Numbers 31b Commentary
“Arm some of your men to go to war against the Midianites so that they may carry out the Lord’s vengeance on them.” Verse 3.
Take note, it’s the LORD’s vengeance. Humans don’t have this luxury!
“Moses sent them into battle, a thousand from each tribe, along with Phinehas, son of Eleazar, the priest, who took with him articles from the sanctuary and the trumpets for signaling.” Verse 6.
Phinehas won’t “play” with the sacred articles from God’s house in this manner unless under the authority and instruction of the LORD God.
Never mind the share that went to the troops; 675,000 was more than generous. Each man counted in the census walked away with a sheep!
Further, the nation was richer by 72,000 cattle, 61,000 donkeys, and “32,000 women who had never slept with a man.”
Add to the above gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, lead, and anything else that could withstand.
Look at the plunder and see how big Midian was! Midian was big enough to have 5 kings whom Israel destroyed. Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur and Reba—the five kings of Midian.
Moses’ twelve thousand troops against 5 Midianite kings can only be God’s work. A thin and “nomadic” nation defeating a larger and settled group of kingdoms is nothing but a miracle! God’s wonders on display!
Regardless, the twelve thousand needed to “arm” themselves and be ready for battle. Even the “nothing” God asks you to do must be done properly and diligently!
“…. the trumpets for signaling.” Verse 6. You wonder if the signaling was also for angelic troops! It’s not a stupid thought since Israel was clearly outnumbered and outmuscled (probably also technically and tactically inferior given the fact that the nation was in transit). How God wants to be the only reason for victory!
“Send into battle a thousand men from each of the tribes of Israel.” Verse 4. Equal distribution of privilege. The LORD knows all about the human need for equality. No one should feel ignored, underrated, or favored. Each tribe provided the same number of troops.
Eleazar has his share of the plunder, as do the Levites. The community has its own share, but where is Moses’ share? He was out to carry out God’s will, not to build an empire!
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