Numbers 31:39
And the asses were thirty thousand and five hundred; of which the LORD'S tribute was threescore and one.
Original Language Analysis
אֶ֖לֶף
thousand
H505
אֶ֖לֶף
thousand
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
3 of 9
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
לַֽיהוָ֖ה
of which the LORD'S
H3068
לַֽיהוָ֖ה
of which the LORD'S
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
Donkeys were more valuable than horses in ancient Israel's terrain and economy. They transported goods, plowed fields, and provided reliable transport. The large number captured (30,500) reveals Midian operated extensive trade networks—fitting for descendants of Abraham's Keturah (Genesis 25:2).
Questions for Reflection
- Do you reserve only 'special' things for God, or does He have claim on the ordinary aspects of your life?
- How might God want to use your 'donkey'—your mundane skills and resources—for His purposes?
- What does it mean that Jesus chose a humble donkey rather than a warhorse for His triumphal entry?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And the asses were thirty thousand and five hundred; of which the LORD'S tribute was threescore and one—The Hebrew chamor (חֲמוֹר, 'donkey/ass') designated essential beasts of burden in Israel's economy. Unlike horses associated with warfare and Egyptian oppression, donkeys represented humble transport and agricultural work. The 61 animals consecrated to God underscore that even mundane resources belong to Him.
Nothing is too common for God's claim. The same donkey species carried Mary to Bethlehem and bore Christ into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:5), demonstrating God's sovereign use of humble instruments for His glory.