Numbers 31:26

Verse

“You and Eleazar the priest and the family heads of the congregation are to take a count of what was captured, both of man and beast.

American Standard Version (1901)

Take the sum of the prey that was taken, both of man and of beast, thou, and Eleazar the priest, and the heads of the fathers’ houses of the congregation;

Bible in Basic English

Get an account of everything which was taken in the war, of man and of beast, you and Eleazar the priest and the heads of families of the people:

Free Bible Version

“You, Eleazar the priest, and the Israelite family leaders are to take a record of the people and animals that were captured.

King James (Authorized) Version

Take the sum of the prey that was taken, both of man and of beast, thou, and Eleazar the priest, and the chief fathers of the congregation:

One Unity Resource Bible

“Count the plunder that was taken, both of man and of animal, you, and Eleazar [Help of God] the priest, and the heads of the fathers’ households of the congregation;

Translation for Translators

“Tell Eleazar and the leaders of the family groups that they must write down a list of all the goods, the women, and the animals that were captured in the battle.

Unlocked Literal Bible

“Count all the plundered things that were taken, both people and animals. You, Eleazar the priest, and the leaders of the community's ancestor's clans

Noah Webster Bible

Take the sum of the prey that was taken, both of man and of beast, thou, and Eleazar the priest, and the chief fathers of the congregation:

World English Bible

“Count the plunder that was taken, both of man and of animal, you, and Eleazar the priest, and the heads of the fathers’ households of the congregation;

Young's Literal Translation

'Take up the sum of the prey of the captives, among man and among beast, thou, and Eleazar the priest, and the heads of the fathers of the company;

Context

Division of the Spoils

²⁵The LORD said to Moses,²⁶“You and Eleazar the priest and the family heads of the congregation are to take a count of what was captured, both of man and beast.²⁷Then divide the captives between the troops who went out to battle and the rest of the congregation.

Summary

In this verse, the Lord instructs Moses and Eleazar the priest to divide the spoils of war taken from the Midianites between the soldiers who went into battle and the rest of the Israelite community. This distribution of the plunder was seen as a form of compensation for the risks taken in the military campaign. It also served as a reminder of God's provision and faithfulness to His people, acknowledging their efforts in carrying out His commands. The equitable sharing of the spoils reinforced unity and solidarity among the Israelites, emphasizing the communal aspect of their victories and blessings.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And take it of their half,.... Of the half part of the prey divided to the soldiers: and give it unto Eleazar the priest for an heave offering of the Lord; by way of thanksgiving for the success and victory, God had given them, by means of which so much booty had fallen into their hands.

Numbers 31:26

Division of the Spoils

Scripture
Sermons
Commentary

Berean Standard Bible

“You and Eleazar the priest and the family heads of the congregation are to take a count of what was captured, both of man and beast.

American Standard Version (1901)

Take the sum of the prey that was taken, both of man and of beast, thou, and Eleazar the priest, and the heads of the fathers’ houses of the congregation;

Bible in Basic English

Get an account of everything which was taken in the war, of man and of beast, you and Eleazar the priest and the heads of families of the people:

Free Bible Version

“You, Eleazar the priest, and the Israelite family leaders are to take a record of the people and animals that were captured.

King James (Authorized) Version

Take the sum of the prey that was taken, both of man and of beast, thou, and Eleazar the priest, and the chief fathers of the congregation:

One Unity Resource Bible

“Count the plunder that was taken, both of man and of animal, you, and Eleazar [Help of God] the priest, and the heads of the fathers’ households of the congregation;

Translation for Translators

“Tell Eleazar and the leaders of the family groups that they must write down a list of all the goods, the women, and the animals that were captured in the battle.

Unlocked Literal Bible

“Count all the plundered things that were taken, both people and animals. You, Eleazar the priest, and the leaders of the community's ancestor's clans

Noah Webster Bible

Take the sum of the prey that was taken, both of man and of beast, thou, and Eleazar the priest, and the chief fathers of the congregation:

World English Bible

“Count the plunder that was taken, both of man and of animal, you, and Eleazar the priest, and the heads of the fathers’ households of the congregation;

Young's Literal Translation

'Take up the sum of the prey of the captives, among man and among beast, thou, and Eleazar the priest, and the heads of the fathers of the company;