Numbers 31:11

KJV

And they took all the spoil, and all the prey, [both] of men and of beasts.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they took {H3947} all the spoil {H7998}, and all the prey {H4455}, both of men {H120} and of beasts {H929}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They took all the booty, all the people and animals they had captured,

Berean Standard Bible

and carried away all the plunder and spoils, both people and animals.

American Standard Version

And they took all the spoil, and all the prey, both of man and of beast.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 31:11 records the comprehensive outcome of Israel's divinely commanded punitive expedition against the Midianites, detailing the capture of all their material possessions and living beings. This verse underscores the totality of the Israelite victory, reflecting the thoroughness of God's judgment against Midian for their role in corrupting Israel at Baal-peor, and highlighting Israel's complete obedience to the divine mandate.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 31:11 is situated within the narrative of the war against Midian, which immediately follows the devastating incident at Baal-peor in [Numbers 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - The Baal-Peor Incident"). God explicitly commands Moses to avenge the Israelites against the Midianites ([Numbers 31:1-2](/numbers/31-1 "Numbers 31:1-2 - God's Command for Vengeance")). Moses then commissions a thousand men from each tribe, led by Phinehas, to execute this divine judgment ([Numbers 31:3-6](/numbers/31-3 "Numbers 31:3-6 - Preparation for War")). The preceding verses describe the successful execution of the command, including the slaying of all Midianite males, their five kings, and Balaam ([Numbers 31:7-8](/numbers/31-7 "Numbers 31:7-8 - The Victory Over Midian")). Verse 11, therefore, serves as a summary statement of the immediate material gains and human/animal captives taken after the initial slaughter, setting the stage for the subsequent purification rituals and the division of the spoils described in the remainder of [Numbers 31](/numbers/31 "Numbers 31 - The War Against Midian").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The war against Midian was not a typical territorial conquest but a unique act of divine retribution. Midian, a nomadic people, had lured Israel into idolatry and sexual immorality through the cult of Baal-peor, resulting in a plague that killed 24,000 Israelites ([Numbers 25:1-9](/numbers/25-1 "Numbers 25:1-9 - The Sin at Baal-Peor")). This punitive expedition reflects ancient Near Eastern warfare practices where the vanquished's possessions and even their people (women and children, though the command was later refined) became the spoils of the victors. The concept of *herem* (devotion to destruction) was often applied to enemies of God, signifying their complete annihilation or dedication to God, though in this case, a portion of the spoil was permitted. The scale of the "spoil" and "prey" in verse 11 highlights the immense wealth and resources of Midian and the thoroughness of the Israelite victory, which was a direct fulfillment of God's command for vengeance.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, demonstrating God's unwavering holiness and His severe response to sin, especially apostasy that leads His people astray. The comprehensive nature of the spoils emphasizes the totality of this judgment against a nation that sought to corrupt Israel. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Obedience to God's Command**. The Israelites' actions, including the taking of "all the spoil" and "all the prey," were in direct and meticulous obedience to God's explicit instructions given to Moses in [Numbers 31:1-2](/numbers/31-1 "Numbers 31:1-2 - God's Command for Vengeance"). This obedience was crucial for maintaining their covenant relationship and ensuring God's blessing. Thirdly, the verse exemplifies **Victory and the Spoils of War**, signifying not merely material gain but the decisive and overwhelming success of the Israelite mission, leaving nothing behind. This victory serves as a testament to God fighting for His people when they are faithful.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **spoil (Hebrew, _shalal'_):** This term refers to the general plunder, booty, or movable property taken in war. It encompasses all the non-living material possessions acquired from the defeated enemy, such as gold, silver, garments, and other valuables. The use of "all" (כָּל־, _kol'_) before "spoil" emphasizes the exhaustive nature of what was taken, indicating that nothing of value was left behind.
* **prey (Hebrew, _malqoach'_):** Distinct from "spoil," _malqoach_ specifically denotes captives, whether human or animal, taken alive during warfare. The word derives from a root meaning "to take" or "to seize." The explicit clarification "both of men and of beasts" immediately following "prey" confirms that this category included living beings. This distinction is crucial as it differentiates between inanimate objects and living creatures, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the capture.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they took all the spoil":** This clause signifies the complete acquisition of all inanimate possessions and valuables from the Midianites. The Israelites, acting under divine command, systematically gathered every piece of material wealth, leaving nothing behind. This act was not merely for enrichment but was part of the divinely ordained consequence for Midian's wickedness.
* **"and all the prey":** This phrase expands on the previous one, indicating that beyond material goods, the Israelites also captured all living beings that were not slain. This includes both human captives (women and children, as the males were killed) and all livestock. The repetition of "all" underscores the thoroughness of the operation.
* **"[both] of men and of beasts":** This explanatory phrase clarifies the nature of the "prey," specifying that it comprised both human beings and animals. This detail is vital for understanding the full scope of the capture and sets the stage for the subsequent instructions regarding the purification of the captives and the division of the spoils, particularly concerning the women and children who were initially spared but later subject to further divine directives.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to emphasize the totality and significance of the Israelite victory. **Repetition** is evident in the dual use of "all" ("all the spoil," "all the prey"), which functions as a form of **hyperbole** or intense emphasis, underscoring the comprehensive nature of what was taken. This repetition is not merely redundant but serves to impress upon the reader the absolute and exhaustive fulfillment of the divine command. The distinction between "spoil" and "prey," followed by the explicit clarification "of men and of beasts," demonstrates a precise and meticulous accounting, reflecting the ordered and deliberate nature of God's judgment. The entire verse, in its stark declaration of capture, also functions as a **synecdoche**, where the taking of "all the spoil" and "all the prey" represents the complete subjugation and judgment of the Midianite nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 31:11, though describing a violent act of war, carries profound theological implications. It powerfully illustrates God's absolute holiness and His unwavering justice against sin, particularly when it threatens the purity and covenant fidelity of His people. The thoroughness of the judgment against Midian, reflected in the comprehensive taking of spoils, underscores that God takes sin seriously and will not tolerate that which leads His chosen people astray. This passage serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of rebellion against God and the importance of maintaining spiritual distinctiveness. It also highlights the theme of divine enablement: Israel's victory was not merely a military triumph but a divinely orchestrated execution of judgment, demonstrating God's power to deliver His people and execute His righteous decrees.

* [Deuteronomy 7:2](/deuteronomy/7-2 "Deuteronomy 7:2 - Command to Destroy Nations")
* [Psalm 9:16](/psalm/9-16 "Psalm 9:16 - God is Known by His Justice")
* [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the immediate context of Numbers 31:11 is ancient warfare and divine retribution, its underlying principles offer timeless spiritual lessons. The passage reminds us of the profound seriousness with which God views sin, especially that which seeks to corrupt or lead His people away from Him. Just as Midian's influence brought spiritual devastation to Israel, so too can worldly temptations and ungodly influences today lead believers astray. This calls us to a vigilant spiritual discernment, recognizing the "spoil" and "prey" of sin—the destructive consequences and captives it takes in our lives and communities. We are called to engage in spiritual warfare, not with physical weapons, but by putting on the full armor of God ([Ephesians 6:11-17](/ephesians/6-11 "Ephesians 6:11-17 - The Armor of God")), to reclaim ground lost to sin and to live in the freedom Christ has won for us. The comprehensive victory of Israel serves as an encouragement that through Christ, we can experience complete victory over the spiritual enemies that seek to enslave us, leading to liberation and restoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the thoroughness of God's judgment against Midian in this passage inform your understanding of His holiness and justice today?**
* **In what ways might "spoil" and "prey" manifest in a spiritual sense in our lives or communities, representing areas where sin has gained a foothold?**
* **What practical steps can we take to exercise spiritual discernment and resist influences that seek to lead us away from God, similar to Midian's influence on Israel?**

### FAQ

**Why was the war against Midian so severe, and what does "spoil" and "prey" specifically refer to in this context?**

Answer: The war against Midian was exceptionally severe because it was a direct act of divine retribution for their role in the Baal-peor incident, where Midianite women lured Israelite men into idolatry and sexual immorality ([Numbers 25:1-9](/numbers/25-1 "Numbers 25:1-9 - The Baal-Peor Incident")). This sin brought a devastating plague upon Israel, killing 24,000 people. God commanded this war as vengeance, emphasizing the seriousness of apostasy and the defilement of His covenant people ([Numbers 31:1-2](/numbers/31-1 "Numbers 31:1-2 - God's Command for Vengeance")). The terms "spoil" and "prey" distinguish between different categories of captured items. "Spoil" (Hebrew: *shalal*) refers to inanimate material possessions and valuables taken in war, such as gold, silver, clothing, and other goods. "Prey" (Hebrew: *malqoach*), as clarified by the phrase "of men and of beasts," specifically refers to living captives—both human beings (women and children, as the males were killed) and livestock (cattle, sheep, donkeys). The comprehensive nature of "all the spoil" and "all the prey" underscores the totality of the Israelite victory and the thoroughness of God's judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 31:11, though describing a scene of ancient warfare and the taking of physical spoils, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the spiritual victory achieved by Jesus Christ. Just as Israel took "all the spoil" and "all the prey" from their defeated enemy, so Christ, through His death and resurrection, has decisively triumphed over the spiritual enemies that held humanity captive. The "spoil" of His victory includes the liberation from sin's dominion, the breaking of the curse of the law ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")), and the nullification of death's sting ([1 Corinthians 15:55-57](/1_corinthians/15-55 "1 Corinthians 15:55-57 - Victory Over Death")). The "prey" He has taken are those who were once enslaved by sin and darkness, now set free and brought into His glorious kingdom ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). Christ's victory on the cross disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers")). He is the ultimate Avenger, not against a physical nation, but against the spiritual forces of evil that sought to corrupt humanity and lead it astray from God. Through His sacrifice, He has secured a comprehensive and eternal victory, allowing believers to share in His triumph and inherit the true spiritual "spoils" of redemption and eternal life ([Ephesians 1:3-14](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3-14 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 20:14

But the women, and the little ones, and the cattle, and all that is in the city, [even] all the spoil thereof, shalt thou take unto thyself; and thou shalt eat the spoil of thine enemies, which the LORD thy God hath given thee.

Joshua 8:2

And thou shalt do to Ai and her king as thou didst unto Jericho and her king: only the spoil thereof, and the cattle thereof, shall ye take for a prey unto yourselves: lay thee an ambush for the city behind it.