Numbers 31:51
And Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold of them, even all wrought jewels.
Original Language Analysis
הַכֹּהֵ֛ן
the priest
H3548
הַכֹּהֵ֛ן
the priest
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
4 of 10
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַזָּהָ֖ב
the gold
H2091
הַזָּהָ֖ב
the gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
6 of 10
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
מֵֽאִתָּ֑ם
H853
מֵֽאִתָּ֑ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כֹּ֖ל
H3605
כֹּ֖ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
8 of 10
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Historical Context
The Midianite war (Numbers 31) avenged Midian's seduction scheme at Baal-peor (Numbers 25:16-18; 31:16). The miraculous zero-casualty victory (31:49) among 12,000 Israelite warriors in ancient combat was unprecedented, prompting officers' voluntary 16,750-shekel gold offering (31:52)—approximately 420 pounds of gold, a massive treasury contribution.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the officers' grateful gold offering model proper response to divine deliverance and protection?
- What does the zero-casualty miracle teach about God's ability to protect His people in impossible circumstances?
- How can you cultivate gratitude that responds to blessings with generous stewardship rather than entitled hoarding?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold of them, even all wrought jewels—Moses and Eleazar received gold offerings (זָהָב zahav) described as wrought jewels (כְּלִי מַעֲשֶׂה keli ma'aseh, 'vessels of craftsmanship'), indicating elaborate metalwork rather than raw gold. This voluntary offering (v.50) from military officers expressed gratitude that no soldiers died in the Midianite campaign (v.49)—a miraculous preservation requiring thankful acknowledgment.
The officers' grateful response models proper stewardship: recognizing God's deliverance and responding with generous offerings. Their attitude contrasts with Achan's secret hoarding of war spoils (Joshua 7), bringing judgment on Israel. The New Testament teaches: 'Freely you have received, freely give' (Matthew 10:8)—blessings incur stewardship responsibility, not ownership entitlement.