“Take it of their half, and give it unto Eleazar the priest, for an heave offering of the Lord.”
Context: The book of Numbers records the events that took place during the Israelites’ journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. In Numbers 31, the Israelites were commanded by God to take vengeance upon the Midianites for their role in seducing the Israelites into idolatry and sexual immorality. After the victory over Midian, the Israelites returned with spoils of war, including captives, livestock, and various goods.
Now let’s delve into a Bible study of Numbers 31:29:
- The Half Portion: In the preceding verses, we learn that the spoils of war were divided equally between the warriors who fought and the rest of the congregation (Numbers 31:27). Here, God instructs the Israelites to take a portion of the half they received and give it as an offering to Eleazar the priest.
- The Heave Offering: A heave offering was a special type of offering in the Old Testament. It was a gesture of presenting something to God by lifting it up and then giving it to the priests or Levites (Numbers 18:24-28). Heave offerings were reserved for the Lord, representing a consecrated and set-apart portion.
- The Role of Eleazar the Priest: Eleazar was the son of Aaron and served as a high priest during the time of Moses. He played a significant role in the religious and spiritual life of Israel. In this instance, Eleazar was given the responsibility of receiving the heave offering from the spoils of war.
- Symbolic Meaning: The act of giving a heave offering from the spoils of war served as a reminder to the Israelites that their victory and the resulting prosperity were ultimately from the Lord. It demonstrated their gratitude and acknowledgment that God was the source of their success. By offering a portion to the Lord, they recognized His sovereignty and provision.
Application: While the specific context of Numbers 31:29 relates to the spoils of war, we can draw broader principles from this passage. It teaches us the importance of acknowledging God’s blessings in our lives and offering back to Him as an act of gratitude and worship. We should recognize that everything we have comes from God, and it is fitting to give back to Him cheerfully and willingly (2 Corinthians 9:7).
In summary, Numbers 31:29 speaks of the Israelites giving a heave offering to Eleazar the priest from the spoils of war they obtained. This passage highlights the principle of acknowledging God’s blessings and offering back to Him as an act of worship and gratitude.
