Old Testament
Numbers 31:54
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold from the commanders and brought it into the Tent of Meeting as a memorial for the people of Israel before the LORD.
Compare translations
And Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold of the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and brought it into the tabernacle of the congregation, for a memorial for the children of Israel before the LORD.
What Numbers 31:54 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Moses and Eleazar the priest collect gold from the military leaders after a successful campaign. This gold is not just taken for personal gain; instead, it is brought to the Tent of Meeting, which is a sacred place where the Israelites worship God. The act of bringing the gold serves as a memorial, a reminder of the victory and the contributions of the people to God. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging God's role in their successes and the need to honor Him with their spoils. This act also reinforces the community's unity and commitment to God, as the gold represents not just wealth but a shared experience and dedication to their faith. By presenting the gold before the LORD, they are recognizing His sovereignty and thanking Him for their triumphs, ensuring that their victories are not forgotten but celebrated in a way that honors God.
How to apply Numbers 31:54 to your life
This verse encourages us to remember and honor God in our successes. Just as Moses and Eleazar brought the gold to the Tent of Meeting, we should acknowledge our achievements as blessings from God and express gratitude through acts of worship and service to others.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Numbers 31:54
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Numbers 31:54
Related Bible verses
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 31:54 mean?
Numbers 31:54 describes how Moses and Eleazar the priest took gold from military leaders after a successful campaign and brought it to the Tent of Meeting. This act serves as a memorial to honor God and acknowledge His role in their victory.
What is the significance of the gold in Numbers 31:54?
The gold collected in Numbers 31:54 symbolizes the contributions of the people to God after their victory. It is presented as a memorial, emphasizing gratitude and the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty in their successes.
How does Numbers 31:54 relate to worship?
Numbers 31:54 relates to worship by illustrating how the Israelites acknowledged God's role in their victory through the act of presenting gold as an offering. It emphasizes the connection between success and gratitude in worship.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.