Old Testament
Numbers 31:28
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
From the soldiers' half, set aside a tribute for the LORD: 1 out of every 500 — whether people, cattle, donkeys, or sheep.
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And levy a tribute unto the Lord of the men of war which went out to battle: one soul of five hundred, both of the persons, and of the beeves, and of the asses, and of the sheep:
What Numbers 31:28 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Numbers 31:28, God instructs Moses on how to allocate the spoils of war after a battle against the Midianites. The soldiers are to set aside a tribute for the Lord, which is one out of every 500 captured people and animals, including cattle, donkeys, and sheep. This command emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty and provision in their victories. By dedicating a portion of the spoils to God, the Israelites acknowledge that their success in battle is not solely due to their own strength but is a result of divine assistance. This practice also serves to support the priests and the worship of God, ensuring that the community remains focused on their relationship with Him. The tribute reflects a principle of giving back to God from what He has provided, reinforcing the idea of stewardship and gratitude in the lives of the Israelites.
How to apply Numbers 31:28 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize and honor God's role in our successes. We can apply this by setting aside a portion of our resources, whether time, money, or talents, to support our faith communities and charitable causes, acknowledging that all we have comes from God.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Numbers
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 31:28 mean?
Numbers 31:28 outlines God's command to Moses regarding the allocation of spoils after a battle. It instructs the soldiers to set aside a tribute for the Lord, specifically one out of every 500 captured people and animals, highlighting the importance of recognizing God's role in their victories.
What is the significance of the tribute in Numbers 31:28?
The tribute in Numbers 31:28 signifies the Israelites' acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and provision. By dedicating a portion of the spoils to God, they express gratitude and ensure support for the priests and worship, reinforcing their relationship with Him.
How does Numbers 31:28 relate to stewardship?
Numbers 31:28 illustrates the principle of stewardship by showing that the Israelites were to give back to God from what He provided. This act of setting aside a tribute encourages the community to recognize their resources as gifts from God and to use them responsibly.
What does the phrase 'one out of every 500' mean in Numbers 31:28?
The phrase 'one out of every 500' in Numbers 31:28 specifies the ratio of spoils to be dedicated to the Lord. It applies to every 500 people and animals captured, ensuring that a portion of the victory is recognized as belonging to God.
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