Definition: And levy a tribute unto the LORD of the men of war which went out to battle: one soul of five hundred, [both] of the persons, and of the beeves, and of the asses, and of the sheep:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 31:28. It’s a really important piece of history in the Old Testament! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: During a large battle between Israel and the Philistines, a significant number of men were sent out to fight. They weren't just any men; they were warriors – soldiers who were skilled in combat. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And levy a tribute unto the LORD of the men of war…” - This means they were being asked to give a gift or payment to God (the Lord). It was a ritual offering, a way for the Israelites to show their devotion and respect. “…which went out to battle:” – This tells us these warriors were part of an army that was actively fighting. “one soul of five hundred…” - This is the key number. They were giving five hundred individuals. “[both] of the persons…” - This means each person in that group was a separate, distinct individual – not just one person at a time. “…and of the beesves, and of the asses, and of the sheep:” - This describes what they were giving. They were giving: Beesves: Goats Asses: Cattle (like cows and oxen) Sheep: A whole flock of sheep So, essentially, this verse states that the Israelites were paying a tribute – a gift – to God by providing five hundred people, each of whom was a separate individual, along with goats, cattle, and sheep. Why is this important? This detail is significant for several reasons: It highlights the importance of the military: It demonstrates that the Israelites were serious about their military strength and recognized the need to offer a tribute. It shows the scale of the battle: The number of individuals involved suggests a large, potentially significant battle was happening. It’s part of a larger pattern: This verse is often mentioned alongside other accounts of sacrifices and offerings given to God during times of conflict. In short, this verse describes a specific ritual payment made by the Israelites during a battle, involving a group of individuals – each with their own identity – as an offering to God. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of the verse in more detail? Connect this verse to other parts of the Bible? Discuss its historical context?