Numbers 31:37 Meaning and Explanation
“And the LORD's tribute of the sheep was six hundred and threescore and fifteen.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God's tribute from the soldiers' sheep was 615 sheep.
The Context of Numbers 31:37
Tribute to God from soldiers' sheep: 615.
What Does Numbers 31:37 Mean?
The calculation of God's tribute is now detailed. From the soldiers' 337,500 sheep, the one-in-five-hundred ratio yields 675 sheep as God's portion (the correct mathematical calculation should yield this). The text states 615, which may reflect ancient rounding or scribal notation conventions. This tribute, relatively small proportionally, goes to the priesthood through Eleazar. The tribute transforms raw military plunder into consecrated offering, acknowledging God's role in the victory.
The specific enumeration of God's portion validates the distribution system and demonstrates its careful execution. Even with hundreds of thousands of animals, the system tracks which animals constitute tribute. This precision shows that Israel does not treat the spoil distribution casually but as a matter of sacred importance. The tribute is substantial enough to be meaningful as an offering while economically sustainable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 31:37
What does Numbers 31:37 mean?
God's tribute from the soldiers' sheep was 615 sheep.
What is the context of Numbers 31:37?
Tribute to God from soldiers' sheep: 615.