Numbers 31:27Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

‘And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying: Count the spoils of the captivity, from man to cattle, thou and Eleazar the priest, and the chiefs of the tribes of the people; and divide the spoils in half among them that went to war, and among all the people; and of the soldiers that went to war, take tribute unto the Lord, one soul of each of five hundred, of men and of cattle, and of asses and of small cattle; And of the half of the children of Israel, take it out of half of them, and give it to Eleazar the priest for an offering to the Lord: and out of the half of the children of Israel, take one soul of fifty, of men, of cattle, of asses, and of small cattle, and give it to the Levites that minister at the tabernacle of the Lord. And Moses and Eleazar the priest did as the Lord commanded Moses’ (Num. 31:25-31). Thus, the divine command was promptly executed; the spoils were meticulously counted and equally divided, with the offerings designated for Eleazar the priest and the tribe of Levi.

Cyril then asked Palladius if he could remember the earlier discussion. Palladius affirmed that he could. Cyril continued by pointing out that Scripture indicates that a thousand warriors from each tribe were assembled to battle. Palladius agreed. Cyril clarified that they had noted earlier that the glory and commendation of one group could be attributed to the entirety due to God's mercy, which allows for a collective recognition akin to a singular incense rising to God, comprised of diverse offerings. Palladius concurred, recognizing this as a key point of discussion.

Cyril further illustrated how God establishes this principle for the Israelites. Although a valiant thousand from each tribe confronted the Midianites and triumphed through much effort, the spoils collected from the conflict were shared among the entire community, thereby honorably involving all in the achievements of the courageous warriors: ‘You and Eleazar the priest, and the princes of the host, shall divide the spoils: and you shall divide the spoils among the soldiers who went to the battle, and among all the host’ (Num. 31:26-27). The Apostle Paul confirms this idea, indicating that alongside the most esteemed individuals, those who may seem lesser will also be glorified. After recounting the faithful from the past who received God’s commendation through their unwavering belief and worship, he notes: ‘All these died in faith without receiving the promises ... because God had provided something better for us, so that they might not attain perfection without us’ (Hebrews 11:13-40). To the Corinthians, he similarly addresses their current state, saying they are already perfected: ‘you have begun to reign without us. Oh, if you would indeed reign, that we also might reign with you!’ (1 Cor. 4:8).

Cyril highlighted that even those who are not as strong can achieve perfection alongside the victorious. He also mentioned how David joyfully proclaimed: ‘Blessed are ye by the Lord, who made heaven and earth. ... The Lord remembers us, blesses us, blesses the house of Israel, blesses the house of Aaron; blesses those who fear the Lord, the small with the great’ (Psalm 113:23-20-21). Here, the lesser are equally blessed with the great, as those who may not stand equal in endurance still match them in zeal and faith, bringing joy to Christ through their steadfastness.

Cyril drew an analogy between Moses and Eleazar as representations of the ultimate high priest and lawgiver, Christ, who distributes the people's gains in the presence of the holy angels, who symbolize leaders within society. He asked Palladius if he accepted the presence of many holy angels on earth, designed by God to assist the faithful and guide nations, to which Palladius affirmed. Cyril expressed anticipation for Christ's return from heaven with the holy angels, to sit in eternal glory and reward each according to their good works. He referenced Isaiah: ‘Therefore I will give Him a portion among the great, and He shall share the spoil with the strong, because He gave His life to death, and was counted among the evildoers, whereas He bore the sin of many, and was made an intercessor for the transgressors’ (Isaiah 53:12). This sharing of benefits is foreshadowed in the actions of Moses and Eleazar, for Christ embodies both the lawgiver and the high priest. Palladius nodded in agreement, acknowledging the clarity of the discourse.