Numbers 31:41
And Moses gave the tribute, which was the LORD'S heave offering, unto Eleazar the priest, as the LORD commanded Moses.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּתֵּ֣ן
gave
H5414
וַיִּתֵּ֣ן
gave
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 13
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
תְּרוּמַ֣ת
heave offering
H8641
תְּרוּמַ֣ת
heave offering
Strong's:
H8641
Word #:
5 of 13
a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute
יְהוָ֖ה
as the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
as the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הַכֹּהֵ֑ן
the priest
H3548
הַכֹּהֵ֑ן
the priest
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
8 of 13
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֖ה
as the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
as the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
11 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Numbers 18:19All the heave offerings of the holy things, which the children of Israel offer unto the LORD, have I given thee, and thy sons and thy daughters with thee, by a statute for ever: it is a covenant of salt for ever before the LORD unto thee and to thy seed with thee.Numbers 18:8And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Behold, I also have given thee the charge of mine heave offerings of all the hallowed things of the children of Israel; unto thee have I given them by reason of the anointing, and to thy sons, by an ordinance for ever.
Historical Context
Eleazar succeeded Aaron after his death (Numbers 20:28) and served as high priest during Israel's conquest of Canaan. His administrative role included receiving sacred offerings, maintaining the tabernacle, and overseeing Levitical service. Moses functioned as prophetic authority, but priestly mediation remained distinct.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you attempt to approach God directly, or do you recognize your need for Christ's mediating priesthood?
- What does it mean that no offering to God is acceptable except through Christ's mediation?
- How does the concept of 'heave offering' challenge consumer Christianity that keeps most resources for self?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And Moses gave the tribute, which was the LORD'S heave offering, unto Eleazar the priest—The Hebrew terumah YHWH (תְּרוּמַת יְהוָה, 'heave offering of Yahweh') emphasizes the offering's direction: lifted from common use toward holy purposes. Moses's mediation through Eleazar (Aaron's successor) established proper channels for consecrating spoils to God. Human hands cannot directly handle what belongs to God; priestly mediation is essential.
This foreshadows Christ's high priesthood—He alone mediates between holy God and sinful humanity (1 Timothy 2:5). All we offer to God must pass through Christ's priestly hands to be acceptable.