Numbers 31
BSB1 And the LORD said to Moses, 2 “Take vengeance on the Midianites for the Israelites. After that, you will be gathered to your people." 3 So Moses told the people, “Arm some of your men for war, that they may go against the Midianites and execute the LORD’s vengeance on them. 4 Send into battle a thousand men from each tribe of Israel." 5 So a thousand men were recruited from each tribe of Israel—twelve thousand armed for war. 6 And Moses sent the thousand from each tribe into battle, along with Phinehas son of Eleazar the priest, who took with him the vessels of the sanctuary and the trumpets for signaling. 7 Then they waged war against Midian, as the LORD had commanded Moses, and they killed every male. 8 Among the slain were Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba—the five kings of Midian. They also killed Balaam son of Beor with the sword. 9 The Israelites captured the Midianite women and their children, and they plundered all their herds, flocks, and goods. 10 Then they burned all the cities where the Midianites had lived, as well as all their encampments, 11 and carried away all the plunder and spoils, both people and animals. 12 They brought the captives, spoils, and plunder to Moses, to Eleazar the priest, and to the congregation of Israel at the camp on the plains of Moab, by the Jordan across from Jericho. 13 And Moses, Eleazar the priest, and all the leaders of the congregation went to meet them outside the camp. 14 But Moses was angry with the officers of the army—the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds—who were returning from the battle. 15 “Have you spared all the women?” he asked them. 16 “Look, these women caused the sons of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to turn unfaithfully against the LORD at Peor, so that the plague struck the congregation of the LORD. 17 So now, kill all the boys, as well as every woman who has had relations with a man, 18 but spare for yourselves every girl who has never had relations with a man. 19 All of you who have killed a person or touched the dead are to remain outside the camp for seven days. On the third day and the seventh day you are to purify both yourselves and your captives. 20 And purify every garment and leather good, everything made of goat’s hair, and every article of wood." 21 Then Eleazar the priest said to the soldiers who had gone into battle, “This is the statute of the law which the LORD has commanded Moses: 22 Only the gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, and lead— 23 everything that can withstand the fire—must be put through the fire, and it will be clean. But it must still be purified with the water of purification. And everything that cannot withstand the fire must pass through the water. 24 On the seventh day you are to wash your clothes, and you will be clean. After that you may enter the camp." 25 The LORD said to Moses, 26 “You and Eleazar the priest and the family heads of the congregation are to take a count of what was captured, both of man and beast. 27 Then divide the captives between the troops who went out to battle and the rest of the congregation. 28 Set aside a tribute for the LORD from what belongs to the soldiers who went into battle: one out of every five hundred, whether persons, cattle, donkeys, or sheep. 29 Take it from their half and give it to Eleazar the priest as an offering to the LORD. 30 From the Israelites’ half, take one out of every fifty, whether persons, cattle, donkeys, sheep, or other animals, and give them to the Levites who keep charge of the tabernacle of the LORD." 31 So Moses and Eleazar the priest did as the LORD had commanded Moses, 32 and this plunder remained from the spoils the soldiers had taken: 675,000 sheep, 33 72,000 cattle, 34 61,000 donkeys, 35 and 32,000 women who had not slept with a man. 36 This was the half portion for those who had gone to war: 337,500 sheep, 37 including a tribute to the LORD of 675, 38 36,000 cattle, including a tribute to the LORD of 72, 39 30,500 donkeys, including a tribute to the LORD of 61, 40 and 16,000 people, including a tribute to the LORD of 32. 41 Moses gave the tribute to Eleazar the priest as an offering for the LORD, as the LORD had commanded Moses. 42 From the Israelites’ half, which Moses had set apart from the men who had gone to war, 43 this half belonged to the congregation: 337,500 sheep, 44 36,000 cattle, 45 30,500 donkeys, 46 and 16,000 people. 47 From the Israelites’ half, Moses took one out of every fifty persons and animals and gave them to the Levites who kept charge of the tabernacle of the LORD, as the LORD had commanded him. 48 Then the officers who were over the units of the army—the commanders of thousands and of hundreds—approached Moses 49 and said, “Your servants have counted the soldiers under our command, and not one of us is missing. 50 So we have brought to the LORD an offering of the gold articles each man acquired—armlets, bracelets, rings, earrings, and necklaces—to make atonement for ourselves before the LORD." 51 So Moses and Eleazar the priest received from them all the articles made out of gold. 52 All the gold that the commanders of thousands and of hundreds presented as an offering to the LORD weighed 16,750 shekels. 53 Each of the soldiers had taken plunder for himself. 54 And Moses and Eleazar the priest received the gold from the commanders of thousands and of hundreds and brought it into the Tent of Meeting as a memorial for the Israelites before the LORD.
Study Notes — Numbers 31
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Numbers 31
- Themes from Numbers 31
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Numbers 31
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with God's command to Moses to take vengeance on the Midianites for their role in leading the Israelites astray (Numbers 31:1-2). Moses and the Israelite army then defeat the Midianites, killing all the men and taking the women and children captive (Numbers 31:7-11). However, Moses is displeased that the Israelites had spared the women, who had been responsible for leading the Israelites into idolatry (Numbers 31:15-16). The chapter also describes the process of purifying those who had come into contact with the dead, as well as the distribution of the spoils of war (Numbers 31:19-47). The Israelites' actions demonstrate their commitment to following God's instructions, even in the face of challenging circumstances. The chapter concludes with the Israelites' offering of sacrifices to God, in gratitude for their victory and in recognition of God's sovereignty over all things (Numbers 31:48-54).
Context for the Chapter
Numbers 31 is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, as described in the book of Numbers. The chapter follows the Israelites' victory over the Midianites, which is a culmination of the events described in Numbers 25, where the Israelites are led astray by the Midianites and worship the Baal of Peor. The chapter also looks forward to the Israelites' entry into the Promised Land, where they will face new challenges and opportunities for obedience to God's commands. The book of Numbers is part of the larger biblical narrative, which describes God's relationship with His people and His plan for their redemption.
Heart Application
The chapter encourages readers to reflect on their own commitment to obedience to God's commands. As the Israelites demonstrated their commitment to following God's instructions, even in challenging circumstances, so too should Christians seek to obey God's commands in their own lives. The chapter also highlights the importance of holiness and purity, encouraging readers to separate themselves from things that are unclean and to seek to be set apart for God's purposes.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Numbers 31 is about the Israelites' victory over the Midianites, who had led them astray. The chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands and the need for holiness and purity. The Israelites' actions demonstrate their commitment to following God's instructions, even in challenging circumstances. As Christians, we can learn from the Israelites' example and seek to obey God's commands in our own lives, separating ourselves from things that are unclean and seeking to be set apart for God's purposes (Numbers 31:16, Numbers 31:19).
Voices from the Church
“The Lord, in commanding the Israelites to take vengeance on the Midianites, did not act from a desire for revenge, but from a desire to protect His people and to maintain the purity of their worship.”
— John Calvin
“The purification rituals described in Numbers 31 are a reminder of the importance of holiness and purity in the Christian life. As believers, we are called to be set apart for God's purposes, and to seek to live lives that are pleasing to Him.”
— Charles Spurgeon
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to the Chapter (Numbers 31:1-2) — The chapter begins with God's command to Moses to take vengeance on the Midianites for their role in leading the Israelites astray.
- The Israelites' Victory over the Midianites (Numbers 31:3-12) — The Israelites, led by Moses, defeat the Midianites and take their women and children captive.
- The Purification of the Israelites (Numbers 31:13-24) — The Israelites are instructed to purify themselves and their captives, and to separate themselves from things that are unclean.
- The Distribution of the Spoils of War (Numbers 31:25-47) — The chapter describes the process of distributing the spoils of war, including the division of the plunder among the Israelites and the offering of sacrifices to God.
- Conclusion (Numbers 31:48-54) — The chapter concludes with the Israelites' offering of sacrifices to God, in gratitude for their victory and in recognition of God's sovereignty over all things.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- The chapter highlights God's sovereignty over all things, as He guides the Israelites and directs their actions. This doctrine is central to the Christian faith, emphasizing God's control over all aspects of life.
- The Importance of Obedience
- The Israelites' actions in the chapter demonstrate their commitment to following God's instructions, even in challenging circumstances. This doctrine emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands in the Christian life.
- The Need for Holiness and Purity
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of holiness and purity, as the Israelites are instructed to purify themselves and their captives. This doctrine highlights the need for believers to separate themselves from things that are unclean and to seek to be set apart for God's purposes.
- The Role of Leadership
- Moses' leadership is highlighted in the chapter, as he follows God's instructions and guides the Israelites in their actions. This doctrine emphasizes the importance of leadership in the Christian life, as well as the need for leaders to be obedient to God's commands.
Lessons from Numbers 31
- The Importance of Obedience — The chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, even in challenging circumstances. This lesson encourages readers to reflect on their own commitment to obedience and to seek to follow God's instructions in their lives.
- The Need for Holiness and Purity — The chapter emphasizes the importance of holiness and purity, as the Israelites are instructed to purify themselves and their captives. This lesson encourages readers to separate themselves from things that are unclean and to seek to be set apart for God's purposes.
- The Role of Leadership — Moses' leadership is highlighted in the chapter, as he follows God's instructions and guides the Israelites in their actions. This lesson emphasizes the importance of leadership in the Christian life, as well as the need for leaders to be obedient to God's commands.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter highlights God's sovereignty over all things, as He guides the Israelites and directs their actions. This lesson encourages readers to trust in God's sovereignty and to seek to follow His will in their lives.
- The Importance of Gratitude and Worship — The chapter concludes with the Israelites' offering of sacrifices to God, in gratitude for their victory and in recognition of God's sovereignty over all things. This lesson encourages readers to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and worship in their lives, recognizing God's sovereignty and providence.
Themes from Numbers 31
- God's Sovereignty — The chapter highlights God's sovereignty over all things, as He guides the Israelites and directs their actions. This theme is central to the Christian faith, emphasizing God's control over all aspects of life.
- The Importance of Obedience — The Israelites' actions in the chapter demonstrate their commitment to following God's instructions, even in challenging circumstances. This theme emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands in the Christian life.
- The Need for Holiness and Purity — The chapter emphasizes the importance of holiness and purity, as the Israelites are instructed to purify themselves and their captives. This theme highlights the need for believers to separate themselves from things that are unclean and to seek to be set apart for God's purposes.
- The Role of Leadership — Moses' leadership is highlighted in the chapter, as he follows God's instructions and guides the Israelites in their actions. This theme emphasizes the importance of leadership in the Christian life, as well as the need for leaders to be obedient to God's commands.
- The Importance of Gratitude and Worship — The chapter concludes with the Israelites' offering of sacrifices to God, in gratitude for their victory and in recognition of God's sovereignty over all things. This theme encourages readers to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and worship in their lives, recognizing God's sovereignty and providence.
Questions for Meditation
- What can we learn from the Israelites' commitment to following God's instructions, even in challenging circumstances?
- How does the chapter's emphasis on holiness and purity apply to our lives as Christians?
- What role does leadership play in the chapter, and what can we learn from Moses' example?
- How does the chapter's description of the Israelites' victory over the Midianites foreshadow Christ's victory over sin and death?
- What can we learn from the Israelites' example of gratitude and worship, as expressed in their offering of sacrifices to God?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to the Chapter (Numbers 31:1-2)
| Numbers 31:1 | The chapter begins with God's command to Moses to take vengeance on the Midianites for their role in leading the Israelites astray. |
| Numbers 31:2 | Moses is instructed to avenge the Israelites on the Midianites, and then to be gathered to his people. |
2. The Israelites' Victory over the Midianites (Numbers 31:3-12)
| Numbers 31:3 | Moses speaks to the people, telling them to arm some of their men for war, to execute the Lord's vengeance on Midian. |
| Numbers 31:4 | A thousand from each tribe, twelve thousand armed for war, are sent to the Midianites. |
| Numbers 31:5 | They are joined by Phinehas son of Eleazar the priest, who brings the vessels of the sanctuary and the trumpets for the battle. |
| Numbers 31:6 | Moses sends them out to battle, and they defeat the Midianites, killing all the men. |
| Numbers 31:7 | They also kill the five kings of Midian, and Balaam son of Beor they kill with the sword. |
| Numbers 31:8 | The women of Midian, who had been involved in the idolatry at Peor, are also killed. |
| Numbers 31:9 | The Israelites take the women and children of the Midianites captive, as well as their livestock and all their goods. |
| Numbers 31:10 | They burn all the cities where the Midianites lived, as well as all their encampments. |
| Numbers 31:11 | They take all the plunder and all the spoils, both people and animals. |
| Numbers 31:12 | They bring the captives, the spoils, and the plunder to Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the congregation of the Israelites, at the camp on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho. |
3. The Purification of the Israelites (Numbers 31:13-24)
| Numbers 31:13 | Moses, Eleazar the priest, and all the leaders of the congregation go to meet them outside the camp. |
| Numbers 31:14 | Moses is angry with the officers of the army, the commanders of thousands and the commanders of hundreds, who have come from the battle. |
| Numbers 31:15 | Moses asks them why they have spared the women, who were the ones who had caused the Israelites to trespass against the Lord in the affair of Peor. |
| Numbers 31:16 | Moses instructs them to kill every male among the children, and every woman who has known a man intimately. |
| Numbers 31:17 | But all the young girls who have not known a man intimately, they keep alive for themselves. |
| Numbers 31:18 | Moses also instructs them to purify themselves and their captives, and to wash their clothes on the seventh day, and then they will be clean. |
| Numbers 31:19 | Anyone who has killed someone or touched someone who was killed must stay outside the camp for seven days, and they must purify themselves on the third day and on the seventh day. |
| Numbers 31:20 | They must also purify every garment, every article of leather, every woven item, and every article made of goats' hair. |
| Numbers 31:21 | Eleazar the priest instructs them on how to purify the captives and the spoils, using the water of purification. |
| Numbers 31:22 | Gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, and lead, anything that can withstand fire, they are to pass through the fire, and it will be clean. |
| Numbers 31:23 | But anything that cannot withstand fire, they must pass through the water of purification. |
| Numbers 31:24 | On the seventh day, they must wash their clothes and be clean, and then they may come into the camp. |
4. The Distribution of the Spoils of War (Numbers 31:25-47)
| Numbers 31:25 | The Lord speaks to Moses, telling him to take the spoils of war and divide them between the men who went to battle and the rest of the congregation. |
| Numbers 31:26 | Moses and Eleazar the priest take the gold that the officers of the army have brought, and they bring it before the Lord as a memorial for the Israelites. |
| Numbers 31:27 | Moses gives the tribute to Eleazar the priest as an offering to the Lord. |
| Numbers 31:28 | From the Israelites' share, Moses takes one out of every five hundred, whether people or animals, and gives them to Eleazar the priest as an offering to the Lord. |
| Numbers 31:29 | From the half given to the Israelites, Moses takes one out of every fifty, whether people or animals, and gives them to the Levites, who are responsible for the tabernacle of the Lord. |
| Numbers 31:30 | The officers of the thousands, the commanders of the thousands and the commanders of the hundreds, approach Moses. |
| Numbers 31:31 | They say to Moses, 'Your servants have counted the men of war who are under our command, and not a man of us is missing.' |
| Numbers 31:32 | So they bring their offerings before the Lord, sixteen thousand five hundred shekels of gold, and they give them to Eleazar the priest. |
| Numbers 31:33 | The half, the portion of those who went out to war, was three hundred thirty-seven thousand five hundred sheep, thirty-six thousand bulls, thirty thousand donkeys, and thirty thousand people. |
| Numbers 31:34 | The Lord's portion is six hundred seventy-five sheep, seventy-two bulls, sixty-six donkeys, and sixty-six people. |
| Numbers 31:35 | Moses gives the tribute to Eleazar the priest, as an offering to the Lord, just as the Lord had commanded Moses. |
| Numbers 31:36 | The half, the portion of the Israelites, which Moses separated from the men who fought the battle, is three hundred thirty-seven thousand five hundred sheep, thirty-six thousand bulls, thirty thousand donkeys, and thirty thousand people. |
| Numbers 31:37 | The Israelites' share is six hundred seventy-five sheep, seventy-two bulls, sixty-six donkeys, and sixty-six people. |
| Numbers 31:38 | The Levites' share is three hundred thirty-seven sheep, thirty-six bulls, thirty donkeys, and thirty people. |
| Numbers 31:39 | Moses gives the Levites' share to Eleazar the priest, just as the Lord had commanded. |
| Numbers 31:40 | The number of people is thirty-two thousand women who had not known a man intimately. |
| Numbers 31:41 | Moses gives the Levites thirty-two thousand people, just as the Lord had commanded. |
| Numbers 31:42 | The number of sheep is six hundred seventy-five, from the Israelites' share, which Moses gives to the Levites, just as the Lord had commanded. |
| Numbers 31:43 | The number of cattle is seventy-two, from the Israelites' share, which Moses gives to the Levites, just as the Lord had commanded. |
| Numbers 31:44 | The number of donkeys is sixty-six, from the Israelites' share, which Moses gives to the Levites, just as the Lord had commanded. |
| Numbers 31:45 | The number of people is sixty-six, from the Israelites' share, which Moses gives to the Levites, just as the Lord had commanded. |
| Numbers 31:46 | Moses gives the Levites their share, just as the Lord had commanded Moses. |
| Numbers 31:47 | From the Israelites' share, Moses takes one out of every fifty, whether people or animals, and gives them to the Levites, who are responsible for the tabernacle of the Lord, just as the Lord had commanded Moses. |
5. Conclusion (Numbers 31:48-54)
| Numbers 31:48 | Then the officers who were over the thousands of the army, the commanders of the thousands and the commanders of the hundreds, approached Moses. |
| Numbers 31:49 | They said to Moses, 'Your servants have counted the men of war who are under our command, and not a man of us is missing.' |
| Numbers 31:50 | So they bring their offerings before the Lord, sixteen thousand five hundred shekels of gold, and they give them to Eleazar the priest. |
| Numbers 31:51 | Moses and Eleazar the priest take the gold from them, all the crafted articles, and bring it before the Lord as a memorial for the Israelites. |
| Numbers 31:52 | The total of the gold from the commanders of the thousands and the commanders of the hundreds is sixteen thousand seven hundred fifty shekels. |
| Numbers 31:53 | The men of war had taken plunder, every man for himself, and they bring it and give it to Moses and Eleazar the priest. |
| Numbers 31:54 | Moses and Eleazar the priest take the gold from the commanders of the thousands and the commanders of the hundreds, and bring it to the tent of meeting as a memorial for the Israelites before the Lord. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the reason for the Israelites' attack on the Midianites?
The reason for the Israelites' attack on the Midianites was to avenge the Israelites for the Midianites' role in leading them astray and causing them to trespass against the Lord (Numbers 31:16).
How did the Israelites purify themselves and their captives?
The Israelites purified themselves and their captives by washing their clothes, bathing themselves, and passing through the water of purification (Numbers 31:19-24).
What was the significance of the Israelites' offering of sacrifices to God?
The Israelites' offering of sacrifices to God was a way of expressing their gratitude for their victory and recognizing God's sovereignty over all things (Numbers 31:48-54).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 31:1 → Deuteronomy 20:1-20 | The instructions for warfare in Deuteronomy 20:1-20 provide a broader context for understanding the Israelites' actions in Numbers 31. |
| 2 | Numbers 31:2 → Numbers 25:1-18 | The events of Numbers 25:1-18, where the Israelites are led astray by the Midianites, provide a background for understanding the Israelites' attack on the Midianites in Numbers 31. |
| 3 | Numbers 31:16 → Matthew 1:1 | The genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:1 includes the names of several women who were involved in the events of Numbers 31, highlighting the connection between the Old and New Testaments. |
| 4 | Numbers 31:19 → Leviticus 15:1-33 | The purification rituals described in Numbers 31:19 are similar to those described in Leviticus 15:1-33, highlighting the importance of ritual cleanliness in the Israelites' worship. |
| 5 | Numbers 31:25 → Deuteronomy 20:14 | The instructions for dividing the spoils of war in Deuteronomy 20:14 provide a broader context for understanding the Israelites' actions in Numbers 31:25-47. |
| 6 | Numbers 31:31 → Exodus 30:11-16 | The half-shekel tax described in Exodus 30:11-16 provides a background for understanding the tribute given to the Levites in Numbers 31:31-41. |
| 7 | Numbers 31:48 → Psalm 106:1-48 | The psalmist's description of the Israelites' rebellion and God's deliverance in Psalm 106:1-48 provides a broader context for understanding the events of Numbers 31. |
| 8 | Numbers 31:54 → Hebrews 10:10-14 | The author of Hebrews describes the ultimate purification that Christ would bring through His death and resurrection in Hebrews 10:10-14, highlighting the connection between the Old and New Testaments. |
Sermons on Numbers 31
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Don't Be Dismayed, God Will Not Fail You by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Joshua in the book of Joshua, chapter 8. The Lord speaks to Joshua and tells him not to fear or be discouraged, as He has given |
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Gideon by Norman Grubb | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Gideon from the Bible. Gideon and his men were facing a formidable enemy, but God instructed them to use unconventional methods t |
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Destruction of the Midianites by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses the destruction of the Midianites as recorded in Numbers 31, emphasizing the severe consequences of sin and disobedience among the Israelites. He highlights M |
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The Doom of the Double-Hearted. by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar warns against the fate of the double-hearted, exemplified by Balaam, who sought to serve both God and mammon, ultimately leading to his downfall. Balaam's life was m |
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From the Rejection of That Generation to the Death of Moses by Flavius Josephus | Moses sends an army to destroy the Midianites due to their corrupting influence on the Hebrews. Phineas leads the army and defeats the Midianites, killing their kings and taking a |
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Satan's Tools by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about the importance of laying aside every weight and sin that hinders our Christian progress, emphasizing the dangers of despondency and murmuring which |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Numbers 31
In his commentary on Numbers 31, Matthew Henry notes that the chapter describes the Israelites' victory over the Midianites, as well as their purification and the distribution of the spoils of war. Henry emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, as well as the need for holiness and purity in the Christian life. He also highlights the significance of the Israelites' offering of sacrifices to God, as a way of expressing their gratitude for their victory and recognizing God's sovereignty over all things. Henry notes that the chapter foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, who would ultimately defeat sin and its consequences, and that the purification rituals described in the chapter point to the ultimate purification that Christ would bring through His death and resurrection (Numbers 31:16, Numbers 31:19, Numbers 31:48). Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
God's Concern for Holiness
Throughout the chapter, God's instructions emphasize the importance of holiness and purity. The Israelites are commanded to purify themselves and their captives, and to separate themselves from things that are unclean. This highlights God's concern for His people's spiritual well-being and His desire for them to be set apart from the world.
The Importance of Obedience
The Israelites' actions in the chapter demonstrate their commitment to following God's instructions, even in challenging circumstances. This highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, as well as the consequences of disobedience.
The Role of Leadership
Moses' leadership is highlighted in the chapter, as he follows God's instructions and guides the Israelites in their actions. This emphasizes the importance of leadership in the Christian life, as well as the need for leaders to be obedient to God's commands.