Numbers 31:5

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

So there were delivered {H4560} out of the thousands {H505} of Israel {H3478}, a thousand {H505} of every tribe {H4294}, twelve {H8147}{H6240} thousand {H505} armed {H2502} for war {H6635}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So out of the thousands of people in Isra'el, a thousand armed men from each tribe, 12,000 altogether, were mustered for war.

Berean Standard Bible

So a thousand men were recruited from each tribe of Israel—twelve thousand armed for war.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 31:5 precisely details the composition of the Israelite military force assembled for the punitive expedition against the Midianites. This verse highlights a meticulously organized levy, specifying that "a thousand of every tribe" was selected, culminating in a total of "twelve thousand armed for war." This systematic mobilization underscores Israel's corporate obedience to God's command for vengeance, reflecting both divine justice against Midian's egregious sin and the unified readiness of God's covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 31:5 is situated immediately following God's explicit command to Moses to take "vengeance for the children of Israel of the Midianites" before Moses's death ([Numbers 31:1-2](/numbers/31-1 "Numbers 31:1-2 - God's Command for Vengeance")). This divine directive is a direct consequence of the catastrophic incident at [Baal-peor](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - The Baal-Peor Incident"), recounted in Numbers 25, where Midianite women enticed Israelite men into idolatry and sexual immorality, leading to a devastating plague that claimed 24,000 lives ([Numbers 25:9](/numbers/25-9 "Numbers 25:9 - The Plague's Toll")). The selection of the army in verse 5 demonstrates Israel's prompt and organized response to this divine mandate, transitioning the narrative from the immediate aftermath of sin and plague to the execution of divine judgment. It sets the stage for the ensuing military campaign and the subsequent distribution of spoils, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's righteous indignation against those who sought to corrupt His people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The punitive war against Midian was not a territorial conquest but a unique act of "holy war," specifically commanded by Yahweh as retribution for Midian's role in the Baal-peor apostasy. In the ancient Near East, military levies were common, but Israel's was distinct in its divine impetus and specific composition. The concept of "a thousand of every tribe" reflects a highly organized and representative military structure, ensuring that all twelve tribes participated in this collective act of covenant fidelity and judgment. This was not merely a human strategic decision but a divinely ordained response to a profound spiritual and moral transgression. The setting is the plains of Moab, just prior to Israel's entry into Canaan, making this a final, significant act of purification and obedience under Moses's leadership before the transition to Joshua. The meticulous accounting of the troops also reflects the administrative precision characteristic of the Mosaic law and the wilderness narratives.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Justice and Retribution**, demonstrating God's unwavering holiness and His commitment to judging wickedness, especially when it directly threatens the purity and covenant relationship of His chosen people. The war is a direct consequence of Midian's deliberate seduction of Israel into idolatry, highlighting that God's patience has limits and that sin has severe repercussions ([Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine")). Secondly, the selection of "a thousand of every tribe" emphasizes **Unified and Organized Action** within the Israelite community. This was a collective endeavor, underscoring the solidarity and shared responsibility of all tribes in executing God's command, demonstrating that the entire nation was accountable to God and participated in His purposes ([Joshua 22:20](/joshua/22-20 "Joshua 22:20 - Corporate Responsibility for Sin")). Finally, the prompt assembly of "twelve thousand armed for war" highlights the theme of **Obedience and Readiness**. Moses and the Israelites swiftly and precisely obeyed God's instructions, showcasing the importance of being prepared and willing to carry out God's will, even when it involves difficult or violent tasks, as part of their covenant obligations ([Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings for Obedience")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Thousands (Hebrew, _ʾeleph_):** This term, appearing twice in the verse, is crucial. While it literally means "a thousand," in biblical Hebrew, _ʾeleph_ can also refer to a clan, a family unit, or a military division of indeterminate size. In this context, "out of the thousands of Israel" likely refers to the larger tribal divisions or clans from which the specific "thousand of every tribe" were drawn. The second instance, "a thousand of every tribe," specifies a literal contingent of 1,000 men, indicating a precise and uniform levy from each of the twelve tribes. This dual usage emphasizes both the broad base of the Israelite population from which the army was drawn and the exact numerical composition of the final fighting force.
* **Armed for war (Hebrew, _ḥālûṣê ṣābāʾ_):** This phrase literally means "equipped/drawn out for army/host." It signifies not merely the presence of soldiers but their specific readiness and preparation for combat. The men were not just present; they were selected, equipped, and mentally prepared for the specific mission of war. This implies a disciplined, professional, and consecrated force, set apart for the sacred task of executing divine judgment. The term highlights the seriousness and purposefulness of their mobilization.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So there were delivered out of the thousands of Israel":** This opening clause indicates the source and nature of the military levy. The phrase "delivered out" (וַיִּמָּסְרוּ, _wayyimmāserû_, from מָסַר, _māsar_, "to deliver, hand over") suggests a formal, organized selection and commissioning process. The army was not self-assembled but was "handed over" or "furnished" from the larger "thousands" (clans/divisions) of the Israelite population, implying a top-down, authoritative directive.
* **"a thousand of [every] tribe":** This specifies the precise, equitable, and representative nature of the levy. Each of the twelve tribes was required to contribute an identical contingent of 1,000 men. This uniformity underscores the corporate responsibility of the entire nation in fulfilling God's command and demonstrates the unity of Israel in executing divine judgment, ensuring no single tribe bore a disproportionate burden or was excluded from the sacred mission.
* **"twelve thousand armed for war":** This final clause states the total strength of the expeditionary force and their specific purpose. The sum of 12,000 (12 tribes x 1,000 men/tribe) represents a significant and formidable army for a punitive expedition. The phrase "armed for war" (חֲלוּצֵי צָבָא, _ḥālûṣê ṣābāʾ_) emphasizes their readiness, equipment, and dedicated purpose for battle, highlighting that this was a serious military operation undertaken with full preparation and divine sanction.

#### Literary Devices
The text employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Numerical Precision** is evident in the exact specification of "a thousand of every tribe" and the total of "twelve thousand," which emphasizes the meticulous planning and divine order behind the military operation, contrasting with chaotic, spontaneous warfare. This precision also highlights the **Symbolism** of the twelve tribes, representing the entire unified nation of Israel acting in concert under God's command. The repeated use of the number "thousand" (Hebrew _ʾeleph_) creates a sense of **Emphasis** on the scale and organized nature of the levy. Furthermore, the passage functions as a narrative of **Divine Command and Fulfillment**, where God's explicit instruction in [Numbers 31:1-2](/numbers/31-1 "Numbers 31:1-2 - God's Command for Vengeance") is immediately and precisely carried out by Moses and the Israelites, showcasing their obedience and the efficacy of God's word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 31:5 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering holiness and His commitment to justice, even when it necessitates severe judgment. The meticulous organization of the Israelite army for a punitive expedition against Midian highlights that God does not tolerate sin that seeks to corrupt His covenant people. This act of "holy war" underscores the purity required of Israel and the consequences for those who lead them astray. The corporate participation of all twelve tribes in this mission reinforces the concept of national accountability and unity in executing God's will. It demonstrates that God’s people are called to be instruments of His righteousness, whether through obedience in prosperity or through participation in judgment against evil.

* [Deuteronomy 20:16-18](/deuteronomy/20-16 "Deuteronomy 20:16-18 - Laws for Holy War")
* [Psalm 99:4](/psalms/99-4 "Psalm 99:4 - God's Justice and Righteousness")
* [Romans 13:4](/romans/13-4 "Romans 13:4 - The Authority of the State as God's Servant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Numbers 31:5 describes a specific historical military campaign, its underlying principles offer profound spiritual insights for believers today. The passage reminds us that God is holy and just, and He takes sin, especially that which seeks to corrupt His people, with utmost seriousness. Just as Israel was called to confront external influences that led them into idolatry and immorality, Christians are called to be vigilant against spiritual corruption in all its forms. This involves not only personal holiness but also a corporate commitment within the community of faith to uphold biblical truth and resist the schemes of the enemy. The unity and organized action of the twelve tribes serve as a model for the church, emphasizing that we are a collective body, each part contributing to God's purposes. We are called to be prepared ("armed for war") for spiritual battles, not with physical weapons, but with the full armor of God ([Ephesians 6:11-17](/ephesians/6-11 "Ephesians 6:11-17 - The Full Armor of God")), standing firm against spiritual darkness and actively participating in God's redemptive plan for the world. Our readiness involves obedience, discernment, and a commitment to purity, reflecting God's character in a fallen world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's command for "vengeance" against Midian in this context inform our understanding of divine justice and holiness?**
* **In what ways does the corporate action of "a thousand of every tribe" challenge or affirm our understanding of unity and shared responsibility within the church today?**
* **What "spiritual battles" are we, as believers, called to be "armed for war" against in our contemporary context, and what does that "arming" entail?**
* **How can we, like the Israelites, ensure our obedience and readiness to carry out God's will, even when it is difficult or counter-cultural?**

### FAQ
**Why was such a specific and large army required for this punitive expedition?**

Answer: The precise levy of "a thousand of every tribe" totaling "twelve thousand armed for war" underscores the gravity and divine mandate of the mission. This was not a minor skirmish but a divinely commanded act of judgment against Midian for their profound role in corrupting Israel at [Baal-peor](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - The Baal-Peor Incident"). The large, representative force ensured that the entire nation participated in this act of corporate obedience and purification, demonstrating a unified response to God's holiness and justice. It also reflects the scale of the Midianite threat and the thoroughness required for the execution of God's judgment, as described in the subsequent verses of [Numbers 31](/numbers/31 "Numbers 31 - The War Against Midian").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Numbers 31:5 describes a physical army engaged in a punitive war, its theological undercurrents find profound fulfillment in Christ. The concept of a divinely commissioned force executing judgment foreshadows Christ as the ultimate executor of God's righteous judgment against sin and evil. Unlike the Israelite army, whose victory was partial and temporary, Christ's victory on the cross was decisive and eternal, disarming the powers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He is the true "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bearing the full wrath of God against sin, thereby fulfilling the need for vengeance and purification in a way no earthly war could. Furthermore, the unity of the twelve tribes "armed for war" for God's purposes finds its spiritual counterpart in the Church, the unified body of Christ, which is called to engage in spiritual warfare not with carnal weapons but with divine power ([2 Corinthians 10:3-5](/2_corinthians/10-3 "2 Corinthians 10:3-5 - Spiritual Warfare")). Believers, through Christ, are equipped with the "armor of God" ([Ephesians 6:11](/ephesians/6-11 "Ephesians 6:11 - The Full Armor of God")) to stand against the schemes of the devil, participating in Christ's ongoing triumph over sin and death, and ultimately looking forward to the day when Christ, the righteous warrior, will return to execute final judgment and establish His eternal kingdom ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ as the Victorious Warrior")).

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.