And Moses gave the tribute, which was the LORD'S heave offering, unto Eleazar the priest, as the LORD commanded Moses.

NUMBERS 31:41KJV
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Numbers 31:41 (KJV)

What does Numbers 31:41 mean?

Numbers 31:41 describes how Moses gave the portion of the spoils that was set aside as a special offering for the LORD to Eleazar the priest, following the LORD’s instructions. This verse shows Moses carrying out God’s command by handing over the designated tribute from the war plunder to the religious leader.

In this scene, Moses is acting as the leader of Israel after a military victory over the Midianites. God had commanded that a share of the captured goods be set apart as a "heave offering"—a type of contribution lifted up to God. Eleazar, as the high priest, receives this offering on behalf of the LORD, highlighting the role of the priesthood in managing sacred gifts and maintaining the community’s relationship with God.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 31:41

  • "Tribute" (מֶכֶס, meches) refers to a tax or levy taken from the spoils of war. This word emphasizes that the offering was a set portion, not a voluntary gift, showing the structured approach to dividing the plunder.
  • "Heave offering" (תְּרוּמָה, terumah) means something lifted up or set apart for God. This term often refers to offerings given to the priests, underlining the sacredness of this tribute.
  • "Gave" (נָתַן, natan) is the standard word for giving or handing over, but here it stresses Moses’ obedience in transferring the tribute exactly as commanded.
  • "Commanded" (צָוָה, tsavah) means to order or instruct. The use of this word highlights that Moses’ action was not optional but done in direct response to God’s specific command.

Why Numbers 31:41 matters

  • Numbers 31:41 clarifies that the tribute from the spoils was not for Moses or the people but was set apart for God and given to the priest, emphasizing the importance of following God’s instructions precisely.
  • This verse shows the practical way Israel’s worship and priestly system were supported—through portions of communal resources, not just voluntary offerings.
  • The verse connects to the broader passage by illustrating the careful and ordered way Israel handled both victory and worship, making sure that God’s share was recognized before the rest was distributed.

Where else these words appear

“tribute” Hebrew H4371 · used in 6 verses

  • Numbers 31:28 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:
  • Numbers 31:37 And the LORD'S tribute of the sheep was six hundred and threescore and fifteen.
  • Numbers 31:39 And the asses were thirty thousand and five hundred; of which the LORD'S tribute was threescore and one.

“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.