Numbers 31:44
And thirty and six thousand beeves,
Original Language Analysis
וּבָקָ֕ר
beeves
H1241
וּבָקָ֕ר
beeves
Strong's:
H1241
Word #:
1 of 4
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 4
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern economies depended on cattle for agriculture. A single ox could plow enough land to feed multiple families. The 36,000 cattle distributed to Israel's 600,000+ population ensured adequate plowing capacity for Canaan's hill country agriculture. This occurred just before Joshua's conquest, equipping Israel economically for sedentary life.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's provision of productive assets (cattle) rather than just consumables reflect His long-term care?
- What does this distribution teach about equipping God's people not just for survival but for fruitful labor?
- In what ways should ministry provide people with tools for productivity, not just immediate relief?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And thirty and six thousand beeves—The Hebrew בָּקָר (baqar, "cattle/oxen") refers to large livestock essential for agriculture, transportation, and sacrifice. The congregation's half was 36,000 head (from 72,000 total), representing enormous wealth and productive capacity for the settlement ahead.
Unlike sheep, cattle required significant pastureland and provided draft power for plowing—critical for transforming Canaan from conquest to cultivation. That God allotted cattle to the entire congregation (not just warriors) shows His provision included the means of production for future generations, not merely consumable goods.