Numbers 31:25-30: a reflection

25The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 26“Count the plunder that was taken, both of man and of animal, you, and Eleazar the priest, and the heads of the fathers’ households of the congregation; 27and divide the plunder into two parts: between the men skilled in war, who went out to battle, and all the congregation. 28Levy a tribute to the LORD of the men of war who went out to battle: one soul of five hundred; of the persons, of the cattle, of the donkeys, and of the flocks. 29Take it from their half, and give it to Eleazar the priest, for the LORD’s wave offering. 30Of the children of Israel’s half, you shall take one drawn out of every fifty, of the persons, of the cattle, of the donkeys, and of the flocks, of all the livestock, and give them to the Levites, who perform the duty of the LORD’s tabernacle.”

After a battle, God instructs Moses on how to divide the plunder, and one detail stands out: a portion of it was to be set apart for the LORD. From the share of the soldiers and from the share of the people, a tribute was taken and given to the priests and Levites for the service of God. Even the spoils of war, a windfall, an unexpected gain, were not simply kept in full; a portion was acknowledged as belonging to God.

Notice the principle at work: God's portion in what they gained. The plunder had come to them, and they might have regarded it as entirely their own to keep; but God taught them to set apart a share for him, acknowledging that their gain was not theirs alone. Whatever came into their hands, even an unexpected windfall, carried with it the recognition that God had a claim, and that a portion belonged to him.

That principle guards us against a common forgetfulness. When gain comes to us, especially unexpected gain, a windfall, a bonus, a piece of good fortune, we easily assume it is entirely our own, and forget the God who gave it. But all we receive comes from God's hand, and it is right to acknowledge his claim on it, to set apart a portion for him and his work. When gain comes to you, do not simply keep it all as though it were yours alone. Acknowledge God as the giver; set apart a portion for him; remember his claim on what you receive. The gain that comes to your hand comes from God; give him his portion, and do not forget the giver in the receiving.

Lord, when plunder came to your people after battle, you taught them to set apart a portion for you, acknowledging that their gain was not theirs alone. Guard me against a common forgetfulness. When gain comes to me, especially unexpected gain, a windfall or a piece of good fortune, I easily assume it is entirely my own, and forget you who gave it. But all I receive comes from your hand, and it is right to acknowledge your claim on it, to set apart a portion for you and your work. When gain comes to me, help me not simply to keep it all as though it were mine alone, but to acknowledge you as the giver, to set apart a portion for you, and to remember your claim on what I receive. Let me not forget the giver in the receiving, but honor you with what comes to my hand.