Old Testament
Numbers 31:26
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God instructs Moses to have Eleazar the priest and the leaders of the Israelite families conduct a thorough count of the spoils taken from the Midianites.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
"You, Eleazar the priest, and the family leaders of the community must take a full count of everything that was captured — both people and animals.
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:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God instructs Moses to have Eleazar the priest and the leaders of the Israelite families conduct a thorough count of the spoils taken from the Midianites. This includes both the people and the animals captured during the battle. The counting of the spoils serves several purposes: it ensures accountability, allows for the distribution of resources, and highlights the importance of recognizing what has been gained through God's intervention. By involving the priest and community leaders, the process emphasizes the collective responsibility of the Israelites in handling the spoils, reinforcing their unity and shared purpose. This act of counting also reflects the biblical principle of stewardship, where the community is called to manage and allocate resources wisely and justly, acknowledging God's provision in their victories.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Numbers 31:26 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of accountability in our actions and decisions. Just as the Israelites were instructed to count their spoils, we should take stock of our resources and blessings, ensuring we use them wisely and share them with others in our community.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 31:26 mean?
Numbers 31:26 means that God instructed Moses to have Eleazar the priest and community leaders count the spoils taken from the Midianites, including both people and animals. This counting emphasizes accountability and the importance of recognizing God's provision in their victory.
What is the significance of counting the spoils in Numbers 31:26?
Counting the spoils in Numbers 31:26 signifies accountability and responsible management of resources. It highlights the collective responsibility of the Israelite community in handling what they gained through God's intervention.
Who is involved in the counting mentioned in Numbers 31:26?
In Numbers 31:26, Eleazar the priest and the family leaders of the Israelite community are involved in the counting of the spoils taken from the Midianites.
What themes are present in Numbers 31:26?
Themes present in Numbers 31:26 include accountability, community leadership, stewardship, God's provision, and the importance of resource management after victory.
The Book of Numbers
Numbers 1: First Census and Tribal Leaders
The LORD speaks to Moses and Aaron in the wilderness of Sinai and orders a count of the men of Israel who are twenty years old and able to go to war. A leader from each tribe stands with them: Elizur for Reuben, Shelumiel for Simeon, Nahshon for Judah, Nethaneel for Issachar, Eliab for Zebulun, Elishama for Ephraim, Gamaliel for Manasseh, Abidan for Benjamin, Ahiezer for Dan, Pagiel for Asher, and Ahira for Naphtali. The totals are recorded by tribe, and the combined number of fighting men is six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty.
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