Division of the Spoils
Numbers 31:25-54
Num.31.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
Parallels
- Exod.6.2 (verbal): Uses the same formula of divine speech to Moses (“God spake unto Moses, and said…”), introducing a direct revelation from YHWH to Moses—linguistically and functionally parallel.
- Num.1.1 (verbal): Another instance of the stock formula “The LORD spake unto Moses…,” showing the regular narrative pattern by which God issues commands and census/regulatory instructions through Moses.
- Lev.1.1 (structural): “And the LORD called unto Moses, and spake unto him…”—very similar language and role: God’s direct address to Moses to convey cultic and legal instructions, paralleling Num 31:25’s framing of divine command.
- Deut.31.14 (thematic): “And the LORD said unto Moses, Behold, thy days are at hand….” Shares the same introductory formula and the function of announcing a major divine directive concerning Moses’ role and its aftermath.
Alternative generated candidates
- The LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
- The LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
Num.31.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- שא: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- ראש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלקוח: NOUN,m,sg,cs
- השבי: NOUN,m,pl,def
- באדם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובבהמה: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- ואלעזר: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הכהן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וראשי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,cs
- אבות: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- העדה: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 30:24-25 (thematic): David establishes a rule for dividing spoil so that those who fought and those who stayed with the baggage share, paralleling Numbers 31’s concern to apportion the captured persons and animals between the warriors and the whole congregation.
- Deuteronomy 20:10-14 (thematic): Regulations about taking spoil from defeated cities and the disposition of persons and goods in wartime; provides legal/contextual background to Israel’s collection and division of plunder in Numbers 31.
- Numbers 31:47-54 (structural): Immediate continuation/parallel within the same chapter that gives the detailed census and further instructions for dividing the spoil and making offerings to the LORD—directly connected to v.26’s command to bring the spoil for division.
- 1 Samuel 15:8, 15, 21-23 (thematic): Saul’s taking and keeping of the spoil of the Amalekites (contrasted with divine or communal prescriptions) highlights the theological/legal issues surrounding wartime booty and obedience that underlie Numbers 31’s ordered procedure.
Alternative generated candidates
- Take a tally of the spoil taken from the captives, of men and of animals—you, Eleazar the priest, and the heads of the fathers' houses of the congregation.
- Take the sum of the booty that was taken—of persons and of beasts—you and Eleazar the priest and the chiefs of the fathers of the congregation.
Num.31.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וחצית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- המלקוח: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בין: PREP
- תפשי: NOUN,ptc,m,pl,construct
- המלחמה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- היצאים: PART,qal,act,m,pl,def
- לצבא: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובין: CONJ+PREP
- כל: DET
- העדה: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 30:24-25 (verbal): David's ruling on dividing the spoil between those who fought and those who stayed with the supplies echoes the division between the warriors and the whole congregation in Num 31:27.
- Deuteronomy 20:13-14 (thematic): Legal background for wartime booty: Deut. 20 governs taking plunder after battle and assigns it to the soldiers, paralleling the allocation principles in Num 31:27.
- Joshua 6:19 (thematic): After Jericho the valuables were devoted or taken into the house of the LORD, paralleling Num 31's instruction to set aside a portion for the LORD alongside distribution to the people.
- Numbers 31:28-30 (structural): Immediate parallel in the same narrative that specifies the further apportionment (the LORD's tribute of one in five hundred and one in fifty to the commanders), elaborating how the spoil is to be divided.
Alternative generated candidates
- And divide the spoil between the warriors who went out to battle and the whole congregation.
- And divide the booty between the fighters who went out to battle and all the congregation.
Num.31.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והרמת: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- מכס: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- מאת: PREP
- אנשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- המלחמה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- היצאים: PART,qal,act,m,pl,def
- לצבא: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- נפש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מחמש: PREP+NUM,card,m,sg
- המאות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- מן: PREP
- האדם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ומן: CONJ+PREP
- הבקר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ומן: CONJ+PREP
- החמרים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ומן: CONJ+PREP
- הצאן: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Numbers 31:29 (verbal): Direct narrative follow-up: Moses and Eleazar actually take the ransom of one of every five hundred of the persons and beasts as commanded (same act and language).
- Numbers 31:26 (structural): Immediate context: the instruction to divide the spoils between the fighting men and the congregation, framing the need for a levy/redemption for the LORD.
- Exodus 13:13 (thematic): Law of redeeming a consecrated animal (every firstborn ass is to be redeemed with a lamb) — parallels the idea of redeeming animals for the LORD's service.
- Numbers 18:15-16 (thematic): Regulations for redeeming persons (firstborn) for sacred service, including specified valuations — comparable practice of paying a ransom to set persons/animals apart for the LORD.
Alternative generated candidates
- You shall raise a tribute to the LORD from the warriors who went out to battle: one out of every five hundred, from the people and from the cattle and from the donkeys and from the flocks.
- And raise a levy for the LORD from the men of war who went out to battle: one of every five hundred of the people, of the cattle, of the donkeys, and of the sheep.
Num.31.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ממחציתם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+3,m,pl
- תקחו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- ונתתה: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- לאלעזר: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- הכהן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- תרומת: NOUN,f,sg,construct
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 31:26-31 (structural): Immediate context: the law for dividing the Midianite spoil—half to the fighting force, and from that half a terumah (the LORD’s portion) is given to Eleazar the priest (same episode, same language).
- Numbers 18:25-28 (verbal): Priestly entitlement language—commands about setting aside a contribution/portion for the LORD from what the Israelites give to the Levites/priests, echoing the idea of a designated ‘portion’ for the priesthood.
- Leviticus 27:30-34 (thematic): Law about things devoted to the LORD (tithes/holy things) that become the LORD’s and are given to the priests—parallels the concept of a sacred portion from the people’s property assigned to the priestly household.
- 1 Samuel 30:24-25 (thematic): David’s regulation for dividing war booty—distinguishes shares for those who fought and those who stayed behind, and prescribes a rule for distribution of spoils, thematically parallel to Numbers’ rules for apportioning and assigning portions after battle.
Alternative generated candidates
- From their half you shall take it, and give it to Eleazar the priest—a contribution to the LORD.
- From their half you shall take it, and you shall give it to Eleazar the priest—a contribution to the LORD.
Num.31.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וממחצת: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תקח: VERB,qal,imperfect,2,m,sg
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- אחז: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מן: PREP
- החמשים: NUM,ord,m,sg,def
- מן: PREP
- האדם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מן: PREP
- הבקר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מן: PREP
- החמרים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ומן: CONJ+PREP
- הצאן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מכל: PREP
- הבהמה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ונתתה: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- ללוים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,def
- שמרי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- משמרת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- משכן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 31:28 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same context of the distribution of spoil — the officers are instructed to take a specified ratio (a portion of persons and animals) from the spoils to be set apart, closely mirroring the procedure in 31:30.
- Numbers 18:21-24 (thematic): Establishes the principle that the Levites receive the contributions/tithes of Israel because they serve in the tent of meeting — provides the theological rationale for giving a portion of the spoil to the Levites in Num 31:30.
- Deuteronomy 14:28-29 (thematic): Regulates periodic provision for Levites, widows, and orphans so that Levites (who have no land inheritance) are supported — parallels the social and cultic purpose of assigning a portion to the Levites in Num 31:30.
- Exodus 30:11-16 (structural): Prescribes a ransom/contribution to be given when a census is taken (a fixed payment per person) — echoes the idea of extracting a designated contribution from the population or spoils as part of covenantal service obligations.
- 1 Samuel 30:24-25 (thematic): David's rule for dividing war booty so that all share, including those who stayed behind, reflects the broader Israelite practice of regulated distribution of spoils and communal provisions, analogous to Num 31's allocation to Levites.
Alternative generated candidates
- And from the half of the people of Israel you shall take one out of every fifty—one of the fifty from the men, from the cattle, from the donkeys, and from the flocks, from all the beasts—and give them to the Levites, keepers of the charge of the LORD's tabernacle.
- And from the half that belongs to the people of Israel you shall take one in fifty—from the people, from the cattle, from the donkeys, and from the sheep, from all the livestock—and give them to the Levites, keepers of the charge of the LORD's tabernacle.
Num.31.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ואלעזר: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הכהן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- כאשר: CONJ
- צוה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 12:28 (verbal): Same formula of obedience: the people 'did as the LORD commanded Moses and Aaron,' paralleling Moses and Eleazar doing as the LORD commanded Moses.
- Exodus 40:16 (verbal): Moses’ execution of divine instructions for the tabernacle: 'Moses did so; according to all that the LORD commanded him, so he did,' echoing the precise obedience in Num 31:31.
- Numbers 31:54 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel within the same chapter: restates that Israel 'did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses,' reinforcing the identical obedience formula.
- Exodus 24:3 (thematic): Covenantal declaration of obedience — 'All the words which the LORD hath said will we do' — thematically aligns with the obedience expressed in Num 31:31.
Alternative generated candidates
- Moses and Eleazar the priest did as the LORD commanded Moses.
- So Moses and Eleazar the priest did as the LORD commanded Moses.
Num.31.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- המלקוח: NOUN,m,sg,def
- יתר: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- הבז: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בזזו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- עם: PREP
- הצבא: NOUN,m,sg,def
- צאן: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- שש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- ושבעים: CONJ+NUM,card,pl,abs
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- וחמשת: CONJ+NUM,card,construct
- אלפים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 31:26-30 (structural): Immediate context in the same chapter: Moses' instructions for counting and dividing the spoil and the exemption of certain men; directly connected to the numerical inventory summarized in 31:32.
- Numbers 31:34-35 (verbal): Continues the inventory of the booty (gold, silver, garments) and uses the language of 'the rest of the spoil,' complementing the sheep-count in 31:32.
- 1 Samuel 30:18-19 (thematic): David's recovery of spoil from the Amalekites and subsequent taking/distribution of goods parallels the practice of seizing and apportioning booty after battle described in Num 31.
- Deuteronomy 20:10-14 (thematic): Laws governing conduct in war and the taking of spoil from conquered cities provide a legal/ideological background to Israel's seizure and division of booty in Numbers 31.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the spoil that remained of the plunder which the army had taken was: sheep, six hundred seventy-five thousand.
- And the booty that remained of the prey which they had taken was: sheep, six hundred seventy-five thousand;
Num.31.33 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ובקר: CONJ,NOUN,m,pl,abs
- שנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ושבעים: CONJ+NUM,card,pl,abs
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
Parallels
- Numbers 31:32 (verbal): Immediate continuation of the same inventory of spoil — the verse immediately before/after supplies the parallel numerical listing and wording for the captured cattle and other booty.
- Numbers 31:47 (structural): Summarizes the distribution and accounting of the spoil taken in the Midianite campaign, paralleling the enumeration of animals in v.33 and explaining how the booty was apportioned.
- Deuteronomy 20:14 (thematic): Gives Israelite legislation on taking spoil after a city is captured; thematically parallels Numbers 31’s treatment of wartime booty and what may be seized as spoil.
- 1 Samuel 30:21–25 (thematic): David’s division of spoils after the Amalekite raid addresses principles for distributing large quantities of captured goods and animals among combatants and non-combatants, paralleling Numbers 31’s concern with counting and allotting booty.
- Judges 8:24–28 (thematic): Gideon’s collection and distribution of large quantities of spoil (including livestock and gold) after victory provides a narrative parallel to Numbers 31’s enumeration of animals taken in battle and the social/religious consequences of such booty.
Alternative generated candidates
- And oxen, seventy-two thousand.
- and cattle, seventy-two thousand;
Num.31.34 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וחמרים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- וששים: CONJ+NUM,m,pl
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
Parallels
- Numbers 31:25 (verbal): Immediate catalogue of the spoil from the Midian campaign—this verse introduces the numerical inventory of animals (sheep, oxen, asses) to which 31:34 belongs.
- Numbers 31:47 (structural): Summarizes the outcome and division of the booty after the battle with Midian, providing structural context for the itemized counts such as the 61,000 asses.
- 1 Samuel 30:19-20 (thematic): David’s recovery of spoil from the Amalekites includes explicit mention of flocks and asses; parallels Numbers 31 in theme and in enumerating animals as war booty.
- Judges 8:24-27 (thematic): Gideon’s collection of spoils from Midian (earrings, gold) and subsequent dispute over booty echo the Midianite campaign’s taking and distribution of war spoils in Numbers 31.
Alternative generated candidates
- And donkeys, sixty-one thousand.
- and donkeys, sixty-one thousand;
Num.31.35 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ונפש: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מן: PREP
- הנשים: NOUN,f,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לא: PART_NEG
- ידעו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- משכב: NOUN,m,sg,const
- זכר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- נפש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ושלשים: NUM,m,pl,abs
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
Parallels
- Numbers 31:18 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same episode: Moses commands that the women who have not known a man (virgins) be kept alive — same language and legal distinction as v.35.
- Deuteronomy 21:10–14 (thematic): Law governing the treatment of female war captives (mourning, shaving, waiting period, and marriage) — provides legal/ethical precedent for handling women taken in war.
- Judges 21:10–12 (structural): After internecine warfare Israelites seize virgins at Shiloh to provide wives for Benjamin — a parallel narrative situation of taking and allocating women after battle.
- 2 Samuel 11:4 (verbal): Uses the same Hebrew verb 'knew' (yādaʻ) to denote sexual intercourse ('David knew Bathsheba') — a verbal parallel for the phrase 'had known man' in Num 31:35.
- Genesis 34 (thematic): Narrative of sexual violence (Dinah) and its violent aftermath; parallels issues of rape, honor, and communal response to sexual relations in wartime contexts.
Alternative generated candidates
- And persons—of the women who had not known a man by lying—thirty-two thousand souls.
- and persons, of the women who had not known a man by lying with him, thirty-two thousand souls.
Num.31.36 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותהי: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- המחצה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- חלק: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- היצאים: PART,qal,act,m,pl,def
- בצבא: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מספר: VERB,qal,impf,1,m,sg
- הצאן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- שלש: NUM,card,f,sg
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- ושלשים: NUM,m,pl,abs
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- ושבעת: NUM,m,sg
- אלפים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וחמש: CONJ+NUM,card,pl,abs
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- 1 Sam.30:24-25 (thematic): David establishes that those who fight and those who stay with the baggage shall share equally in the spoil — parallels Num.31:36’s concern with allocating a defined portion of the captured flock to the combatants.
- Exod.12:35-36 (thematic): The Israelites take silver, gold, and garments from the Egyptians as spoil and depart with it — an earlier precedent for communal appropriation and distribution of goods captured in the context of war and deliverance.
- Deut.20:14 (thematic): Instructions about taking the spoil of conquered cities reflect legal/ethical norms governing war booty in Israelite law, providing the legal background for the distribution described in Num.31:36.
- Num.31:35-47 (structural): Immediate literary context: these verses give the fuller accounting and procedures for dividing the spoils and contributions (including the half given to those who fought), of which v.36 states the specific numeric share for the warriors.
Alternative generated candidates
- The half that was the portion of those who went out to the army, of the number of the sheep, was three hundred thirty-seven thousand five hundred.
- And the half, the portion of those who went out to war, of the number of the sheep, was three hundred thirty-seven thousand five hundred.
Num.31.37 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- המכס: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- מן: PREP
- הצאן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- שש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- חמש: NUM,card,f,sg
- ושבעים: CONJ+NUM,card,pl,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 31:28-30 (verbal): Immediate context: explains the imposition of the LORD's tribute (every fiftieth) on persons and animals taken in the spoil; 31:37 gives the specific number (675) of sheep that constituted the LORD's portion.
- Numbers 31:46-54 (structural): Later verses in the same chapter record the counting, distribution, and handling (including purification and dedicatory procedures) of the spoil and the tribute, showing the wider administrative and cultic process tied to the 675 count.
- Exodus 30:11-16 (thematic): Prescribes a ransom/poll tax to the LORD for the census (half-shekel per person), paralleling the principle of imposing a fixed levy to the LORD on people/possessions as a cultic obligation.
- Leviticus 27:30-33 (thematic): Deals with tithes and things devoted to the LORD from herds and flocks (animals set apart as holy), paralleling the dedication of a portion of captured sheep as the LORD's share.
- Joshua 6:17-19 (allusion): The ban/devotion (herem) of objects and animals to the LORD after conquest provides a comparable motif: certain spoil is set apart for the LORD and removed from ordinary use.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the tribute to the LORD from the sheep was six hundred seventy-five.
- And the levy for the LORD from the sheep was six hundred seventy-five.
Num.31.38 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והבקר: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- ששה: NUM,card,m,pl
- ושלשים: NUM,m,pl,abs
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- ומכסם: NUM,m,pl,abs
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- שנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ושבעים: CONJ+NUM,card,pl,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 31:35-37 (verbal): Immediate context listing the counts of other animals (sheep, goats, camels) in the same spoil-account; verse 38 continues this numeric inventory and the stated levy to Yahweh.
- Numbers 31:50-54 (structural): Same episode of the Midianite spoil — these verses describe Moses' collection and handling of the tribute/dedication to the LORD and the setting aside of offerings, providing the legal/ritual disposition for the levy mentioned in v.38.
- Exodus 30:12-16 (thematic): Prescribes a monetary census-levy (the half-shekel) given to Yahweh as atonement in connection with counting the people; conceptually parallels the idea of setting aside a fixed tribute to the LORD from a population/possession.
- Deuteronomy 20:13-14 (thematic): Laws governing warfare and the treatment/distribution of spoils; thematically related to Numbers 31’s concern with the division, counting, and appropriation of booty after battle.
- Judges 8:24-27 (thematic): Gideon’s collection of gold from the spoil and his subsequent dedication (ephod) illustrates another instance where wartime booty is gathered and devoted in a religious/communal way, paralleling the dedication/levy motif in Num 31:38.
Alternative generated candidates
- And of the oxen thirty-six thousand; and the tribute to the LORD from the oxen was seventy-two.
- And of the cattle there were thirty-six thousand, and the levy for the LORD from the cattle was seventy-two.
Num.31.39 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וחמרים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- שלשים: NUM,m,pl,abs
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- וחמש: CONJ+NUM,card,pl,abs
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ומכסם: CONJ+NUM,card,pl
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- וששים: CONJ+NUM,m,pl
Parallels
- Numbers 31:26-30 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same episode: instructions for taking and apportioning the spoil, including the levy/tribute to the LORD (specified ratios) and the division among the troops and congregation.
- Numbers 31:41-47 (structural): Continuation of the same inventory and distribution: tallies the remaining captives and animals and reiterates the procedure for dividing the booty and the LORD's tribute.
- Exodus 30:11-16 (thematic): Census/levy obligation: each person gives a ransom/levy to the LORD when numbered—parallel idea of an imposed contribution to the LORD as part of communal accounting.
- Deuteronomy 20:10-14 (thematic): Laws concerning the treatment of conquered cities and their spoil—the passage provides the broader legal and ethical context for dividing war booty and the status of captured goods/people.
- 1 Samuel 30:21-25 (thematic): Post-battle regulation of spoil distribution under David: establishes fair shares for fighters and non-fighters and a formal rule for dividing booty—parallel concern with orderly, equitable disposition of war spoils.
Alternative generated candidates
- And of the donkeys thirty-one thousand five hundred; and the tribute to the LORD from the donkeys was sixty-one.
- And of the donkeys there were thirty thousand five hundred, and the levy for the LORD from the donkeys was sixty-one.
Num.31.40 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ונפש: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ששה: NUM,card,m,pl
- עשר: NUM,card,m,sg,cons
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- ומכסם: CONJ+NUM,m,sg
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- שנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ושלשים: NUM,m,pl,abs
- נפש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 31:4 (structural): The command to send a fixed contingent (a thousand from each tribe) explains the origin of the troop numbers reported later in the chapter; both verses belong to the same military mobilization structure.
- Numbers 31:26–30 (verbal): These verses immediately follow the battle report and record the counting and distribution of spoils and persons taken, continuing the same incident of tallying men and property after the conflict.
- Numbers 1:2–3 (thematic): The earlier wilderness census of those 'able to go to war' establishes the Israelite practice of numbering fighting men, providing a wider covenantal and administrative background for the military totals in Num 31:40.
- 1 Chronicles 21:5 (thematic): David’s census of fighting men (giving large numerical totals for military strength) parallels Num 31:40 thematically as an instance of Israelite enumeration of warriors for military and administrative purposes.
Alternative generated candidates
- And of the persons sixteen thousand; and the tribute to the LORD from the persons was thirty-two souls.
- And of the persons there were sixteen thousand, and the levy for the LORD from the persons was thirty-two souls.
Num.31.41 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- מכס: NOUN,m,sg,cs
- תרומת: NOUN,f,sg,construct
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לאלעזר: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הכהן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- כאשר: CONJ
- צוה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 31:26-30 (structural): Immediate context in the same chapter describing the collection, designation as the LORD’s tribute, and the handing over of that tribute to Eleazar — essentially the same action reiterated.
- Exodus 38:25-28 (verbal): Census/tribute money collected from Israel and accounted for as service to the sanctuary, and funds handed over for the service of the tent; parallels the giving of LORD’s due to the priest.
- Numbers 18:25-28 (thematic): Law concerning the portions and tithes designated for the Levites and priests and the obligation to give the LORD’s portion to them — shares the theme of assigned sacred tribute.
- Deuteronomy 18:3 (thematic): Prescribes the priests’ due from the people (portions of sacrifices/offerings) and the right of the priests to what is given to the LORD, aligning with the transfer of the LORD’s tribute to Eleazar.
Alternative generated candidates
- Moses gave the tribute, the LORD's contribution, to Eleazar the priest, as the LORD commanded Moses.
- And Moses gave the levy, the LORD's contribution, to Eleazar the priest, as the LORD had commanded Moses.
Num.31.42 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וממחצית: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- חצה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מן: PREP
- האנשים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- הצבאים: NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- Num.31:26-30 (verbal): Immediate parallel within the same episode: explicit instructions for dividing the spoils of Midian, setting aside the LORD's tribute and apportioning the remainder among the troops — continues the distribution process to which v.42 belongs.
- Num.31:47-54 (structural): Conclusion and accounting for the spoils and the LORD's tribute (gold, the dedicatory gift to Eleazar); shows the outcome and ritual handling of the portion described in v.42.
- Num.1:2-3 (verbal): The earlier census of 'men able to go to war' (from twenty years old and upward). Parallels the language and concept of numbering the fighting men referenced in v.42.
- 1 Samuel 30:22-25 (thematic): David's redistribution of booty between those who fought and those who stayed behind and his establishment of a statute — a closely comparable principle of dividing spoils between combatants and the rest of the community.
- Deut.21:10-14 (thematic): Regulations for the treatment of captive women taken in war. The law's concern with captive women thematically parallels the Midianite captives and their disposition in Numbers 31.
Alternative generated candidates
- From the half of the people of Israel which Moses had taken from the men of the army.
- And from the half of the people of Israel which Moses had separated from the men of war,
Num.31.43 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותהי: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- מחצת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- העדה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- מן: PREP
- הצאן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- שלש: NUM,card,f,sg
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- ושלשים: NUM,m,pl,abs
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- שבעת: NUM,card,construct
- אלפים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וחמש: CONJ+NUM,card,pl,abs
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 31:32 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same episode listing the counted numbers of sheep and other livestock from the spoil — same counting language and numerical totals.
- Numbers 31:41 (structural): Continues the numerical summary and distribution of the booty; part of the same structural inventory of animals and shares.
- Numbers 1:46 (thematic): A nationwide census (603,550 fighting men) — thematically related as another example of Israelite numerical accounting and aggregation for military purposes.
- 1 Samuel 30:23-26 (thematic): David’s regulation for dividing spoil and reserving shares for those who stayed behind and for the community — parallels Numbers’ concern with fair distribution of wartime booty.
- Deuteronomy 20:10-14 (thematic): Legal rules governing conduct in war and treatment of captured cities and spoils — provides legal/thematic background for the distribution and counting of plunder in Numbers 31.
Alternative generated candidates
- The portion of the congregation, of the sheep, was three hundred thirty-seven thousand five hundred.
- the portion of the congregation from the sheep was three hundred thirty-seven thousand five hundred.
Num.31.44 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ובקר: CONJ,NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ששה: NUM,card,m,pl
- ושלשים: NUM,m,pl,abs
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
Parallels
- Numbers 31:32–35 (verbal): Immediate literary parallel within the same narrative: these verses continue the itemized inventory of the spoils taken from Midian (persons, flocks, cattle, donkeys, etc.), of which v.44 (36,000 cattle) is one entry.
- Numbers 31:46–47 (structural): Close structural parallel describing the later handling and accounting of the same spoils — Moses’ and the community’s assessment and the levy/tithing on the animals and goods taken in the campaign.
- 1 Samuel 30:18–20 (thematic): The account of David recovering spoil from the Amalekites, including flocks and herds, parallels the theme of enumerating and redistributing livestock taken in war.
- Deuteronomy 20:14–15 (thematic): Legal/paradigmatic parallel: regulations about what may be taken as booty from conquered towns (including livestock) provide a legal-theological framework for understanding the taking and counting of animals in battle accounts like Num 31.
Alternative generated candidates
- And of the oxen thirty-six thousand.
- And of the cattle thirty-six thousand.
Num.31.45 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וחמרים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- שלשים: NUM,m,pl,abs
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- וחמש: CONJ+NUM,card,pl,abs
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 31:32 (structural): Immediate parallel in the same chapter — part of the same inventory of captives and spoils; the listing of people and animals continues the tally that includes the 30,500 asses.
- Numbers 31:48-50 (thematic): Continuation of the chapter describing how the spoils were apportioned and consecrated; connects the numeric inventory (including the donkeys) to the rules for dividing booty among warriors and the congregation.
- Exodus 12:35-36 (thematic): Earlier Israelite precedent for taking goods from a defeated people at departure — thematically parallels the acquisition of animals and valuables as collective spoil after victory.
- 1 Samuel 30:18-19 (verbal): David’s recovery of spoil from the Amalekites explicitly mentions livestock and asses/donkeys; parallels the vocabulary and motif of acquiring large numbers of animals as war booty.
Alternative generated candidates
- And of the donkeys thirty-one thousand five hundred.
- And of the donkeys thirty thousand five hundred.
Num.31.46 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ונפש: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ששה: NUM,card,m,pl
- עשר: NUM,card,m,sg,cons
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
Parallels
- Num.1:46 (verbal): Another formal census of 'men able to go out to war'—both verses record numeric tallies of fighting-age men in Israelite military/administrative context.
- Exod.12:37 (thematic): A large numeric statement ('about six hundred thousand men on foot') describing the number of fighting-capable Israelites—parallels the motif of enumerating military-age men.
- Judg.20:15 (thematic): A muster of Israel's fighting men (400,000 selected men) for battle—comparable theme of counting troops prior to armed conflict.
- 2 Sam.24:9 (structural): David’s census listing the number of valiant men in Israel and Judah (800,000 and 500,000)—a structurally similar episode of enumerating military-capable men with national consequences.
Alternative generated candidates
- And of the persons sixteen thousand.
- And of the persons sixteen thousand.
Num.31.47 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ממחצת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- האחז: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- מן: PREP
- החמשים: NUM,ord,m,sg,def
- מן: PREP
- האדם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ומן: CONJ+PREP
- הבהמה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ויתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- ללוים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,def
- שמרי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- משמרת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- משכן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- כאשר: CONJ
- צוה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 31:26-30 (verbal): Immediate context: the instructions and accounting for the spoil, including the setting aside of a portion (one in fifty) as a tribute — the same transaction continued and summarized in v.47.
- Exodus 30:11-16 (thematic): Census-ransom motif: Israelites give a set payment/ransom to the LORD when counted — parallels the taking of a specified portion of people/animals to be dedicated to God.
- Numbers 18:21-24 (structural): Law on the Levites’ inheritance and support: the Levites are assigned portions/offerings for their service to the sanctuary, providing the institutional rationale for giving spoil to the Levites here.
- Deuteronomy 14:28-29 (thematic): Provision for Levites and needy: stipulates regular portions/tithes to support Levites and vulnerable members of the community, analogous to allocating part of the spoil for Levite upkeep.
Alternative generated candidates
- Moses took from the half of the people of Israel the one out of every fifty—from the men and from the animals—and gave them to the Levites, keepers of the charge of the LORD's tabernacle, as the LORD commanded Moses.
- And Moses took of the half of the people of Israel one in fifty—from the people and from the livestock—and gave them to the Levites, keepers of the charge of the LORD's tabernacle, as the LORD commanded Moses.
Num.31.48 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקרבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הפקדים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לאלפי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- הצבא: NOUN,m,sg,def
- שרי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- האלפים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ושרי: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- המאות: NOUN,f,pl,def
Parallels
- Exodus 18:25 (verbal): Moses (following Jethro's advice) appoints 'rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens'—the same officers over thousands and hundreds named in Num 31:48.
- Deuteronomy 1:15 (verbal): Moses describes selecting 'heads of your tribes... captains of thousands and captains of hundreds' to govern the people—echoing the military/administrative ranks who come to Moses in Num 31:48.
- Numbers 1:16–17 (structural): In the census organization Moses appoints leaders including 'captains of thousands and captains of hundreds,' showing the established office-structure that Num 31:48 reflects when those officers approach Moses.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the officers of the army, the captains of thousands and the captains of hundreds, came near to Moses.
- Then the officers who were over the army—captains of thousands and captains of hundreds—came near to Moses.
Num.31.49 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- אל: NEG
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- עבדיך: NOUN,m,pl,abs,2ms
- נשאו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- ראש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אנשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- המלחמה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בידנו: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,1,_,pl
- ולא: CONJ
- נפקד: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,sg
- ממנו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 17:54 (verbal): David took the head of the Philistine (Goliath) and displayed it — a direct verbal/thematic parallel in which an enemy's head is taken as a war-trophy.
- 2 Samuel 4:8 (verbal): The assassins brought the head of Ish‑bosheth to David — parallels the practice of bringing or presenting an enemy's head to Israelite leaders as proof of victory.
- Joshua 11:11 (thematic): After Joshua's campaign it is reported that he left none that breathed — thematically parallels the claim of complete victory and ‘not one missing’ in Num 31:49.
- 1 Samuel 31:9–10 (thematic): The Philistines displayed Saul's body and took his armor — a related motif of handling and exhibiting the bodies/heads of defeated foes as part of warfare and its aftermath.
Alternative generated candidates
- They said to Moses, “Your servants have taken the heads of the warriors who were in our hands; not one is lacking from us.
- And they said to Moses, “Your servants have taken the numbering of the men of war who were under our charge; not one is missing from among them.”
Num.31.50 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ונקרב: VERB,qal,impf,1,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- קרבן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- מצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כלי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- זהב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אצעדה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וצמיד: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- טבעת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עגיל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכומז: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לכפר: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- על: PREP
- נפשתינו: NOUN,f,pl,abs+1,pl
- לפני: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 31:47-54 (structural): Same episode — commands about accounting for the spoil, dividing it between the warriors and the congregation, and bringing a portion of the gold as an offering to the LORD.
- Exodus 25:2-3 (verbal): Lists gifts of gold and precious items given for sacred use; parallels the practice of dedicating gold jewelry from spoils for the service of the LORD.
- Leviticus 5:6 (thematic): Law about bringing an offering to obtain atonement; parallels the stated purpose in Num 31:50 of making atonement for the people by dedicating an offering.
- 1 Samuel 30:21-24 (structural): Dealing with the division of spoil after battle and regulations for shares between fighters and those who stayed behind — a comparable concern with fair distribution of booty.
- Joshua 6:18 (thematic): Directive about devoting or handling spoils taken in holy war; parallels the theology of dedicating or treating war booty as subject to divine command.
Alternative generated candidates
- And behold, we bring the LORD's offering: each man who found any gold article—an armlet, a bracelet, a signet ring, an earring, or a nose-ring—has brought it for a ransom for our souls before the LORD.”
- And they presented an offering to the LORD: each man who had found any gold object—earring, armlet, signet, ring, or bracelet—brought it as a ransom for his soul before the LORD.
Num.31.51 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ואלעזר: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הכהן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- הזהב: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מאתם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- כלי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- מעשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Num.31.26-30 (structural): Immediate context — orders to take a ransom/tribute from the soldiers' spoils and to set apart a portion for the LORD and for the congregation; explains the accounting that Moses and Eleazar carry out.
- 1 Sam.30.21-25 (thematic): David's regulation for dividing spoils after battle (equal shares and provisions for those who stayed behind) — parallels issues of entitlement and distribution of war booty.
- 2 Sam.8:10-12 (thematic): David takes gold and vessels from defeated enemies and brings/dedicates them to the royal/treasury—similar practice of appropriating precious metal from military victory for central authorities or cultic use.
- Exod.25:3-9 (thematic): Lists gold, silver and crafted work to be brought for the tabernacle — parallels the idea of crafted gold vessels being set aside for sacred purposes.
- 1 Sam.6:3-5 (thematic): The Philistines make and return golden models (crafted gold objects) as offerings with the ark — another instance of enemy-related gold being fashioned into cultic/commemorative objects.
Alternative generated candidates
- Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold from them—all the crafted articles.
- And Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold from them—all the objects of gold.
Num.31.52 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כל: DET
- זהב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- התרומה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הרימו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- ששה: NUM,card,m,pl
- עשר: NUM,card,m,sg,cons
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- שבע: NUM,card
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- וחמשים: CONJ+NUM,card,m,pl
- שקל: NOUN,m,sg,cstr
- מאת: PREP
- שרי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- האלפים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ומאת: NUM,m,sg,abs
- שרי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- המאות: NOUN,f,pl,def
Parallels
- Numbers 31:49 (structural): Immediate context: the surrounding verses record the same tally and explain how the LORD’s tribute of gold was separated from the spoils—Num 31:52 is the summed total within this report.
- Numbers 31:50 (structural): Nearby procedural detail: commands about handing the Lord’s portion (the terumah) to Eleazar and the officers, showing how the counted gold was allocated and delivered.
- Exodus 38:25-26 (verbal): Both passages give precise totals of metal in shekels for sacred use and use the technical 'shekel of the sanctuary' language—parallel practice of weighing and registering contributions for the sanctuary.
- Exodus 25:2-3 (thematic): Theme of voluntary contributions to the LORD: invitation for the community to bring offerings of gold, silver and materials for holy service, analogous to the dedication/tribute collected in Num 31.
- 1 Chronicles 29:3-5 (thematic): Leaders and officials give large amounts of gold, silver and other valuables for the house of the LORD; parallels the motif of leaders (captains/commanders) contributing and the organized collection of precious metals for divine service.
Alternative generated candidates
- And all the gold of the tribute that they raised to the LORD amounted to sixteen thousand seven hundred and fifty shekels, from the captains of thousands and the captains of hundreds.
- And all the gold of the offering that they presented to the LORD was sixteen thousand seven hundred and fifty shekels, from the captains of thousands and the captains of hundreds.
Num.31.53 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אנשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- הצבא: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בזזו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Numbers 31:25-30 (verbal): Immediate context: laws and allotments for the spoil taken from Midian and the explicit rule that the warriors kept the plunder for themselves (parallels the statement that the soldiers plundered).
- Deuteronomy 20:13-14 (structural): Legal regulation of war spoils: instructions for taking the goods of defeated cities—provides the legal backdrop for soldiers claiming booty in Israelite warfare.
- Joshua 6:19 (thematic): After Jericho the devoted things (silver, gold, vessels) are consecrated to the LORD rather than kept by the soldiers—a thematic contrast to soldiers taking spoil for themselves.
- 1 Samuel 30:23-25 (thematic): David’s policy for distributing recovered plunder—distinguishes shares for those who fought and those who stayed with the supplies, addressing who may rightfully claim spoil (a comparable concern about entitlement to booty).
Alternative generated candidates
- The men of the army took the spoil for themselves, each man for his use.
- The men of the army had plundered each his own spoil.
Num.31.54 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ואלעזר: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הכהן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- הזהב: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מאת: PREP
- שרי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- האלפים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- והמאות: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,def
- ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- אל: NEG
- אהל: NOUN,m,sg,construct
- מועד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- זכרון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לבני: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לפני: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 35:21-29 (verbal): Leaders and people bring gold, jewelry and other freewill offerings for the construction of the tabernacle—parallels the collection of gold brought into the tent of meeting as a memorial.
- Exodus 25:2-8 (verbal): God's command to take offerings for the sanctuary and to make a dwelling place for Him echoes the act of bringing war‑gold into the tent of meeting before the LORD.
- Numbers 7:1-11, 84-89 (structural): The princes' formal gifts at the dedication of the altar/tabernacle mirror the corporate presentation of valuables by military leaders and the use of those gifts for the sanctuary.
- 1 Chronicles 29:1-5 (thematic): David and the leaders give gold and silver for the house of God; like Moses and Eleazar, leadership channels precious metals into the sanctuary for divine service and commemoration.
- Deuteronomy 12:11-14 (thematic): Instruction to bring sacrifices and precious offerings to the place the LORD will choose connects with the transfer of spoils/gold into the central sanctuary 'before the LORD' as a memorial.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold from the captains of thousands and of hundreds and brought it into the tent of meeting as a memorial for the people of Israel before the LORD.
- And Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold from the captains of thousands and captains of hundreds and brought it into the Tent of Meeting as a memorial for the people of Israel before the LORD.
The LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
“Take the tribute from the captives, of men and of beasts—you, Eleazar the priest, and the heads of the fathers’ tribes of the congregation. And divide the plunder between the warriors who went out to battle and all the congregation. And raise a levy to the LORD from the warriors who went out to battle: one in five hundred of the people, of the cattle, of the donkeys, and of the sheep.
From their half you shall take it, and give it to Eleazar the priest—a contribution to the LORD. And from the half of the people of Israel you shall take one in fifty—one possession from the people, from the cattle, from the donkeys, and from the sheep, from all the beasts—and you shall give them to the Levites, the keepers of the charge of the tabernacle of the LORD.
Moses and Eleazar the priest did as the LORD commanded Moses.
The spoil that the men of war had taken was: sheep, six hundred seventy‑five thousand. And the cattle, seventy‑two thousand. And the donkeys, sixty‑one thousand. And the persons—of the women who had not known man—were thirty‑two thousand. And the half—what belonged to those who went out to war—of the number of the sheep was three hundred thirty‑seven thousand five hundred. And the levy to the LORD from the sheep was six hundred seventy‑five. And of the cattle thirty‑six thousand; and the levy to the LORD was seventy‑two. And of the donkeys thirty thousand five hundred; and the levy to the LORD was sixty‑one. And of the persons sixteen thousand; and the levy to the LORD was thirty‑two persons.
Moses gave the levy, the LORD’s contribution, to Eleazar the priest, as the LORD had commanded Moses. And from the half of the children of Israel which Moses had set apart from the men that went out to war:
The half of the assembly from the sheep was three hundred thirty‑seven thousand five hundred. And the cattle, thirty‑six thousand. And the donkeys, thirty thousand five hundred. And the persons, sixteen thousand. And Moses took from the half of the children of Israel the one in fifty—one possession from the people and from the beasts—and gave them to the Levites, the keepers of the charge of the tabernacle of the LORD, as the LORD had commanded Moses.
Then the officers who were over the army—captains of thousands and captains of hundreds—came near to Moses. And they said to Moses, “Your servants have taken account of the men of war under our command; not one is missing.” And they said, “We have brought the offering to the LORD: each man who found any gold ornament—armlet, bracelet, signet ring, earring, or any ornamental chain—has brought it for a ransom to atone for our lives before the LORD.”
Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold from them, every man’s object of gold. Now the total of the gold of the offering that they raised to the LORD was sixteen thousand seven hundred fifty shekels from the captains of thousands and the captains of hundreds.
The men of war had taken plunder for themselves.
Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold from the captains of thousands and of hundreds and brought it into the tent of meeting—an object of remembrance for the people of Israel before the LORD.”