Numbers 31:4

KJV

Of every tribe a thousand, throughout all the tribes of Israel, shall ye send to the war.

KJV (with Strong's)

Of every tribe {H4294}{H4294} a thousand {H505}{H505}, throughout all the tribes {H4294} of Israel {H3478}, shall ye send {H7971} to the war {H6635}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are to send to the war a thousand men from every one of Isra'el's tribes."

Berean Standard Bible

Send into battle a thousand men from each tribe of Israel.”

American Standard Version

Of every tribe a thousand, throughout all the tribes of Israel, shall ye send to the war.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 31:4 details a precise divine command for the composition of the Israelite army tasked with executing God's judgment against the Midianites. This verse specifies that a contingent of one thousand men from each of the twelve tribes of Israel is to be sent to this punitive war, underscoring the corporate responsibility of the nation in fulfilling God's righteous decrees and preparing them for future conquests.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of Numbers, specifically following the devastating incident at Baal-Peor in [Numbers 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - The Sin at Baal-Peor"). The Midianites, in league with the Moabites, had enticed Israel into idolatry and sexual immorality, leading to a divine plague that killed 24,000 Israelites. God's command to "Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites" is given to Moses in [Numbers 31:2](/numbers/31-2 "Numbers 31:2 - God's Command for Vengeance Against Midian") as Moses' final act of leadership before his death and the nation's entry into the Promised Land. The meticulous instruction for the army's composition in [Numbers 31:4](/numbers/31-4 "Numbers 31:4 - Composition of the Israelite Army") and its subsequent execution in [Numbers 31:5-6](/numbers/31-5 "Numbers 31:5 - Moses' Instructions for the War") highlights the divine authority behind the campaign and the nation's unified obedience. This punitive expedition serves as a cleansing act, preparing Israel spiritually and militarily for the impending conquest of Canaan.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Numbers 31 occur on the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, as Israel is poised to enter Canaan. The Midianites were a nomadic people, often associated with trade routes, but also known for their opportunistic raids and, in this instance, their role in seducing Israel at Baal-Peor. The command for a "holy war" or divine retribution was not uncommon in the ancient Near East, but for Israel, it was uniquely tied to Yahweh's covenant justice. The tribal structure of Israel was fundamental to its identity and organization, with each tribe having its own territory and responsibilities. The requirement for "a thousand" from each tribe reflects a highly organized and unified military mobilization, typical of a divinely ordered campaign rather than a spontaneous tribal skirmish. This specific number also ensured that the entire nation participated in the act of justice, emphasizing communal accountability and solidarity in upholding the covenant.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 31:4 contributes significantly to several overarching themes. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Command and Obedience**, showing that this war was not a human initiative but a direct, specific order from the Lord, demanding precise execution from His people. Secondly, the mandate for "Of every tribe a thousand" underscores the principle of **Corporate Responsibility and Unity**. No single tribe was exempt; all participated equally in this divinely sanctioned mission, demonstrating the solidarity required for God's purposes. Thirdly, the campaign is an act of **Justice and Retribution** against a people who had actively sought to corrupt God's chosen nation, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of opposing God and leading His people astray, as seen in the severe judgment described in [Numbers 25:9](/numbers/25-9 "Numbers 25:9 - The Plague at Baal-Peor"). Finally, this meticulously organized military action also functions as **Preparation for Conquest**, serving as a proving ground for Israel's military might and their reliance on God's power as they prepared for the greater challenges of conquering Canaan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Thousand (Hebrew, _’eleph_):** In this context, _’eleph_ most likely refers to a literal unit of one thousand men, indicating a precise and substantial military contingent from each tribe. While _’eleph_ can sometimes denote a "clan" or "family unit," the context of military conscription and the subsequent total of 12,000 chosen men (12 tribes x 1,000) strongly supports the numerical interpretation. This precision highlights the meticulous nature of God's commands and the structured organization of Israel's tribal society for warfare.
* **War (Hebrew, _milchamah_):** This term signifies a full-scale, organized military campaign, not merely a skirmish or raid. The use of _milchamah_ emphasizes the seriousness and significance of the undertaking, which was a divinely sanctioned punitive expedition. It implies a strategic engagement with clear objectives, distinguishing it from less formal conflicts and underscoring its nature as a "holy war" where God's justice was being executed through His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of every tribe a thousand":** This clause specifies the exact quota of soldiers to be drawn from each of the twelve tribes of Israel. It emphasizes a principle of equal contribution and shared burden, ensuring that the responsibility for executing God's judgment was distributed across the entire nation, rather than falling disproportionately on a few. This detail highlights the structured and unified nature of Israel's tribal society under divine command.
* **"throughout all the tribes of Israel":** This phrase reinforces the universality of the command, leaving no tribe exempt from participation. It underscores the corporate identity and responsibility of Israel as a whole, acting as a single entity in response to God's directive. This collective action was crucial for demonstrating national obedience and solidarity in fulfilling the divine mandate.
* **"shall ye send to the war":** This final clause states the purpose and destination of the assembled force. It is a direct command for military deployment, indicating that the chosen men are to be dispatched for the specific punitive campaign against the Midianites. The active verb "send" implies a deliberate and authorized dispatch of troops, highlighting Moses' role as the executor of God's will and the seriousness of the mission.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Precision** and **Specificity** through the exact numerical requirement ("a thousand") and the explicit inclusion of "every tribe," which underscores the divine order and the meticulous nature of God's commands. This precision also serves to highlight the **Unity** and **Corporate Responsibility** of the Israelite nation, as no tribe is excused from participating in this divinely mandated act of justice. The phrase "shall ye send to the war" functions as a **Direct Command**, emphasizing the imperative and non-negotiable nature of the divine instruction given to Moses and, through him, to the people. Furthermore, the selection of a specific, limited force (12,000 men) for a significant punitive campaign can be seen as a form of **Symbolism**, suggesting that victory would not be achieved by overwhelming numbers but by God's power working through a consecrated and obedient remnant, foreshadowing principles seen in other biblical narratives (e.g., Gideon's army).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 31:4 is a powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty and His commitment to justice, even when it involves severe retribution against those who corrupt His people. It reveals that God's plans are often precise, demanding specific acts of obedience and corporate participation from His covenant community. The call for "a thousand from every tribe" underscores the principle that the entire community is implicated in upholding God's righteousness and is responsible for participating in the spiritual and moral battles that arise. This passage teaches that God works through His people to accomplish His purposes, and their unity and obedience are paramount. It also highlights the seriousness of sin, particularly that which leads God's people astray, and God's unwavering commitment to cleanse and protect His covenant relationship.

* [Deuteronomy 20:16-18](/deuteronomy/20-16 "Deuteronomy 20:16-18 - Laws of Holy War")
* [Joshua 1:16-18](/joshua/1-16 "Joshua 1:16-18 - Israel's Pledge of Obedience to Joshua")
* [1 Samuel 15:2-3](/1_samuel/15-2 "1 Samuel 15:2-3 - God's Command to Destroy the Amalekites")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 31:4, while describing a literal military campaign, offers profound principles for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's purposes are precise and often require the unified, corporate action of His people. Just as each tribe contributed to fulfilling God's command for justice, so too are believers today called to unite in purpose and action to advance God's kingdom and contend for righteousness. This verse challenges us to consider our role within the larger body of Christ: are we contributing our "thousand" – our unique gifts, resources, and efforts – to the collective mission? It also prompts reflection on the nature of God's justice, reminding us that while we live in an age of grace, God remains just and will ultimately bring recompense for evil. Our "war" is now spiritual, against sin and spiritual forces, requiring the same corporate commitment and obedience to divine instruction.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of "a thousand from every tribe" translate into the corporate responsibility of the church today in fulfilling God's mission?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to shirk our individual or communal responsibility in the "spiritual war" against sin and injustice?**
* **How does understanding God's precise commands in the Old Testament inform our approach to obedience in the New Covenant?**
* **What does this passage reveal about the seriousness with which God views actions that lead His people into sin and idolatry?**

### FAQ

**Why did God command such a specific number of men (1,000 from each tribe) for this war?**

Answer: The command for "a thousand from every tribe" (totaling 12,000 men) highlights several key aspects. Firstly, it emphasizes the **precision and intentionality of God's commands**. This was not an arbitrary gathering but a divinely ordered, meticulously planned military operation. Secondly, it underscored the **corporate responsibility and unity of the entire nation**. By requiring a contingent from every tribe, God ensured that all Israel participated in this act of justice, demonstrating their solidarity and shared commitment to upholding the covenant. It prevented any single tribe from bearing the full burden or from being exempt. Thirdly, it may have served a **symbolic purpose**, showing that victory was not dependent on overwhelming numbers but on God's power working through a consecrated and obedient force, much like Gideon's army later in Israel's history. This specific number was sufficient for the task, demonstrating God's ability to achieve His purposes through a chosen, disciplined force.

**Was this war against the Midianites a "holy war," and how should Christians understand such Old Testament commands today?**

Answer: Yes, the war against the Midianites in [Numbers 31](/numbers/31 "Numbers 31 - The War Against Midian") was indeed a "holy war" or a divinely commanded punitive expedition. It was not for territorial expansion but was an act of divine retribution for Midian's role in seducing Israel into idolatry and immorality at Baal-Peor ([Numbers 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - The Sin at Baal-Peor")). For Christians, understanding such Old Testament commands requires careful theological discernment. We recognize that these were specific commands given to ancient Israel within a unique covenant context, often involving the execution of God's temporal judgment on nations. The New Testament reveals a shift in the nature of God's people (the church, not a geopolitical nation-state) and the nature of their warfare. Our "warfare" is now primarily spiritual, against "spiritual forces of evil" ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")), not against flesh and blood. While the principles of God's justice, His hatred of sin, and the need for His people's obedience remain eternal, the methods and context of "holy war" have been transformed by the coming of Christ. We are called to contend for righteousness through spiritual means, prayer, the proclamation of the gospel, and living lives of holiness ([2 Corinthians 10:3-5](/2_corinthians/10-3 "2 Corinthians 10:3-5 - Weapons of Our Warfare")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 31:4, with its emphasis on a precisely chosen, unified force executing divine judgment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a literal military campaign, but in the spiritual reality of God's kingdom and the work of Christ. Jesus Christ is the ultimate "sent one" ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Sent His Son")) who came to deal with the root of all corruption and sin, not just its manifestations. While the Old Testament war cleansed Israel physically from a corrupting influence, Christ's sacrifice on the cross is the definitive act of cleansing, taking away the sin of the world and purifying His people ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses Conscience")). The corporate unity demanded in Numbers 31:4 foreshadows the unity of the church, the body of Christ, where every member, like "a thousand from every tribe," contributes to the spiritual mission of God's kingdom ([Ephesians 4:16](/ephesians/4-16 "Ephesians 4:16 - The Body of Christ")). Furthermore, the concept of divine retribution, executed through human instruments in the Old Testament, points to Christ as the ultimate judge who will one day execute final, perfect justice against all evil ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, But Has Given All Judgment to the Son")). Thus, the precision, unity, and purpose of the Old Testament army find their greater spiritual reality in Christ's redemptive work and the ongoing mission of His unified church.

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.