Take it of their half, and give it unto Eleazar the priest, for an heave offering of the LORD.

NUMBERS 31:29KJV
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Numbers 31:29 (KJV)

What does Numbers 31:29 mean?

Numbers 31:29 instructs that a portion of the spoils taken in battle should be set aside from the half given to the Israelite warriors and presented to Eleazar the priest as a special offering to the LORD. This verse establishes that part of the war gains is to be dedicated to God through the priestly service.

In this scene, Moses is relaying God’s command to the Israelites after their victory over the Midianites. The people are to divide the captured goods, but from the warriors’ share, a specific part is to be given as a "heave offering"—a contribution lifted up to God—handled by Eleazar, the high priest. This act recognizes God’s role in their success and maintains the practice of giving back to God from what the people receive.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 31:29

  • "Offering" (תְּרוּמָה, terumah): This word means a lifted or set-apart contribution, often used for gifts dedicated to God. Here, it highlights that the portion given is not just a tax or fee, but a sacred act of giving to the LORD.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): The use of God’s personal name underlines that this offering is not for the priest personally, but is directed to the God of Israel, reinforcing the spiritual purpose behind the command.

Why Numbers 31:29 matters

  • Numbers 31:29 clarifies that even in times of war and victory, the Israelites are to remember God and honor Him with a portion of their gains, not keeping everything for themselves.
  • This verse connects the military, the priesthood, and worship, showing that all aspects of Israelite life—including warfare—are to be conducted with reference to God’s instructions.
  • The command to give the offering to Eleazar the priest emphasizes the role of the priesthood as mediators between the people and God, and shows how communal resources support religious service.

Where else these words appear

“half” Hebrew H4276 · used in 14 verses

  • Exodus 30:13 This they shall give, every one that passeth among them that are numbered, half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary:(a shekel is twenty gerahs:) an half shekel shall be the offering of the LORD.
  • Leviticus 6:20 This is the offering of Aaron and of his sons, which they shall offer unto the LORD in the day when he is anointed; the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a meat offering perpetual, half of it in the morning, and half thereof at night.
  • Joshua 21:25 And out of the half tribe of Manasseh, Tanach with her suburbs, and Gathrimmon with her suburbs; two cities.

“offering” Hebrew H8641 · used in 63 verses

  • Exodus 25:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.
  • Numbers 15:19 Then it shall be, that, when ye eat of the bread of the land, ye shall offer up an heave offering unto the LORD.
  • Nehemiah 10:37 And that we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our ground unto the Levites, that the same Levites might have the tithes in all the cities of our tillage.

“Eleazar” Hebrew H499 · used in 70 verses

  • Exodus 6:23 And Aaron took him Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Naashon, to wife; and she bare him Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
  • Numbers 27:2 And they stood before Moses, and before Eleazar the priest, and before the princes and all the congregation, by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying,
  • Joshua 22:32 And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, and the princes, returned from the children of Reuben, and from the children of Gad, out of the land of Gilead, unto the land of Canaan, to the children of Israel, and brought them word again.