Definition: And the beeves [were] thirty and six thousand; of which the LORD’S tribute [was] threescore and twelve.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Numbers 31:38. It’s a fascinating and somewhat surprising detail about the beehive! Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, the bees were incredibly large – almost 30,600 individual bees! And the Bible says that the LORD (God) was giving them a special tribute, which is essentially a gift or payment. Let's unpack it further: “The beeves” : This is a slightly archaic word for “bees.” It’s not exactly how we say them now! “Thirty and six thousand” : This number is huge – it represents a massive amount of bees! “…of which the LORD’S tribute [was] threescore and twelve.” : This is the key part. The Lord was giving the bees a tribute , meaning a special offering or payment, of 30,600 bees. The word "tribute" means a gift given to someone as a reward for their service or effort. Why is this important? This verse is found in the Book of Numbers and is connected to a significant story about the Israelites' relationship with the Midianites – a group of people they were forced to leave. It highlights God’s generosity and the importance of giving back, even to those who are seemingly less valuable. In short, it tells us that the bees were incredibly productive and valuable, and the Lord was rewarding them with a significant payment. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you a little more context about the story behind this verse?