Numbers 31:30

Verse

From the Israelites’ half, take one out of every fifty, whether persons, cattle, donkeys, sheep, or other animals, and give them to the Levites who keep charge of the tabernacle of the LORD.”

American Standard Version (1901)

And of the children of Israel’s half, thou shalt take one drawn out of every fifty, of the persons, of the oxen, of the asses, and of the flocks, even of all the cattle, and give them unto the Levites, that keep the charge of the tabernacle of Jehovah.

Bible in Basic English

And from the part given to the children of Israel, take one out of every fifty, from the persons, and from the oxen and asses and sheep, and give it to the Levites who have the care of the House of the Lord.

Free Bible Version

From the Israelites; half share, take one out of every fifty people, cattle, donkeys, or sheep, or other animals, and give them to the Levites who take care of the Lord's Tabernacle.”

King James (Authorized) Version

And of the children of Israel’s half, thou shalt take one portion of fifty, of the persons, of the beeves, of the asses, and of the flocks, of all manner of beasts, and give them unto the Levites, which keep the charge of the tabernacle of the LORD.

One Unity Resource Bible

Of the children of Israel [God prevails]’s half, you shall take one drawn out of every fifty, of the persons, of the cattle, of the donkeys, and of the flocks, of all the livestock, and give them to the Levites [Descendants of United with], who perform the duty of Adonai ’s tabernacle.”

Translation for Translators

And from the half that belongs to the ordinary people, take one item from every 50. That includes people, cattle, donkeys, sheep, goats, and other animals. Give those things to the descendants of Levi who take care of my Sacred Tent.”

Unlocked Literal Bible

Also from the people of Israel's half, you must take one out of every fifty—from the persons, cattle, donkeys, sheep, and goats. Give these to the Levites who take care of my tabernacle.”

Noah Webster Bible

And of the children of Israel's half, thou shalt take one portion of fifty, of the persons, of the beeves, of the asses, and of the flocks, of all manner of beasts, and give them to the Levites, who keep the charge of the tabernacle of the LORD.

World English Bible

Of the children of Israel’s half, you shall take one drawn out of every fifty, of the persons, of the cattle, of the donkeys, and of the flocks, of all the livestock, and give them to the Levites, who perform the duty of Yahweh’s tabernacle.”

Young's Literal Translation

'And from the sons of Israel's half thou dost take one possession out of fifty, of man, of the herd, of the asses, and of the flock, of all the cattle, and thou hast given them to the Levites keeping the charge of the tabernacle of Jehovah.'

Context

Division of the Spoils

²⁹Take it from their half and give it to Eleazar the priest as an offering to the LORD.³⁰From the Israelites’ half, take one out of every fifty, whether persons, cattle, donkeys, sheep, or other animals, and give them to the Levites who keep charge of the tabernacle of the LORD.”

Summary

In this verse, Moses instructs the Israelites on how to divide the spoils of war after their victory over the Midianites. He directs that a portion of the plunder, including gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, and lead, be given to the Lord as a tribute offering. This act symbolizes the acknowledgement of God's role in granting them victory and the importance of honoring Him with the firstfruits of their conquest. The verse underscores the principle of giving back to God from the blessings He bestows, demonstrating gratitude and obedience in all aspects of life.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

We have therefore brought an oblation to the Lord,.... A freewill offering, out of the spoil, over and above the tribute levied out of the half that came unto them: what every man hath gotten: or "found" (f), in the houses, and upon the bodies of the slain, or of such that were taken captives: of jewels of gold either such as were set in gold; or rather, as the words may be rendered: vessels of gold (g), as dishes, cups, spoons, and the like: chains; which were wore about the neck, or upon the arm, as Aben Ezra: and bracelets; for the hand, as the same writer, see Gen 24:22, rings; for the finger: ear rings; for the ear, as we render it, the word signifies something round: and tablets; which, according to the Targum of Jonathan, were ornaments that hung down between the breasts: to make an atonement for our souls before the Lord; not only this offering was brought as a token of gratitude and thankfulness, for sparing of everyone of their lives, and giving them such success and victory, and so large a spoil of the enemy; but also to expiate any sins they had been guilty of in going out, and coming in, and particularly for sparing the women they should have put to death, for which Moses was wroth with them, Num 31:14. (f) "invenit", Pagninus, Montanus. (g) "vas auri", Montanus; "vasa aurea", Vatablus.