Numbers 31:26 Meaning and Explanation
“Take the sum of the prey that was taken, both of man and of beast, thou, and Eleazar the priest, and the chief fathers of the congregation:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Moses, Eleazar, and the tribal leaders are to take a census of all captives and livestock.
The Context of Numbers 31:26
Instructions to count all captives and livestock.
What Does Numbers 31:26 Mean?
God instructs Moses to conduct a complete accounting of the captured resources with the assistance of Eleazar the priest and the chief fathers (leaders of the tribes). A full census or count must be made of both human captives and livestock—all the 'prey' or booty. This accounting establishes the baseline amount before distribution. The inclusion of the priest and tribal leaders in this process ensures transparency and broader authority in managing these valuable resources.
The census serves multiple functions: it documents the full extent of God's provision through the victory, ensures that distribution can be fair and orderly, and demonstrates accountability. By involving both religious authority (the priest) and political leadership (the tribal leaders), the process gains credibility and ensures that all segments of Israel have confidence in how the spoils will be divided.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 31:26
What does Numbers 31:26 mean?
Moses, Eleazar, and the tribal leaders are to take a census of all captives and livestock.
What is the context of Numbers 31:26?
Instructions to count all captives and livestock.