Numbers 31:4

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Numbers 31:4 details a specific divine command regarding the composition of the Israelite army for an important military campaign. This verse is part of a larger narrative describing the war against the Midianites, a punitive expedition ordered by God Himself.

Context of Numbers 31:4

This instruction comes as Israel is encamped on the plains of Moab, shortly before Moses' death and the entry into the Promised Land. The war against Midian was not for territorial expansion but was a direct act of divine retribution for Midian's role in seducing Israel into idolatry and immorality at Baal-Peor, as detailed in Numbers chapter 25. God commanded Moses to "avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites" (Numbers 31:2). The meticulous instruction to send "Of every tribe a thousand" men highlights the structured and unified nature of Israel's tribal society and the communal responsibility in executing God's justice.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Command and Obedience: The war was not a human initiative but a direct order from the Lord, emphasizing the Israelites' duty to obey God's specific instructions, even in military matters.
  • Corporate Responsibility: The mandate for "every tribe a thousand" underscores the principle of shared burden and collective action. No single tribe was exempt; all participated equally in this divinely sanctioned mission, demonstrating unity and solidarity.
  • Justice and Retribution: This military action was a clear act of justice against a people who had led Israel astray. It served as a stark reminder of the consequences of opposing God and corrupting His people.
  • Preparedness for Conquest: This campaign, fought with a precise, divinely appointed force, also served as a training ground and a demonstration of God's power working through His people, preparing them for the greater conquest of Canaan.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "thousand" ('eleph) in this context most likely refers to a literal thousand men, making the total fighting force 12,000 chosen warriors (12 tribes x 1,000 men). This specific number, drawn from each tribe, suggests a deliberate and strategic composition rather than an arbitrary figure. The term "war" (milchamah) signifies a full-scale military campaign, not merely a skirmish, indicating the seriousness and significance of the undertaking.

Practical Application

Numbers 31:4 reminds us that God's plans are often precise and require corporate participation. While this was a literal war, the principle of unified action in spiritual battles remains relevant. Just as each tribe contributed to fulfilling God's command, believers today are called to unite in purpose and action to advance God's kingdom. It also illustrates God's commitment to justice, reminding us that He will ultimately bring recompense for evil, whether through human instruments or His direct intervention, as seen in the ultimate final judgment.

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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 26:8 (2 votes)

    And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.

  • 1 Samuel 14:6 (2 votes)

    And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for [there is] no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.

  • Judges 7:2 (2 votes)

    And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people that [are] with thee [are] too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me.