Bible Strands
Numbers 31:29
Take it from their half and give it to Eleazar the priest as an offering to the LORD.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Moses directs the Israelite commanders to divide the Midianite plunder, specifying how the war booty must be allocated. This command follows the initial tribute calculation and addresses the leaders responsible for distributing the spoils.
The words — The text centers on תְּרוּמַ֥ת (te.ru.Mat), literally “contribution,” and תִּקָּ֑חוּ (ti.Ka.chu), meaning “you will take.” These terms specify the action of removing a designated share from the soldiers’ portion.
The thread — This allocation pattern repeats in Exodus 29:27 and Numbers 18:26, where specific portions sustain the priesthood and Levitical staff. Deuteronomy 12:12 references the broader context of communal rejoicing alongside these established distributions.
Why it lands — The verse requires recognizing a fixed portion for the priesthood drawn from military spoils. It establishes a procedural standard for directing resources toward sacred duties without ambiguity.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Take it of their half, and give it unto Eleazar the priest, for an heave offering of the Lord.
Cross-references
- Exodus 29:27 Consecrate for Aaron and his sons the breast of the wave offering that is waved and the thigh of the heave offering that is lifted up from the ram of ordination.
- Numbers 18:26 “Speak to the Levites and tell them: ‘When you receive from the Israelites the tithe that I have given you as your inheritance, you must present part of it as an offering to the LORD—a tithe of the tithe.
- Deuteronomy 12:12 And you shall rejoice before the LORD your God—you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levite within your gates, since he has no portion or inheritance among you.
- Deuteronomy 12:19 and be careful not to neglect the Levites as long as you live in your land.