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Numbers 31:39 - Divine portion from war spoils?

Numbers 31:39 - במדבר 31:39

Hebrew Text

וַחֲמֹרִים שְׁלֹשִׁים אֶלֶף וַחֲמֵשׁ מֵאוֹת וּמִכְסָם לַיהוָה אֶחָד וְשִׁשִּׁים׃

English Translation

And the asses were thirty thousand, five hundred; of which the Lord’s tribute was sixty one.

Transliteration

Vachamorim shloshim elef vachamesh me'ot umichsam la'Adonai echad veshishim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַחֲמֹרִ֕ים שְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים אֶ֖לֶף וַחֲמֵ֣שׁ מֵא֑וֹת וּמִכְסָ֥ם לַֽיהֹוָ֖ה אֶחָ֥ד וְשִׁשִּֽׁים׃
וַחֲמֹרִ֕ים שְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים אֶ֖לֶף וַחֲמֵ֣שׁ מֵא֑וֹת וּמִכְסָ֥ם לַֽיהֹוָ֖ה אֶחָ֥ד וְשִׁשִּֽׁים׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse appears in Bamidbar (Numbers) 31:39, detailing the spoils of war taken by Bnei Yisrael from Midian. The Torah specifies the number of donkeys captured and the portion designated as a tribute to Hashem.

Explanation of the Numbers

Rashi (Bamidbar 31:39) explains that the Torah lists the spoils to emphasize the miracle of the battle—despite the small number of Israelite soldiers, they captured vast amounts of livestock. The 30,500 donkeys were part of the plunder, and the 61 donkeys were given as a terumah (tribute) to Hashem.

The Significance of the Tribute

The Mishnah (Bechorot 5:1) and Rambam (Hilchot Bekhorim 6:2) discuss the laws of terumat ma'aser (tithing). Here, the 61 donkeys represent a 1/500th portion given to the Kohanim, as derived from the verse. This parallels the tithe of animals in Vayikra (Leviticus) 27:32, where every tenth animal is holy.

Symbolism of Donkeys

The Midrash Tanchuma (Chukat 1) associates donkeys with material labor and burden-bearing. The large number captured signifies the wealth transferred from Midian to Israel, while the tribute acknowledges Hashem’s role in their victory. The Kli Yakar (Bamidbar 31:39) adds that donkeys, being impure animals, represent the kelipot (husks of impurity) subdued through sanctification when dedicated to Hashem.

Mathematical Precision

  • 30,500 donkeys: Total plunder, showing Hashem’s blessing in war.
  • 61 donkeys: Exactly 1/500th, demonstrating the precision of mitzvah observance.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 31:39 mean when it mentions 'the Lord’s tribute'?
A: The verse refers to the spoils of war from the battle against Midian. According to Jewish law (based on Numbers 31:28-30), a portion of war spoils must be dedicated to God—some given to the Kohen (priest) and some to the Levites. Rashi explains that this 'tribute' (מכס) was a small percentage taken as a holy offering to God from the spoils.
Q: Why were donkeys (asses) specifically counted in this verse?
A: Donkeys were valuable animals in biblical times for transportation and labor. The Torah counts them separately from other spoils (like sheep and cattle) because they had different halachic (Jewish legal) status. The Rambam (Hilchot Meilah 6:1) discusses laws regarding sanctified animals like these donkeys dedicated to the Temple.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the concept of giving tribute to God from spoils of war?
A: This teaches the importance of recognizing that all success comes from God. Even in military victory, the Torah commands us to dedicate a portion to God, showing gratitude and humility. The Midrash (Tanchuma Matot 3) emphasizes that we must never attribute success solely to our own strength, but acknowledge God's role in our achievements.