“And Moses gave tribute, the tribute of them that were captains over thousands and captains over hundreds, unto the Levites, to the charge of the service of the tabernacle of the congregation, six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred sheep.”
This verse is a part of the account of the Israelites’ military campaign against the Midianites. In this chapter, the Lord commanded Moses to avenge the people of Israel and take vengeance on the Midianites for leading the Israelites into idolatry and immorality. After the battle, the Israelite army had taken many spoils, including livestock, prisoners, and other possessions.
In verse 44, we see that Moses allocated a portion of the spoils as tribute to the Levites. The Levites were the priestly tribe of Israel, chosen by God to serve in the tabernacle and perform various duties related to worship and the maintenance of the sacred space.
The tribute mentioned here consists of sheep, which were valuable livestock in ancient times. This tribute was given to the Levites to support them in their responsibilities of ministering before the Lord in the tabernacle. The number mentioned in the verse, “six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred sheep,” represents a significant amount of livestock that was dedicated to the Levites.
This allocation of tribute to the Levites demonstrates the importance of supporting those who are dedicated to serving God and His people. The Levites did not receive a land inheritance like the other tribes of Israel, as their portion was to serve the Lord. Instead, they relied on the offerings and tithes of the people to sustain themselves and their families.
This passage also reminds us of the principle of giving back to God and supporting the work of the ministry. Just as the Israelites provided for the Levites, we are encouraged to give generously and sacrificially to support those who are called to serve God and His Kingdom today. This can include supporting the local church, missions, ministries, and other efforts that spread the Gospel and minister to the needs of people.
In conclusion, Numbers 31:44 illustrates the allocation of tribute to the Levites from the spoils of the battle with the Midianites. This passage highlights the importance of supporting those who are dedicated to serving God and emphasizes the principle of giving back to God’s work. It encourages us to be generous and sacrificial in our giving, recognizing that it is a way to honor and support those who serve God and contribute to the advancement of His Kingdom.
