Numbers 31:38
And the beeves were thirty and six thousand; of which the LORD'S tribute was threescore and twelve.
Original Language Analysis
וְהַ֨בָּקָ֔ר
And the beeves
H1241
וְהַ֨בָּקָ֔ר
And the beeves
Strong's:
H1241
Word #:
1 of 8
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
שִׁשָּׁ֥ה
and six
H8337
שִׁשָּׁ֥ה
and six
Strong's:
H8337
Word #:
2 of 8
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
אָ֑לֶף
thousand
H505
אָ֑לֶף
thousand
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
4 of 8
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
Historical Context
Cattle in the Ancient Near East served multiple functions: agricultural labor, dairy production, leather, and sacrificial offerings. The substantial number (36,000) indicates Midian's considerable pastoral wealth. Eleazar the priest (Aaron's son) administered these resources for tabernacle operations.
Questions for Reflection
- How faithfully do you support those who minister to you spiritually with tangible resources?
- Does your giving reflect gratitude for victories God has granted, or merely obligation?
- What does it mean that God cares about the practical support of those who serve Him full-time?
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Analysis & Commentary
And the beeves were thirty and six thousand; of which the LORD'S tribute was threescore and twelve—The Hebrew baqar (בָּקָר, 'cattle/oxen') represented substantial wealth in ancient agrarian economies. The 72 cattle given to the Levitical priesthood (0.2% of 36,000) provided both sustenance and sacrificial animals for tabernacle service. This systematic allocation ensured those who served God's sanctuary received material support from spoils gained through God's power.
The principle that 'the laborer deserves his wages' (Luke 10:7, 1 Timothy 5:18) finds early expression here. God ordained that spiritual leaders receive tangible provision from the community they serve.