Numbers 31:50

“We have therefore brought an oblation to the Lord, etc.] 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” f458, 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 f459, as dishes, cups, spoons, and the like: chains; which were wore about the neck, or upon the arm, as Aben Ezra: and bracelets; for the hand, as the same writer, (see <012422>Genesis 24:22,30), rings; for the finger: ear rings; for the ear, as we render it, the word signifies something…”

“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 mercies. These, if unacknowledged, would have entailed guilt on the soul. return to 'Top of Page'”

“An atonement - For their error noted, Num 31:14-16, and withal for a memorial, or by way of gratitude for such a stupendous assistance and deliverance. We should never take any thing to ourselves in war or trade, of which we cannot in faith consecrate a part to God, who hates robbery for burnt - offerings. But when God has remarkably preserved and succeeded us, he expects we should make some particular return of gratitude to him. Next: Numbers Chapter 32”

“31:50-54 The commanders gladly offered gold objects in gratitude for a great victory that resulted in no loss of life (cp. Exod 30:12). Ancient art and literature indicate that the Midianites and other desert peoples, both males and females, wore gold jewelry as adornment and as a form of portable wealth (e.g., Judg 8:24-26). Moses and Eleazar brought this large collection to the Tabernacle as a memorial of this special event (cp. Num 16:39-40; Zech 6:14).”

“therefore brought: The officers of the army having mustered their men, found they had not lost a man in the contest with Midian! Penetrated with gratitude for this most remarkable interposition of Providence in their favour, they now offer to Jehovah the golden jewels which they had found among the spoil, to the amount of 16,750 shekels, equal to 37,869, 16s. 5d. of our money. an oblation: Psa 107:15, Psa 107:21, Psa 107:22, Psa 116:12, Psa 116:17 gotten: Heb. found an atonement: Exo 30:12, Exo 30:15, Exo 30:16; Lev 17:11 Numbers 31:51”