Numbers 31:28 Meaning and Explanation
“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:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →From the soldiers' half, one out of every five hundred persons and animals becomes tribute to God.
The Context of Numbers 31:28
Sacred tribute is extracted from soldiers' portion of spoils.
What Does Numbers 31:28 Mean?
From the warriors' portion of the spoils, a sacred tribute is levied for God. The ratio is one out of every five hundred—whether counting human captives or various types of livestock. This one-in-five-hundred tribute represents God's rightful share of the victory. The soldiers' half is reduced by this amount, which is then dedicated to God through the priesthood. The tribute applies equally to all categories of plunder: persons, cattle, donkeys, and sheep.
This sacred tribute demonstrates that Israel's victory is recognized as coming from God, not from the soldiers' strength or strategy alone. The share given back to God acknowledges divine ownership and blessing. The specific ratio (one in five hundred) is economically sustainable while remaining meaningful. This method of tribute-taking ensures that God's portion is clearly identified and properly consecrated.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 31:28
What does Numbers 31:28 mean?
From the soldiers' half, one out of every five hundred persons and animals becomes tribute to God.
What is the context of Numbers 31:28?
Sacred tribute is extracted from soldiers' portion of spoils.