Numbers 31:50-54

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Numbers 31:48-54

Here is a great example of piety and devotion in the officers of the army, the colonels, that are called captains of thousands, and the inferior officers that were captains of hundreds; they came to Moses as their general and commander-in-chief, and, though he was now going off the stage they very humbly and respectfully addressed themselves to him, calling themselves his servants; the honours they had 1305 won did not puff them up, so as to make them forget their duty to him. Observe in their... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 31:50

We have therefore brought an oblation to the Lord ,.... A freewill offering, out of the spoil, over and above the tribute levied out of the half that came unto them: what every man hath gotten : or "found" F6 מצא "invenit", Pagninus, Montanus. , in the houses, and upon the bodies of the slain, or of such that were taken captives: of jewels of gold either such as were set in gold; or rather, as the words may be rendered: vessels of gold F7 כלי זהב "vas auri",... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 31:51

And Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold of them ,.... For it seems the several things before mentioned were all of gold: even all wrought jewels ; or "vessels of work" F8 כלי מעשה "vas operis", Montanus. or wrought vessels, or instruments, "chains, bracelets", &c.; which were all of gold, and curiously wrought. read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 31:52

And all the gold of the offering that they offered up to the Lord ,.... The whole amount, weight, and value of it put together: even of the captains of thousands, and the captains of hundreds , and perhaps of every common soldier, who might contribute his part, though it is not mentioned, but included in the oblation of the officers: was 16,750 shekels ; which, according to the calculation of a very learned man F9 Scheuchzer. Physica Sacr. vol. 2. p. 399. , were 7,780 ounces,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 31:53

For the men of war had taken spoil, every man for himself. And which he kept for himself, and did not deliver in with the prey or booty, which was brought to Moses and Eleazar, the sum of which was taken by them; and this seems to confirm what has been hinted, that, as each soldier had taken spoil for himself, so everyone contributed his quota towards this freewill offering to the Lord. read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 31:54

And Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold of the captains of thousands and of hundreds ,.... Which they so freely and generously offered: and brought it into the tabernacle of the congregation ; and laid it up in some chamber there: for a memorial for the children of Israel before the Lord : in remembrance of the signal victory these men obtained, and of the singular care of divine Providence in protecting them, that not one was lost in the expedition; and of their sense of... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 31:50

We have - brought an oblation for the Lord - So it appears there was a great deal of booty taken which did not come into the general account; and of this the soldiers, of their own will, made a very extensive offering to God, because he had preserved them from falling in battle. That not one man should have been slain is a most extraordinary circumstance, and powerfully marks the peculiar superintendence of God's especial providence. The Midianites must certainly have made some resistance;... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 31:51

Verse 51 51.And Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold. It was fitting that this should be added, lest any should suppose that Eleazar made a profit by the liberality of others. Moses, therefore, relates, that whatever gold was offered, was faithfully laid up as an ornament for the sanctuary. When it is said, “for a memorial for the children of Israel,” it may be taken either actively or passively; viz., either that the gift may be a monument of their gratitude, or that it might conciliate... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Numbers 31:50

The “chains” were “armlets” 2 Samuel 1:10. The “rings” were “finger-rings,” or “seal-rings;” and the “tablets” were worn suspended from the neck Exodus 35:22.To make an atonement for our souls before the Lord - Compare Exodus 30:11-16. The atonement was not for any special offence committed (which would have called for a sacrifice of blood-shedding), but rather like the half-shekel given at the census in the Book of Exodus (loc. cite), was an acknowledgment of having received undeserved... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Numbers 31:52

The value of the offering was about 20,000 British pounds. read more

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