Numbers 31:39

French S21 2007 (Bible Segond 21)

What Does This Mean?

This verse from Numbers 31:39 lists the number of donkeys taken as spoils of war, and specifies how many were dedicated to God as tribute. It's part of a larger accounting of war spoils.

Explained for Children

Imagine you and your friends found a big pile of toys after a game. You decide to give some of those toys to a friend who helped you. This verse is like that, but with donkeys instead of toys, and they're giving some to God.

Historical Background

The Book of Numbers was likely written around 1400 BC by Moses. It details the experiences of the Israelites in the wilderness. This particular verse is part of a detailed accounting of the spoils taken from the Midianites after a war.

Living It Out Today

Today, we can think about this verse as a reminder to give back to our community or to God a portion of what we have. It encourages us to be generous with our blessings.

Topics

wartributeaccountingspoilsgenerositycommunity

Related Verses

Numbers 31:28Deuteronomy 20:141 Chronicles 29:14Malachi 3:8Matthew 23:23

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were the donkeys given to God?
The donkeys were given as a tribute to God, acknowledging His provision and support in the victory over the Midianites, much like how one might give a portion of their earnings to a church.
How did the Israelites count the donkeys?
The Israelites likely used a system of counting and accounting to keep track of the spoils, ensuring that the correct number was set aside for God as a tribute.
What does this say about the Israelites' relationship with God?
This shows that the Israelites recognized God's role in their victories and practiced gratitude by dedicating a portion of their spoils to Him, reflecting their covenant relationship.
How can this verse be applied in today's context?
Today, we can apply this verse by being mindful of giving back to our communities or supporting causes we believe in, similar to the Israelites' tribute to God.
Compare Numbers 31:39 across all translations →