Numbers 31:31

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And Moses and Eleazar the priest did as the LORD commanded Moses.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Moshe and El'azar the cohen did as ADONAI had ordered Moshe.

Berean Standard Bible:

So Moses and Eleazar the priest did as the LORD had commanded Moses,

American Standard Version:

And Moses and Eleazar the priest did as Jehovah commanded Moses.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And Moses^{H4872} and Eleazar^{H499} the priest^{H3548} did^{H6213} as the LORD^{H3068} commanded^{H6680} Moses^{H4872}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Numbers 31:31

1. Themes:
- Obedience to God's Command: The verse emphasizes the importance of following divine instructions as Moses and Eleazar adhere strictly to what the LORD had commanded Moses.
- Division of Spoils: The context of Numbers 31 involves the distribution of the spoils of war after the Israelites' victory over the Midianites. The verse reflects the theme of allocating the plunder between those who fought and the rest of the community, including a portion set apart for the LORD.
- Atonement and Purity: The broader chapter deals with the purification process for the soldiers and the spoils, which includes cleansing rituals and the handling of items dedicated to the LORD.

2. Historical Context:
- The Israelites' Journey: Numbers 31 occurs towards the end of the Israelites' wilderness wanderings, as they are preparing to enter the Promised Land. The book of Numbers documents the census of the tribes, various laws, and the events that befell the Israelites during their 40-year journey from Egypt to Canaan.
- Conflict with Midian: The Midianites had been involved in seducing the Israelites into idolatry and immorality (Numbers 25), leading to a plague sent by God. Numbers 31 details the Israelites' retaliatory campaign against Midian as a divine directive to punish them for their role in corrupting the Israelites.
- Transition of Leadership: This period also marks the transition from Moses' leadership to that of Joshua. Eleazar, the high priest, is involved in the distribution of the spoils, signifying the continuity of priestly authority.

In summary, Numbers 31:31 reflects the themes of obedience to God, the division of war spoils according to divine command, and the maintenance of ritual purity. It is set within the historical context of the Israelites' preparations to enter Canaan and a specific military campaign against Midian, with undertones of leadership transition within the Israelite community.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H4872
   There are 704 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מֹשֶׁה
   Transliteration: Môsheh
   Pronunciation: mo-sheh'
   Description: from מָשָׁה; drawing out (of the water), i.e. rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver; Moses.
   
2. Strong's Number: H499
   There are 123 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֶלְעָזָר
   Transliteration: ʼElʻâzâr
   Pronunciation: el-aw-zawr'
   Description: from אֵל and עָזַר; God (is) helper; Elazar, the name of seven Israelites; Eleazar.
   
3. Strong's Number: H3548
   There are 653 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: כֹּהֵן
   Transliteration: kôhên
   Pronunciation: ko-hane'
   Description: active participle of כָּהַן; literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman); chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer.
   
4. Strong's Number: H6213
   There are 2286 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עָשָׂה
   Transliteration: ʻâsâh
   Pronunciation: aw-saw'
   Description: a primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application; accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use.
   
5. Strong's Number: H3068
   There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יְהֹוָה
   Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
   Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
   Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה.
   
6. Strong's Number: H6680
   There are 475 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: צָוָה
   Transliteration: tsâvâh
   Pronunciation: tsaw-vaw'
   Description: a primitive root; (intensively) to constitute, enjoin; appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order.