8104
שֹֽׁמְרֵ֕י
which keep
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
22 of 25
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
מִשְׁמֶ֖רֶת
the charge
H4931
מִשְׁמֶ֖רֶת
the charge
Strong's:
H4931
Word #:
23 of 25
watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (
Cross References
Numbers 3:25And the charge of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation shall be the tabernacle, and the tent, the covering thereof, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation,Numbers 3:31And their charge shall be the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary wherewith they minister, and the hanging, and all the service thereof.
Historical Context
The Levites numbered 23,000 males (Numbers 26:62), significant population requiring support. 'Keeping the charge' involved guarding Tabernacle sanctity, preventing unauthorized access (which brought death, Numbers 18:7), and performing ritual duties. This wasn't leisurely work but demanding sacred responsibility.
Questions for Reflection
- Why do Levites receive less per capita than priests, and how does this reflect ministry hierarchy?
- How might churches today ensure adequate support for those in 'behind-the-scenes' ministry roles like Levites?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And of the children of Israel's half, thou shalt take one portion of fifty—The non-combatant majority (congregation) gives 1/50 to the Levites who assist priests but don't perform high priestly duties. This tenfold higher rate (compared to soldiers' 1/500) reflects their non-risk status and larger numbers.
Give them unto the Levites, which keep the charge of the tabernacle—The Levites (shomer mishmeret, keep the charge/watch) maintain sacred space, transport Tabernacle components, assist sacrifices. Numbers 18:21-24 establishes their livelihood through Israel's tithes. This spoils distribution supplements regular tithes, acknowledging their essential ministry supporting national worship.