Numbers 31:49

And they said unto Moses, Thy servants have taken the sum of the men of war which [are] under our charge, and there lacketh not one man of us.

And they said {H559} unto Moses {H4872}, Thy servants {H5650} have taken {H5375} the sum {H7218} of the men {H582} of war {H4421} which are under our charge {H3027}, and there lacketh {H6485} not one man {H376} of us.

and said to him, "Your servants have counted all the soldiers under our command, and not one of us is missing.

and said, “Your servants have counted the soldiers under our command, and not one of us is missing.

and they said unto Moses, Thy servants have taken the sum of the men of war that are under our charge, and there lacketh not one man of us.

Commentary

Numbers 31:49 records a remarkable declaration from the Israelite military officers to Moses following their victorious campaign against the Midianites: "And they said unto Moses, Thy servants have taken the sum of the men of war which [are] under our charge, and there lacketh not one man of us." This verse highlights a miraculous preservation of life amidst a significant military engagement.

Context

This verse comes at the conclusion of a war commanded by God against the Midianites, as detailed in Numbers 31:1-2. This campaign was undertaken to exact vengeance for Midian's role in enticing Israel to idolatry and immorality at Peor (see Numbers 25:1-18). Following the battle, the officers of the army, including captains of thousands and captains of hundreds, conducted a census of their fighting men. Their report to Moses, that not a single man was lost, stands as a testament to divine intervention and protection during what was undoubtedly a fierce conflict.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Protection and Providence: The central miracle of this verse is the complete absence of casualties among the Israelite forces. This outcome is not attributable to human military prowess alone but clearly demonstrates God's direct involvement and supernatural preservation of His people. It underscores the biblical principle that when God fights for His people, victory is assured and often accompanied by astonishing signs.
  • God's Faithfulness: This unprecedented outcome reaffirms God's covenant faithfulness to Israel. Despite their previous failures, God honored His promise to protect them as they acted in obedience to His command.
  • Gratitude and Acknowledgment: The officers' immediate report and subsequent offering of gold and jewels (mentioned in Numbers 31:50) reveal their profound understanding that this victory and preservation were not by their might but by God's hand. It serves as an example of recognizing and giving thanks for divine blessings.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "there lacketh not one man of us" is powerful in its simplicity. The Hebrew emphasizes the totality and completeness of this preservation. It signifies not just a low casualty rate, but a perfect, zero-loss outcome, making the event truly miraculous and highlighting the Lord's direct hand in battle.

Practical Application

Numbers 31:49 encourages believers to trust in God's sovereign protection in all of life's battles, whether spiritual, physical, or emotional. It reminds us that God is capable of delivering us in ways beyond human comprehension. When we face overwhelming odds, we are called to remember His past faithfulness and to give Him glory for every deliverance and preservation. This verse also teaches us the importance of acknowledging God's hand in our successes and responding with genuine gratitude, just as the Israelite officers did.

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Cross-References

  • John 18:9 (15 votes)

    That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.

  • 1 Samuel 30:18 (15 votes)

    And David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away: and David rescued his two wives.

  • 1 Samuel 30:19 (15 votes)

    And there was nothing lacking to them, neither small nor great, neither sons nor daughters, neither spoil, nor any [thing] that they had taken to them: David recovered all.

  • Psalms 72:14 (11 votes)

    He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.