Definition: And all the gold of the offering that they offered up to the LORD, of the captains of thousands, and of the captains of hundreds, was sixteen thousand seven hundred and fifty shekels.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 31:52. It’s a really significant piece of history! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse tells us that a large amount of money – around sixteen thousand seven hundred and fifty shekels (which is roughly equivalent to $700,000 today) – was given as a gift or offering to God. This wasn't just any ordinary gift; it came from people who were leading huge groups – like captains of thousands or hundreds. Let’s unpack it: “Numbers 31:52” : This is the specific verse we're talking about. “And all the gold…” : This refers to a large amount of precious metal, likely gold, which was a valuable commodity at that time. “…of the captains of thousands, and of the captains of hundreds…” : This is the crucial part. It tells us these weren't just regular people giving gifts. These were leaders – military commanders, religious figures, or important officials – who were commanding huge numbers of people. “Thousands” and “hundreds” are very large groups. “…was sixteen thousand seven hundred and fifty shekels.” : This is the amount of money. It’s a substantial sum that was given as a gift to God. What's the Significance? This story is important because it shows: God valued leadership: The fact that these leaders gave such a large amount of money demonstrates how much God values those who lead and guide people. Divine Favor: It suggests that God appreciated and recognized the importance of these leaders, even though they were giving a significant amount of wealth. In short, this verse describes a remarkable act of generosity – a massive gift given by powerful leaders to God. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that I can help answer? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of the story in the Bible? Discuss why this event is significant historically?