Question 1

What does Numbers 31:44 mean?

Accepted Answer

Numbers 31:44 states that there were thirty-six thousand "beeves," meaning cattle, among the spoils taken by the Israelites. This verse is part of a detailed inventory of livestock captured after a military campaign. In the context of Numbers 31, Moses is recording the results of Israel’s victory over the Midianites. The verse lists the number of cattle ("beeves") counted among the plunder, which would later be divided among the people and dedicated to the Lord as part of the instructions given by God.

Question 2

Why Numbers 31:44 matters

Accepted Answer

Numbers 31:44 helps clarify the scale of the victory and the wealth acquired, showing the practical outcomes of the campaign. The verse fits into a larger passage that carefully records the distribution of spoils, emphasizing fairness and obedience to God's instructions. By specifying the number of cattle, the verse highlights the importance of livestock in the economy and religious practices of ancient Israel.

Numbers 31:44 (KJV)