Bible Strands
Numbers 31:41
Moses gave the tribute to Eleazar the priest as an offering for the LORD, as the LORD had commanded Moses.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Moses distributes the spoils to Eleazar the priest at the conclusion of the Midianite campaign, immediately following the division of the plunder. This transfer occurs as a direct administrative act after the initial accounting of captives and livestock.
The words — The Hebrew verb וַ/יִּתֵּ֣ן (va/i.yi.Ten) marks the physical act of giving, while מֶ֙כֶס֙ (me.khes) identifies the portion as a fixed tax or levy. These terms frame the transaction as a mandatory allocation rather than a discretionary gift.
The thread — This allocation mirrors the priestly dues detailed in Numbers 18:8 and 18:19, where sacred offerings are assigned to Aaron and his lineage. It also reinforces the principle in Numbers 5:9 that every sacred contribution brought to the priest belongs to him.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to acknowledge that resource distribution follows divine command rather than military success. It establishes that leadership accountability and priestly provision operate under explicit instruction, not human discretion.
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
And Moses gave the tribute, which was the Lord’s heave offering, unto Eleazar the priest, as the Lord commanded Moses.
Cross-references
- Numbers 18:8 Then the LORD said to Aaron, “Behold, I have put you in charge of My offerings. As for all the sacred offerings of the Israelites, I have given them to you and your sons as a portion and a permanent statute.
- Numbers 18:19 All the holy offerings that the Israelites present to the LORD I give to you and to your sons and daughters as a permanent statute. It is a permanent covenant of salt before the LORD for you and your offspring.”
- Numbers 5:9 Every sacred contribution the Israelites bring to the priest shall belong to him.
- Numbers 31:29 Take it from their half and give it to Eleazar the priest as an offering to the LORD.
- Matthew 10:10 Take no bag for the road, or second tunic, or sandals, or staff; for the worker is worthy of his provisions.
- 1 Corinthians 9:10 Isn’t He actually speaking on our behalf? Indeed, this was written for us, because when the plowman plows and the thresher threshes, they should also expect to share in the harvest.
- Galatians 6:6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor.
- 1 Timothy 5:17 Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.
- Hebrews 7:4 Consider how great Melchizedek was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder.
- Hebrews 7:9 And so to speak, Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham.