Numbers 31:31

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 31:31 concisely concludes the detailed account of the war against Midian and the subsequent instructions for dividing and purifying the spoils. This verse serves as a powerful affirmation of the faithful and complete execution of God's specific commands by Moses and Eleazar the priest, underscoring the paramount importance of obedience in the covenant relationship between God and His people. It highlights the diligent adherence of Israel's leadership to divine directives, ensuring that even in the aftermath of warfare, the principles of holiness, justice, and consecration to the LORD were meticulously upheld.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 31:31 brings to a close the entire chapter, which details Israel's punitive war against the Midianites. The preceding verses (Numbers 31:1-24) describe the military campaign itself, the victory, and the initial, somewhat flawed, handling of the captives and plunder. God then intervenes, providing precise instructions through Moses and Eleazar for the purification of the people and the spoils (Numbers 31:21-24), and an intricate system for the division of the vast plunder among the warriors, the congregation, and as a "tribute" to the LORD for the priests and Levites (Numbers 31:25-30). Verse 31 acts as the final, authoritative statement, confirming that these complex and specific divine directives, particularly those outlined from [Numbers 31:25-30](/numbers/31-25 "Numbers 31:25-30 - Division of Spoils"), were meticulously followed by the appointed leaders, thereby validating the entire process as divinely sanctioned and executed.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The war against Midian was not merely a territorial conflict but a divinely commanded act of judgment against a people who had actively led Israel into idolatry and sexual immorality at [Baal-peor](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - The Sin at Baal-Peor"). This historical backdrop (detailed in [Numbers 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - The Sin at Baal-Peor")) underscores the seriousness of the Midianite threat to Israel's spiritual purity and covenant faithfulness. Culturally, ancient Near Eastern warfare often involved the taking of extensive spoils, including people, animals, and material goods. However, unlike typical practices, God's commands in Numbers 31 introduced unique regulations concerning purification (e.g., the use of fire and water for different types of items, as seen in [Numbers 31:21-24](/numbers/31-21 "Numbers 31:21-24 - Purification of Spoils")) and a highly structured system for the distribution of wealth, ensuring that a significant portion was consecrated to the LORD. This reflects Israel's unique status as a holy nation under divine law, where even military actions and their aftermath were governed by spiritual principles.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Foremost among these is **Unwavering Obedience** to God's revealed will. The simple declaration that "Moses and Eleazar... did as the LORD commanded" highlights that faithful execution of divine instruction is paramount, even when the commands are detailed, complex, or seemingly mundane. This echoes the principle that "to obey is better than sacrifice" ([1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Over Sacrifice")). Another significant theme is **Divine Authority and Leadership**. Moses, as the primary recipient of God's commands, and Eleazar, as the high priest responsible for the nation's spiritual integrity and the handling of sacred offerings, exemplify leadership that is entirely subservient to God's authority. Their joint action signifies the harmonious integration of civil and spiritual leadership under God's ultimate sovereignty. Finally, the verse speaks to **Order and Holiness**. God's meticulous instructions for the division and purification of the spoils ensured that chaos was averted and that the spoils, even from war, were brought into a state of ritual purity and consecrated appropriately, maintaining the holiness of the Israelite community as a whole, as seen in the detailed distribution in [Numbers 31:25-30](/numbers/31-25 "Numbers 31:25-30 - Division of Spoils").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **did (עָשָׂה, _'asah'_):** This Hebrew verb is foundational, meaning "to do," "to make," "to perform," or "to accomplish." In this context, it signifies the active and complete execution of the divine instructions. It's not merely an acknowledgment or a partial attempt, but a full and faithful carrying out of all that was commanded. The use of _'asah'_ here emphasizes the leaders' diligence and the thoroughness of their compliance.
* **commanded (צִוָּה, _'tzivah'_):** This verb means "to command," "to order," or "to appoint." It denotes a direct, authoritative, and specific directive from a superior, in this case, from God Himself. The repeated use of this root throughout the chapter (e.g., [Numbers 31:2](/numbers/31-2 "Numbers 31:2 - God Commands Vengeance"), [Numbers 31:25](/numbers/31-25 "Numbers 31:25 - God Commands Division")) underscores the divine origin and binding nature of the instructions given to Moses, which then become the standard for action.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses and Eleazar the priest":** This phrase identifies the key figures responsible for the execution of God's commands. Moses, as the divinely appointed leader and lawgiver, received the instructions directly from the LORD. Eleazar, as the high priest, held the primary responsibility for matters of ritual purity, sacred offerings, and the spiritual well-being of the nation. Their joint mention emphasizes the unity of their leadership and the comprehensive nature of the tasks, encompassing both civil administration and spiritual oversight.
* **"did":** This simple yet profound verb confirms the action taken by Moses and Eleazar. It signifies that the complex and detailed instructions outlined in the preceding verses were not merely heard or understood, but actively put into practice. This "doing" implies diligence, faithfulness, and the successful completion of the mandated tasks.
* **"as the LORD commanded Moses":** This concluding clause serves as the ultimate validation and justification for their actions. It explicitly states that their conduct was in perfect alignment with the divine will. The phrase "the LORD commanded Moses" highlights the source of authority (YHWH, the covenant God) and the channel of revelation (Moses), reinforcing the divine origin and absolute authority of the instructions. This underscores the theme of obedience as the proper response to God's sovereign word.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 31:31, though brief, employs several effective literary devices. It functions as a **Narrative Fulfillment** statement, providing closure and confirmation that the preceding divine directives have been fully implemented. This simple declaration serves to tie up a significant narrative thread, assuring the reader that God's will was accomplished. The verse also utilizes **Emphasis through Brevity and Placement**. Its succinctness, following a lengthy and detailed exposition of commands, draws attention to the core message: the importance of obedience. Placed at the very end of the chapter, it acts as a concluding **Affirmation of Obedience**, powerfully reinforcing this central theme of the Pentateuch. Furthermore, the phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" is a recurring **Formulaic Expression** throughout the Old Testament, creating a sense of continuity and highlighting the consistent pattern of divine command followed by human compliance (or non-compliance).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 31:31 offers a profound theological statement on the nature of God's relationship with His people and the essence of faithful leadership. It underscores the divine expectation of complete and unreserved obedience to God's revealed will, not merely as a legalistic duty, but as an expression of trust and covenant faithfulness. The meticulous adherence of Moses and Eleazar to even the most intricate details demonstrates that true worship and service involve diligently carrying out God's specific instructions, ensuring that the community remains holy and ordered according to His design. This verse reminds us that God's commands are not arbitrary but are given for the well-being and spiritual integrity of His people, and that faithful leadership is characterized by humble submission to His sovereign authority.

* [Deuteronomy 6:24-25](/deuteronomy/6-24 "Deuteronomy 6:24-25 - Obedience for Our Good")
* [Joshua 11:15](/joshua/11-15 "Joshua 11:15 - Joshua's Obedience to Moses")
* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience is Better Than Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 31:31, in its straightforward declaration, provides a timeless and powerful lesson for believers today. It calls us to consider the depth of our own obedience to God's Word. Just as Moses and Eleazar diligently followed specific, detailed instructions regarding purification, division of spoils, and consecration, we are called to live in accordance with God's revealed will in every area of our lives. This includes our personal conduct, our financial stewardship, our relationships, and our communal responsibilities within the church and society. The verse challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to God's commands and into active, diligent, and complete execution of them. It teaches that true spiritual leadership, whether in the church or in our homes, involves humbly seeking God's instructions and then acting upon them with integrity and faithfulness, trusting in His wisdom and sovereignty even when the path seems complex or counter-cultural. Our obedience is not about earning favor, but about demonstrating our love and trust in the God who knows what is best for us and for His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I find it most challenging to obey God's specific commands, and why?**
* **How does the example of Moses and Eleazar's complete obedience encourage me to be more diligent in following God's Word?**
* **What does it mean for me to "do as the LORD commanded" in my daily routines and decisions?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater desire for and commitment to unwavering obedience in my walk with Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why is this verse so short and seemingly simple after such complex instructions?**

Answer: The brevity and simplicity of Numbers 31:31 are precisely what make it so powerful. Following a lengthy and intricate set of commands for purification and the division of spoils (detailed from [Numbers 31:21-30](/numbers/31-21 "Numbers 31:21-30 - Purification and Division of Spoils")), this verse serves as a concise, authoritative concluding statement. Its purpose is not to add more detail but to confirm the successful and complete execution of all that was commanded. It acts as a narrative "seal," affirming that God's will was perfectly accomplished through His chosen leaders. This succinctness emphasizes the paramount importance of obedience: the outcome of all the detailed instructions is simply that "they did as the LORD commanded."

**What was the specific significance of Eleazar's role alongside Moses in this context?**

Answer: Eleazar, as the high priest, played a crucial and distinct role alongside Moses. While Moses received the direct commands from the LORD and oversaw the general administration, Eleazar's presence was essential for matters pertaining to ritual purity and the sacred. In Numbers 31, he was specifically instructed by God to teach the people the laws of purification for the spoils ([Numbers 31:21-24](/numbers/31-21 "Numbers 31:21-24 - Eleazar's Role in Purification")). Furthermore, the "tribute" or "heave offering" from the warriors' half of the spoils was specifically designated for Eleazar the priest, and the Levites received a portion from the congregation's half ([Numbers 31:28-30](/numbers/31-28 "Numbers 31:28-30 - Priestly and Levitical Portions")). His involvement ensured that the handling of the spoils, particularly the purification rituals and the allocation of sacred portions, adhered to the divine standards of holiness and was spiritually legitimate. His presence underscored the integration of civil and religious authority in executing God's comprehensive law.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 31:31, with its emphasis on perfect obedience to divine command, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and complete obedience of Jesus Christ. Moses and Eleazar, though faithful, were imperfect shadows of the one who would perfectly fulfill all of God's will. Jesus, the true and greater Moses, did not merely "do as the LORD commanded" but perfectly embodied and executed the Father's will in every aspect of His life, ministry, and sacrificial death. His entire life was characterized by unwavering submission, as He declared, "I always do what pleases him" ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Pleases the Father")). Unlike the temporary purification rituals overseen by Eleazar, Jesus, as our eternal High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our Great High Priest")), offered Himself as the spotless sacrifice, thereby accomplishing a perfect and eternal purification for all who believe ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). His obedience, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")), not only fulfilled the law but also secured for us the ultimate "spoils" of spiritual victory: forgiveness of sins, eternal life, and reconciliation with God. In Christ, God's commands are not just externally obeyed but internally fulfilled, transforming hearts and bringing us into perfect alignment with the divine will.

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.