Numbers 31:43
(Now the half that pertained unto the congregation was three hundred thousand and thirty thousand and seven thousand and five hundred sheep,
Original Language Analysis
וַתְּהִ֛י
H1961
וַתְּהִ֛י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
הָֽעֵדָ֖ה
that pertained unto the congregation
H5712
הָֽעֵדָ֖ה
that pertained unto the congregation
Strong's:
H5712
Word #:
3 of 14
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
מִן
sheep
H4480
מִן
sheep
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
4 of 14
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הַצֹּ֑אן
H6629
הַצֹּ֑אן
Strong's:
H6629
Word #:
5 of 14
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
שְׁלֹשׁ
was three
H7969
שְׁלֹשׁ
was three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
6 of 14
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
אֲלָפִ֖ים
thousand
H505
אֲלָפִ֖ים
thousand
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
8 of 14
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
אֲלָפִ֖ים
thousand
H505
אֲלָפִ֖ים
thousand
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
10 of 14
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
שִׁבְעַ֥ת
and seven
H7651
שִׁבְעַ֥ת
and seven
Strong's:
H7651
Word #:
11 of 14
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
Historical Context
The Midianites were prosperous pastoralists controlling trade routes through Transjordan. Their vast flocks represented generational wealth. This single distribution gave each Israelite household multiple sheep, transforming the economic landscape as Israel prepared to settle Canaan. The accounting occurred under Eleazar the priest's supervision, ensuring religious legitimacy.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the meticulous counting of spoils teach about financial integrity and transparency in God's kingdom?
- How does the congregation receiving spoils without fighting reflect the doctrine of grace through Christ's victory?
- What responsibilities come with receiving unearned abundance from God's provision?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
(Now the half that pertained unto the congregation was three hundred thousand and thirty thousand and seven thousand and five hundred sheep—The parenthetical structure marks this as explanatory detail, listing the congregation's exact share: 337,500 צֹאן (tzon, "sheep/small livestock"). The precision demonstrates covenantal accountability—every animal was counted, nothing hidden or misappropriated.
This massive number (half of 675,000 sheep) reveals the extraordinary scale of Midianite wealth and God's judgment upon them. The צֹאן provided wool, milk, meat, and sacrificial animals—sustaining Israel's entire economy. That the non-combatant community received such abundance shows God's provision extends beyond those who directly engage in His battles.