Numbers 31 5

Numbers 31:5 kjv

So there were delivered out of the thousands of Israel, a thousand of every tribe, twelve thousand armed for war.

Numbers 31:5 nkjv

So there were recruited from the divisions of Israel one thousand from each tribe, twelve thousand armed for war.

Numbers 31:5 niv

So twelve thousand men armed for battle, a thousand from each tribe, were supplied from the clans of Israel.

Numbers 31:5 esv

So there were provided, out of the thousands of Israel, a thousand from each tribe, twelve thousand armed for war.

Numbers 31:5 nlt

So they chose 1,000 men from each tribe of Israel, a total of 12,000 men armed for battle.

Numbers 31 verses

Numbers 31 5 Meaning

Numbers 31:5 describes the meticulous process of conscripting soldiers for the war against Midian. From each of the twelve tribes of Israel, a contingent of one thousand chosen men was provided, making a total force of twelve thousand men specifically armed and prepared for this divine punitive expedition. This selection emphasizes the nation's unified participation in a holy war mandated by God for justice and vengeance against Midian's treachery.

Numbers 31 5 Context

Numbers chapter 31 describes the divinely commanded war of vengeance against the Midianites, serving as a direct consequence for their role in seducing Israel to idolatry and sexual immorality at Baal-Peor (Num 25:1-18). The immediate verses (Num 31:1-4) reiterate God's specific instruction to Moses to take vengeance. This war is not primarily for territorial expansion or wealth, but an act of God's holy justice against a people who had severely harmed Israel spiritually and numerically. Verse 5 sets forth the practical and structured implementation of this divine decree, demonstrating Israel's corporate obedience and preparedness under divine order, highlighting that this was a holy war, necessitating a specifically prepared and representative fighting force from all tribes.

Numbers 31 5 Word analysis

• So there were provided/delivered (וַיִּמָּסְרוּ, vayyimmasru):
  • Original Meaning: From the root מסר (masar), meaning "to hand over," "deliver," or "commit." In the Niphal stem (passive voice, here imperfect consecutive), it implies that these men "were handed over" or "were designated."
  • Significance: This indicates a deliberate, authorized, and structured delivery of men, rather than a spontaneous volunteer effort. It suggests leadership was active in commissioning them, reflecting obedience to divine instruction and order. The passive voice implies a process enacted upon them by the tribal leaders acting on divine command.
• out of the thousands (מֵאַלְפֵי, me'alphe):
  • Original Meaning: From אלף (eleph), which literally means "thousand," but often denotes a clan, family unit, or military division (like a company or regiment) within a tribe.
  • Significance: This isn't just a general conscription of random individuals. The term 'thousands' as military/social units shows a systematic, organized selection from the established tribal structures, emphasizing representation and collective tribal involvement rather than just individual volunteers. It implies the selection was rooted in existing, organized societal structures.
• of Israel (יִשְׂרָאֵל, Yisrael):
  • Original Meaning: The covenant nation, chosen by God.
  • Significance: This refers to the entire collective entity of God's people. The levy was a national effort, reinforcing that the vengeance was not by one tribe or for personal gain, but an act of corporate justice by God's chosen nation.
• a thousand of every tribe (אֶלֶף לַמַּטֶּה, eleph lamatteh):
  • Original Meaning: אֶלֶף (eleph) as "thousand," לַמַּטֶּה (lamatteh) from מַטֶּה (matteh) meaning "staff," "rod," or "tribe." Thus, "a thousand for/from each tribe."
  • Significance: This precise, equal quota from each of the twelve tribes highlights the fairness, unity, and universal participation across the entire Israelite confederacy. No single tribe bore an undue burden or was left out; all were equally responsible and committed to the divine command. This numeric equality underscored national unity and shared accountability in executing divine justice.
• for the war (לַצָּבָא, laṣṣāvā):
  • Original Meaning: From צָבָא (ṣāvā), meaning "army," "host," "warfare," or "military service." The prefixed 'ל' (la) means "for" or "to."
  • Significance: Clearly states the direct purpose and specific assignment of these selected men. They were equipped and sent for the direct military engagement, a divine commission against Midian. This was not a training exercise but preparation for immediate, purposeful conflict. The very term "Tzava" (army/host) is also used for the "host of heaven," subtly linking Israel's earthly army under God's command to the heavenly forces.
• Words-group analysis:
  • So there were provided out of the thousands of Israel, one thousand from each tribe: This phrase encapsulates the systematic, representative, and divinely ordained nature of the recruitment. It reflects careful organization and selection, demonstrating that Israel's military strength and action were rooted in divine order and collective responsibility. It wasn't a casual muster but a solemn commissioning reflecting God's direct involvement and authority over the census and deployment.
  • twelve thousand armed for war: This concluding phrase provides the total numerical strength of the fighting force, emphasizing its exactness and preparedness. The specific number underscores divine precision in carrying out judgment, and "armed for war" signifies their readiness for combat and the immediate purpose of their selection—not peace or ordinary duties, but righteous warfare. It shows Israel’s capacity to field a formidable, yet precisely ordered, fighting force.

Numbers 31 5 Bonus section

The concept of "holy war" (milhemet mitzvah or herem) as depicted in this chapter is unique in ancient Near Eastern history, not being about conquest for human empire, but as an act of divine judgment against profound wickedness. The meticulous detail in this verse, from the method of selection (out of established "thousands" or clans) to the exact quota from each tribe, demonstrates the theological significance beyond mere military logistics. It implies that only men ritually prepared and officially designated could participate in such a consecrated act of vengeance, reinforcing the sacred boundary between Israel and the pagan nations whose actions called forth divine wrath. This precise composition of the army highlights the symbolic weight of Israel's obedience and the corporate execution of God's will against forces that sought to corrupt His chosen people. The ultimate victory belonged to God, and this prepared army acted as His instrument.

Numbers 31 5 Commentary

Numbers 31:5 illustrates the disciplined and divine-mandated preparation for a holy war of vengeance against Midian. The careful selection of exactly one thousand men from each of Israel's twelve tribes highlights several crucial theological points: the collective responsibility of the entire nation in fulfilling divine judgment, the order and precision expected by God in executing His commands, and the national unity required for such sacred undertakings. This was not a spontaneous tribal skirmish, but a highly structured, centrally commanded operation under God's direct authority. The exact number and uniform contribution from each tribe emphasized the communal nature of both the previous sin (leading to judgment) and the subsequent righteous vengeance. It demonstrates that God's people operate as a unified, organized host, moving as one body when called to accomplish His purposes, especially in confronting evil and injustice as defined by His law.