Interesting Details

Half of the plunder was given to the fighting men.  It totaled 337,500 sheep and goats, of which 675 were the LORD’s share; 36,000 cattle, of which 72 were the LORD’s share; 30,500 donkeys, of which 61 were the LORD’s share; and 16,000 virgin girls, of whom 32 were the LORD’s share.  Moses gave all the LORD’s share to Eleazar the priest, just as the LORD had directed him. [Numbers 31.36-41]

What was the "LORD's share"?  Did that go to the priests?  I know the Levites' share was taken form the half of plunder given to the people.  But what about the LORD's share taken from the half that the fighting men?  Was it all sacrificed?  I would hope not as there were 32 young girls in the mix.  And if they were not sacrificed, what role would 32 young girls play with the priesthood?  Were the priests dedicated to just one wife?  Or, were the girls used as slaves at the priests' home level (I don't think they would be allowed to have anything to do with the Tabernacle)?

I did find in today's reading that indirectly it is documented that Balaam's input evidently went further than the previous narrative led us to believe.  It seems that where he left off pronouncing blessings is where he took up giving advice.  His advice was for the Midianite women to "infiltrate" and defile the Israelite men - which they did quite readily.

Interesting details.

Father, help me to read and meditate on what I have read.  Help me to learn - really learn - instead of just confirming what I was taught and told as a child concerning the Bible and Your Story!