Jennifer 
Read the Daily Bible Verse – Numbers 31:46 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Numbers 31:46 is a brief yet significant verse in the Old Testament. It reads:”And sixteen thousand persons;” — Numbers 31:46 (KJV)
This verse is part of a larger narrative detailing the Israelites’ conquest of the Midianites, a people who had led Israel into sin. Understanding this verse requires exploring its context, meaning, and relevance to our lives today.
The Context of Numbers 31:46 KJV
The Battle Against Midian
In Numbers 31, God commands Moses to take vengeance on the Midianites for their role in leading Israel into idolatry and immorality (Numbers 25). The Israelites engage in battle, resulting in the death of all Midianite men and the capture of women, children, livestock, and goods.
Division of the Spoils
After the battle, God instructs Moses on how to divide the spoils:
Half to the soldiers who fought.
Half to the rest of the Israelite community.
A portion from each half is to be given to the Lord: one out of every 500 from the soldiers’ half and one out of every 50 from the community’s half (Numbers 31:25–30).
Numbers 31:46 (KJV)
“And sixteen thousand persons;” — Numbers 31:46
This verse records the number of female captives assigned to the Israelite community. The term “persons” refers to the 16,000 women who had not been with a man, as specified earlier in the chapter (Numbers 31:35).
Numbers 31:46 Meaning
Acknowledgment of God’s Provision
The detailed accounting of the spoils, including the 16,000 persons, underscores the Israelites’ acknowledgment that their victory and the resulting gains were due to God’s provision. By meticulously recording and dividing the spoils as instructed, they demonstrated obedience and gratitude.
The Role of the Levites
From the community’s half, one out of every 50 persons and animals was given to the Levites, who were responsible for the care of the tabernacle (Numbers 31:30). This allocation supported the religious leaders and emphasized the importance of maintaining worship and service to God.
Obedience to Divine Instruction
The Israelites’ precise adherence to God’s commands in dividing the spoils reflects their commitment to obedience. This obedience was crucial in maintaining their covenant relationship with God and ensuring His continued blessing.
Numbers 31:46 Application in Life
Recognizing God’s Sovereignty
Just as the Israelites acknowledged God’s hand in their victory, we are reminded to recognize God’s sovereignty in our successes. Every achievement and blessing is ultimately from Him, and we should respond with gratitude and humility.
Supporting Spiritual Leadership
The allocation to the Levites highlights the importance of supporting those who lead and serve in spiritual capacities. In our communities, we should ensure that our pastors, ministers, and church workers are cared for and supported in their roles.
Practicing Obedience
The Israelites’ meticulous obedience serves as a model for us. We are called to follow God’s instructions in all aspects of our lives, trusting that His commands are for our good and His glory.
Stewardship of Resources
The division of the spoils teaches us about stewardship. We are entrusted with resources not only for our benefit but also to support God’s work and help others. Generosity and responsible management of what we have reflect our commitment to God’s purposes.
Conclusion
Numbers 31:46, while brief, encapsulates themes of obedience, stewardship, and acknowledgment of God’s provision. By examining this verse within its broader context, we gain insights into the Israelites’ relationship with God and how we, too, are called to live in faithful obedience, recognizing God’s sovereignty in every aspect of our lives.
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