Even of the children of Israel's half, Moses took one portion of fifty, both of man and of beast, and gave them unto the Levites, which kept the charge of the tabernacle of the LORD; as the LORD commanded Moses.

NUMBERS 31:47KJV
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Numbers 31:47 (KJV)

What does Numbers 31:47 mean?

Numbers 31:47 explains that Moses took one out of every fifty people and animals from the Israelites’ share of the war plunder and gave them to the Levites, who were responsible for caring for the tabernacle, just as the LORD had instructed him. This verse describes a specific act of distributing the spoils of war according to God’s command.

Moses is the leader here, carrying out God’s instructions after a military victory over the Midianites. The verse highlights that the Levites, who did not fight in the battle but served in the tabernacle (the portable sanctuary), were given a portion of the spoils to support their work. This arrangement shows the importance of providing for those who served in religious duties, even when they were not directly involved in the battle.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 31:47

  • "Levites" (לֵוִיִּי, Leviyyim): This word refers to the tribe set apart for caring for the tabernacle. Their special role is emphasized by receiving a share of the spoils.
  • "Kept" (שָׁמַר, shamar): This verb means to guard or take care of. The Levites’ responsibility was to watch over and maintain the tabernacle, showing their ongoing service.
  • "Charge" (מִשְׁמֶרֶת, mishmeret): This noun means duty or responsibility. It highlights that the Levites’ work was an official and important task, not just a casual job.

Why Numbers 31:47 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the Levites, though not soldiers, were still provided for from the community’s resources, underlining the value placed on spiritual service.
  • The specific ratio (“one portion of fifty”) shows an organized and fair system for sharing resources, reflecting careful obedience to God’s instructions.
  • Numbers 31:47 connects to the wider passage by showing how the spoils of war were divided not just among the fighters, but also among those who served God in other ways, reinforcing the unity and shared responsibility of the Israelite community.

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.

“portion” Hebrew H270 · used in 63 verses

  • Genesis 22:13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.
  • 2 Samuel 4:10 When one told me, saying, Behold, Saul is dead, thinking to have brought good tidings, I took hold of him, and slew him in Ziklag, who thought that I would have given him a reward for his tidings:
  • Psalms 48:6 Fear took hold upon them there, and pain, as of a woman in travail.

“charge” Hebrew H4931 · used in 69 verses

  • Genesis 26:5 Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.
  • Numbers 8:26 But shall minister with their brethren in the tabernacle of the congregation, to keep the charge, and shall do no service. Thus shalt thou do unto the Levites touching their charge.
  • 1 Chronicles 26:12 Among these were the divisions of the porters, even among the chief men, having wards one against another, to minister in the house of the LORD.

“tabernacle” Hebrew H4908 · used in 129 verses

  • Exodus 25:9 According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.
  • Exodus 40:17 And it came to pass in the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, that the tabernacle was reared up.
  • Numbers 10:21 And the Kohathites set forward, bearing the sanctuary: and the other did set up the tabernacle against they came.