“And threescore and twelve thousand beeves,”
Context: Numbers 31 records the account of the Israelites’ war against the Midianites. The Midianites had seduced the Israelites into idolatry and sexual immorality, and as a result, God commanded Moses to take vengeance upon them. The Israelites engaged in battle, and with God’s help, they defeated the Midianites. After the battle, Moses and Eleazar the priest took a census of the spoils of war and divided them among the people.
Meaning and Significance:
- God’s faithfulness: The mention of “threescore and twelve thousand beeves” (60,000 and 12,000 cattle) reveals God’s faithfulness in providing for the Israelites. The Israelites had spent forty years in the wilderness, and during that time, God had miraculously provided for them. Despite their unfaithfulness and rebellion, God still blessed them with abundant resources.
- Provision for sacrifice and sustenance: Cattle were valuable assets in ancient times. The mention of such a large number of cattle implies that a significant portion was designated for sacrificial offerings. The Israelites used these cattle to offer sacrifices to God, demonstrating their gratitude, obedience, and worship. Additionally, the cattle provided sustenance for the people, meeting their physical needs.
- God’s ownership and provision: The mention of the cattle serves as a reminder that everything belongs to God. The spoils of war, including the cattle, were a result of God’s victory and provision. The Israelites recognized that they were stewards of God’s blessings and that they were to use them according to His instructions.
- God’s justice and judgment: The mention of the spoils of war also reminds us of God’s justice and judgment upon the Midianites. The Israelites were executing God’s judgment upon a wicked and idolatrous nation. The spoils of war, including the cattle, were a tangible representation of the defeat of God’s enemies and the vindication of His people.
Application:
- Gratitude and worship: We should cultivate an attitude of gratitude for God’s provision and faithfulness in our lives. Just as the Israelites offered sacrifices, we can offer our praise and worship to God for all that He has done.
- Stewardship: Recognizing that everything belongs to God, we should be good stewards of the resources He has entrusted to us. This includes our finances, possessions, time, and talents. We should use them wisely, following God’s principles and instructions.
- Obedience and faithfulness: The Israelites were obedient to God’s command to wage war against the Midianites. Likewise, we should be obedient to God’s commands and live faithfully according to His Word. God rewards obedience and faithfulness.
- Trust in God’s justice: When we see injustice and wickedness around us, we can trust that God is just and will ultimately bring judgment upon evildoers. We can find comfort in knowing that God is in control and that justice will be served.
Remember to read and study the Bible in its entirety, considering the historical context, other related passages, and seeking further insights from reliable biblical resources to gain a comprehensive understanding of God’s message.
