About Numbers

Numbers records Israel's forty years of wandering in the wilderness due to unbelief, yet shows God's faithfulness in preserving the nation.

Author: MosesWritten: c. 1445-1405 BCReading time: ~7 minVerses: 54
FaithfulnessRebellionWanderingGod's PatienceJudgmentPromise

King James Version

Numbers 31

54 verses with commentary

Vengeance on Midian

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

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KJV Study Commentary

The LORD's command to Moses to 'avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites' demonstrates that God executes judgment through His people. The phrase 'afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people' connects Moses' final military leadership with his approaching death. This teaches that God's leaders fulfill their calling even to life's end. The judgment on Midian for leading Israel into idolat...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

XXXI. (1) **Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites.**—The time had now come for the fulfilment of the command which had already been given (see Numbers 25:16-18), after which Moses was to be gathered unto his people, as it had been revealed to him (Numbers 27:13). After Balaam had been dismissed by Balak, he appears to have gone, not to the Moabites, but to the Midianites; and it was in c...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 31 Chapter Outline War with Midian.(1-6) Balaam slain.(7-12) Those slain who caused sin.(13-38) Purification of the Israelites.(39-24) Division of the spoil.(25-47) Offerings.(48-54) **Verses 1-6** All who, without commission from God, dare to execute private revenge, and who, from ambition, covetousness, or resentment, wage war and desolate kingdoms, must...
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Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people.

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KJV Study Commentary

God commands Moses to 'avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites' for their role in the Baal-Peor incident (Num 25). This divine judgment demonstrates God's holy hatred of sin and protection of His covenant people. The Hebrew 'naqam' (avenge) indicates righteous retribution, not personal revenge. Significantly, this is Moses' final military act before death - the leader who interceded for Is...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 31 Chapter Outline War with Midian.(1-6) Balaam slain.(7-12) Those slain who caused sin.(13-38) Purification of the Israelites.(39-24) Division of the spoil.(25-47) Offerings.(48-54) **Verses 1-6** All who, without commission from God, dare to execute private revenge, and who, from ambition, covetousness, or resentment, wage war and desolate kingdoms, must...
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And Moses spake unto the people, saying, Arm some of yourselves unto the war, and let them go against the Midianites, and avenge the LORD of Midian.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Arm some of yourselves unto the war, and let them go against the Midianites</strong>—The Hebrew <em>hechalletsu</em> (הֵחָלְצוּ, arm/equip) comes from <em>chalats</em>, meaning to strengthen, equip, or draw out for battle. This is holy war (<em>milchemet mitzvah</em>, מִלְחֶמֶת מִצְוָה), not conquest for territory but <strong>avenge the LORD of Midian</strong> (<em>niqmat-YHWH</em>, נִקְמַ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **Arm some of yourselves . . . —**Better, *Arm from among you *(or, *from those with you*)* men for the war. *The details of the selection are contained in the next verse.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 31 Chapter Outline War with Midian.(1-6) Balaam slain.(7-12) Those slain who caused sin.(13-38) Purification of the Israelites.(39-24) Division of the spoil.(25-47) Offerings.(48-54) **Verses 1-6** All who, without commission from God, dare to execute private revenge, and who, from ambition, covetousness, or resentment, wage war and desolate kingdoms, must...
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Of every tribe a thousand , throughout all the tribes of Israel, shall ye send to the war. Of: Heb. A thousand of a tribe, a thousand of a tribe

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Of every tribe a thousand, throughout all the tribes of Israel</strong>—The equal conscription (<em>elef echad</em>, אֶלֶף אֶחָד, one thousand each) ensured tribal solidarity in holy war. All twelve tribes shared responsibility for defending covenant holiness, not just warrior tribes like Gad or Naphtali. This unified response to the Midianite threat contrasts with later tribal divisions.<...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 31 Chapter Outline War with Midian.(1-6) Balaam slain.(7-12) Those slain who caused sin.(13-38) Purification of the Israelites.(39-24) Division of the spoil.(25-47) Offerings.(48-54) **Verses 1-6** All who, without commission from God, dare to execute private revenge, and who, from ambition, covetousness, or resentment, wage war and desolate kingdoms, must...
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So there were delivered out of the thousands of Israel, a thousand of every tribe, twelve thousand armed for war.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Twelve thousand armed for war</strong> (<em>chalutzey tzava</em>, חֲלוּצֵי צָבָא)—The Hebrew <em>chalutz</em> means equipped, ready, or drawn out for battle. These were not conscripts but <em>delivered</em> (<em>yimmaseru</em>, יִמָּסְרוּ, handed over/dedicated) soldiers, suggesting voluntary or selected warriors rather than forced service.<br><br>The number twelve (1,000 from each tribe) ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 31 Chapter Outline War with Midian.(1-6) Balaam slain.(7-12) Those slain who caused sin.(13-38) Purification of the Israelites.(39-24) Division of the spoil.(25-47) Offerings.(48-54) **Verses 1-6** All who, without commission from God, dare to execute private revenge, and who, from ambition, covetousness, or resentment, wage war and desolate kingdoms, must...
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And Moses sent them to the war, a thousand of every tribe, them and Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, to the war, with the holy instruments, and the trumpets to blow in his hand.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Moses sent them to the war, a thousand of every tribe, them and Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest</strong>—Phinehas, whose zealous action stopped the Baal-Peor plague (Numbers 25:6-13), was the natural choice to lead this holy vengeance. As priest, he brought <strong>the holy instruments</strong> (<em>keley ha-kodesh</em>, כְּלֵי הַקֹּדֶשׁ)—likely the Urim and Thummim for divine guida...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(6) **With the holy instruments, and . . . **—Or, *with the holy instruments, even, *&c. It does not appear whether the ark did or did not accompany the expedition. It has been inferred from Numbers 14:44 that the reference may be to the ark, but it does not appear probable that the ark would be so described. Moreover, Phinehas was not the high priest, and therefore would not have the ephod with t...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 31 Chapter Outline War with Midian.(1-6) Balaam slain.(7-12) Those slain who caused sin.(13-38) Purification of the Israelites.(39-24) Division of the spoil.(25-47) Offerings.(48-54) **Verses 1-6** All who, without commission from God, dare to execute private revenge, and who, from ambition, covetousness, or resentment, wage war and desolate kingdoms, must...
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And they warred against the Midianites, as the LORD commanded Moses; and they slew all the males.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>They warred against the Midianites, as the LORD commanded Moses</strong>—The phrase <em>ka'asher tzivah YHWH</em> (כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה, just as Yahweh commanded) emphasizes covenantal obedience. This was not ethnic cleansing or imperialism but executing divine judgment <strong>and they slew all the males</strong>—specifically the military-age males who participated in Baal-Peor (v. 8 s...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(7) **They slew all the males.**—The reference appears to be to those who were engaged in the war. The words do not refer to the whole of the male population, as appears from Numbers 31:17; and it is probable that many of the Midianites who were not engaged in the war withdrew from the scene of conflict. The reference in this verse, unless the words are inserted proleptically, seems to be to the w...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 7-12** The Israelites slew the Kings of Midian. They slew Balaam. God's overruling providence brought him thither, and their just vengeance found him. Had he himself rightly believed what he had said of the happy state of Israel, he would not have thus herded with the enemies of Israel. The Midianites' wicked wiles were Balaam's projects: it was just that he should perish with them, H...
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And they slew the kings of Midian, beside the rest of them that were slain; namely, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, five kings of Midian: Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword.

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KJV Study Commentary

Balaam's death among Midian's kings is tragically ironic - the prophet who couldn't curse Israel for money (Num 22-24) died with those he helped corrupt Israel through immoral counsel. Though God prevented his direct cursing, Balaam found indirect means to harm Israel by advising Midianite women to seduce Israelite men (Num 31:16, Rev 2:14). Peter calls him an example of loving 'wages of unrighteo...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) **And they slew the kings of Midian . . . —**Those persons who are here described as kings appear to have been chiefs of the more powerful Midianitish tribes, just in the same way as Zur is represented in Numbers 25:15. They are described in Joshua 13:21 as “princes” or “chiefs,” and as “dukes” or “princes” of Sihon, by which expression it appears that they were his vassals. **Balaam also the ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 7-12** The Israelites slew the Kings of Midian. They slew Balaam. God's overruling providence brought him thither, and their just vengeance found him. Had he himself rightly believed what he had said of the happy state of Israel, he would not have thus herded with the enemies of Israel. The Midianites' wicked wiles were Balaam's projects: it was just that he should perish with them, H...
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And the children of Israel took all the women of Midian captives, and their little ones, and took the spoil of all their cattle, and all their flocks, and all their goods.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The children of Israel took all the women of Midian captives, and their little ones</strong>—the Hebrew <em>shabah</em> (took captive) describes taking prisoners of war. Initially, the soldiers spared the women and children contrary to God's intent, prompting Moses' rebuke in verse 15. The taking of <strong>all the spoil of all their cattle...flocks...and goods</strong> (Hebrew <em>shalal<...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 7-12** The Israelites slew the Kings of Midian. They slew Balaam. God's overruling providence brought him thither, and their just vengeance found him. Had he himself rightly believed what he had said of the happy state of Israel, he would not have thus herded with the enemies of Israel. The Midianites' wicked wiles were Balaam's projects: it was just that he should perish with them, H...
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And they burnt all their cities wherein they dwelt, and all their goodly castles, with fire.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>They burnt all their cities wherein they dwelt, and all their goodly castles, with fire</strong>—the Hebrew <em>sarap</em> (burnt) indicates complete destruction, while <em>tirah</em> (castles/encampments) suggests both permanent settlements and nomadic fortifications. This total destruction went beyond mere military victory to cultural obliteration, ensuring Midian could not regroup or co...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(10) **All their cities wherein they dwelt.—**Better, *all their cities in their dwelling-places. *This expression is explained by a reference to Joshua 13:21, from which it appears that the five kings or chiefs of the Midianites who are mentioned in Numbers 5:8 dwelt in the territory which Sihon, king of the Amorites, had wrested from the Moabites. The Midianites were a nomad people, and were not...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 7-12** The Israelites slew the Kings of Midian. They slew Balaam. God's overruling providence brought him thither, and their just vengeance found him. Had he himself rightly believed what he had said of the happy state of Israel, he would not have thus herded with the enemies of Israel. The Midianites' wicked wiles were Balaam's projects: it was just that he should perish with them, H...
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And they took all the spoil, and all the prey, both of men and of beasts.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>They took all the spoil, and all the prey, both of men and of beasts</strong>—the Hebrew distinguishes <em>shalal</em> (inanimate spoil: goods, weapons, treasure) from <em>malqowach</em> (prey: living captives, livestock). This verse summarizes the totality of Israel's victory: complete material plunder and human/animal captives. Unlike typical ancient conquest where victors kept spoils by...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 7-12** The Israelites slew the Kings of Midian. They slew Balaam. God's overruling providence brought him thither, and their just vengeance found him. Had he himself rightly believed what he had said of the happy state of Israel, he would not have thus herded with the enemies of Israel. The Midianites' wicked wiles were Balaam's projects: it was just that he should perish with them, H...
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And they brought the captives, and the prey, and the spoil, unto Moses, and Eleazar the priest, and unto the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the camp at the plains of Moab, which are by Jordan near Jericho.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>They brought the captives, and the prey, and the spoil, unto Moses, and Eleazar the priest</strong>—this presentation to both civil leader (Moses) and religious leader (Eleazar) demonstrates Israel's theocratic structure where military victory required both governmental and priestly oversight. The location <strong>at the plains of Moab...by Jordan near Jericho</strong> places them at Israe...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(12) **The captives, and the prey, and the spoil.**—The first word denotes the women and children; the second, which in Numbers 5:11 includes both the captives and the cattle, appears in this place to refer to the animals only; whilst the third refers to the rest of the spoil.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 7-12** The Israelites slew the Kings of Midian. They slew Balaam. God's overruling providence brought him thither, and their just vengeance found him. Had he himself rightly believed what he had said of the happy state of Israel, he would not have thus herded with the enemies of Israel. The Midianites' wicked wiles were Balaam's projects: it was just that he should perish with them, H...
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And Moses, and Eleazar the priest, and all the princes of the congregation, went forth to meet them without the camp.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Moses, and Eleazar the priest, and all the princes of the congregation, went forth to meet them without the camp</strong>—the Hebrew <em>yatsa</em> (went forth) indicates intentional movement to greet returning warriors <em>outside</em> the camp, not within it. This detail becomes crucial: warriors returning from battle were ritually unclean through contact with death (verse 19), requiring...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-18** The sword of war should spare women and children; but the sword of justice should know no distinction, but that of guilty or not guilty. This war was the execution of a righteous sentence upon a guilty nation, in which the women were the worst criminals. The female children were spared, who, being brought up among the Israelites, would not tempt them to idolatry. The whole his...
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And Moses was wroth with the officers of the host, with the captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, which came from the battle. battle: Heb. host of war

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KJV Study Commentary

Moses' anger against the officers for sparing Midianite women reveals the seriousness of the seduction that had caused Israel's plague. These women had 'caused the children of Israel...to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor' (verse 16), making their preservation dangerous. Moses' rebuke demonstrates that mercy toward God's enemies can constitute disobedience when God has command...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-18** The sword of war should spare women and children; but the sword of justice should know no distinction, but that of guilty or not guilty. This war was the execution of a righteous sentence upon a guilty nation, in which the women were the worst criminals. The female children were spared, who, being brought up among the Israelites, would not tempt them to idolatry. The whole his...
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And Moses said unto them, Have ye saved all the women alive?

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Have ye saved all the women alive?</strong>—Moses' rhetorical question drips with incredulity at the soldiers' misguided mercy. The Hebrew construction expects a negative answer: 'You haven't really saved all the women, have you?' This rebuke introduces verses 16-18's explanation: these women caused Israel's sin at Baal-Peor through Balaam's counsel, making their preservation spiritually c...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(15) **Have ye saved all the women alive?—**It was the women, as is expressed in the following verse, who had been the cause, at the instigation of Balaam, of the apostacy of the Israelites; and consequently the command to “avenge the Lord of Midiani” implied the punishment of those who had been the instruments employed in the seduction of the Israelites.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-18** The sword of war should spare women and children; but the sword of justice should know no distinction, but that of guilty or not guilty. This war was the execution of a righteous sentence upon a guilty nation, in which the women were the worst criminals. The female children were spared, who, being brought up among the Israelites, would not tempt them to idolatry. The whole his...
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Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.

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KJV Study Commentary

This verse reveals Balaam's wicked strategy: 'These caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor.' Unable to curse what God had blessed, Balaam taught Midian how to cause Israel to curse themselves through idolatry and sexual immorality. This 'doctrine of Balaam' (Rev 2:14) represents compromise with worldliness, teaching G...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-18** The sword of war should spare women and children; but the sword of justice should know no distinction, but that of guilty or not guilty. This war was the execution of a righteous sentence upon a guilty nation, in which the women were the worst criminals. The female children were spared, who, being brought up among the Israelites, would not tempt them to idolatry. The whole his...
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Now therefore kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman that hath known man by lying with him. him: Heb. a male

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman that hath known man</strong>—this command represents <em>cherem</em> (devoted to destruction) warfare, among Scripture's most difficult passages. The Hebrew <em>taph</em> (little ones) and the specification of sexually mature women indicate judgment on both future threats (male children who would grow to avenge their fathers) and ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-18** The sword of war should spare women and children; but the sword of justice should know no distinction, but that of guilty or not guilty. This war was the execution of a righteous sentence upon a guilty nation, in which the women were the worst criminals. The female children were spared, who, being brought up among the Israelites, would not tempt them to idolatry. The whole his...
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But all the women children, that have not known a man by lying with him, keep alive for yourselves.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>All the women children, that have not known a man...keep alive for yourselves</strong>—the Hebrew <em>na'arah</em> (young women/virgins) specifies those who hadn't participated in Baal-Peor's sexual immorality. This mercy within judgment demonstrates God's discrimination: punishment falls on actual offenders, not innocent parties. The phrase 'keep alive' (Hebrew <em>chayah</em>) means pres...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(18) **Keep alive for yourselves.**—The Israelites were allowed to make slaves of their captives. Shortly after the capture of these Midianitish women, and, it may be, as arising out of it, the law concerning marriage with captives was enacted. (See Deuteronomy 21:10-14.)

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-18** The sword of war should spare women and children; but the sword of justice should know no distinction, but that of guilty or not guilty. This war was the execution of a righteous sentence upon a guilty nation, in which the women were the worst criminals. The female children were spared, who, being brought up among the Israelites, would not tempt them to idolatry. The whole his...
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And do ye abide without the camp seven days: whosoever hath killed any person, and whosoever hath touched any slain, purify both yourselves and your captives on the third day, and on the seventh day.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Abide without the camp seven days: whosoever hath killed...or touched any slain, purify both yourselves and your captives</strong>—the Hebrew <em>chanah</em> (abide/camp) outside required ritual separation because corpse contact caused uncleanness (Numbers 19:11-22). The <em>chatta't</em> (purification/sin) ritual on the third and seventh days used water mixed with ashes from the red heife...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 19-24** The Israelites had to purify themselves according to the law, and to abide without the camp seven days, though they had not contracted any moral guilt, the war being just and lawful, and commanded by God. Thus God would preserve in their minds a dread and detestation of shedding blood. The spoil had been used by Midianites, and being now come into the possession of Israelites,...
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And purify all your raiment, and all that is made of skins, and all work of goats' hair, and all things made of wood. that: Heb. instrument, or, vessel of skins

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Purify all your raiment...all that is made of skins...goats' hair...and...wood</strong>—this verse expands purification from persons (v.19) to possessions. The Hebrew <em>chata</em> (purify) required treating all plundered items that contacted corpses or battlefield death. Different materials required different methods (v.23): fire-resistant metals went through fire, while organic material...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 19-24** The Israelites had to purify themselves according to the law, and to abide without the camp seven days, though they had not contracted any moral guilt, the war being just and lawful, and commanded by God. Thus God would preserve in their minds a dread and detestation of shedding blood. The spoil had been used by Midianites, and being now come into the possession of Israelites,...
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And Eleazar the priest said unto the men of war which went to the battle, This is the ordinance of the law which the LORD commanded Moses;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Eleazar the priest said...This is the ordinance of the law which the LORD commanded Moses</strong>—the Hebrew <em>chuqqah</em> (ordinance/statute) indicates a permanent, binding regulation, not temporary instruction. Eleazar's citation of <em>Torah</em> (law) emphasizes that these purification requirements weren't arbitrary rules but divine revelation. The priest's role as interpreter and ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 19-24** The Israelites had to purify themselves according to the law, and to abide without the camp seven days, though they had not contracted any moral guilt, the war being just and lawful, and commanded by God. Thus God would preserve in their minds a dread and detestation of shedding blood. The spoil had been used by Midianites, and being now come into the possession of Israelites,...
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Only the gold, and the silver, the brass, the iron, the tin, and the lead,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Only the gold, and the silver, the brass, the iron, the tin, and the lead</strong>—this verse begins specifying which plundered materials could withstand fire purification (v.23). The Hebrew lists six metals: <em>zahab</em> (gold), <em>kesef</em> (silver), <em>nechosheth</em> (bronze/brass), <em>barzel</em> (iron), <em>bedil</em> (tin), and <em>oferet</em> (lead). This technical knowledge ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 19-24** The Israelites had to purify themselves according to the law, and to abide without the camp seven days, though they had not contracted any moral guilt, the war being just and lawful, and commanded by God. Thus God would preserve in their minds a dread and detestation of shedding blood. The spoil had been used by Midianites, and being now come into the possession of Israelites,...
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Every thing that may abide the fire, ye shall make it go through the fire, and it shall be clean: nevertheless it shall be purified with the water of separation: and all that abideth not the fire ye shall make go through the water.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Every thing that may abide the fire, ye shall make it go through the fire, and it shall be clean</strong>—the principle: maximum purification for maximum resistance. Fire-resistant metals underwent fire purification, the strongest cleansing method. Yet even after fire, they still required <strong>water of separation</strong> (Hebrew <em>mei niddah</em>), the ritual water mixed with red hei...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 19-24** The Israelites had to purify themselves according to the law, and to abide without the camp seven days, though they had not contracted any moral guilt, the war being just and lawful, and commanded by God. Thus God would preserve in their minds a dread and detestation of shedding blood. The spoil had been used by Midianites, and being now come into the possession of Israelites,...
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And ye shall wash your clothes on the seventh day, and ye shall be clean, and afterward ye shall come into the camp.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Ye shall wash your clothes on the seventh day, and ye shall be clean, and afterward ye shall come into the camp</strong>—the Hebrew <em>kabas</em> (wash) indicates thorough laundering, not mere rinsing. The seventh day culminated the purification process that began on the third day (v.19), marking complete restoration to ritual purity. Only <strong>afterward</strong> (Hebrew <em>achar</em>...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 19-24** The Israelites had to purify themselves according to the law, and to abide without the camp seven days, though they had not contracted any moral guilt, the war being just and lawful, and commanded by God. Thus God would preserve in their minds a dread and detestation of shedding blood. The spoil had been used by Midianites, and being now come into the possession of Israelites,...
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Division of the Plunder

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying</strong> (וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה)—This prophetic formula introduces divine legislation for war spoils distribution. Following Israel's victory over Midian (31:1-24), God provides detailed instructions for <em>mechelek</em> (division) of the plunder, demonstrating that even military success belongs to Yahweh.<br><br>The timing matters: purification...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 25-47** Whatever we have, God justly claims a part. Out of the people's share God required one in fifty, but out of the soldiers' share only one in five hundred. The less opportunity we have of honouring God with personal services, the more should we give in money or value.

Take the sum of the prey that was taken, both of man and of beast, thou, and Eleazar the priest, and the chief fathers of the congregation: that: Heb. of the captivity

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Take the sum of the prey that was taken, both of man and of beast</strong>—The Hebrew <em>malqowach</em> (prey/booty) included 675,000 sheep, 72,000 cattle, 61,000 donkeys, and 32,000 captive virgins (31:32-35). Moses, Eleazar, and tribal leaders must census everything before distribution.<br><br>This meticulous accounting reveals God's concern for justice in material affairs. The spoils r...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 25-47** Whatever we have, God justly claims a part. Out of the people's share God required one in fifty, but out of the soldiers' share only one in five hundred. The less opportunity we have of honouring God with personal services, the more should we give in money or value.

And divide the prey into two parts; between them that took the war upon them, who went out to battle, and between all the congregation:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And divide the prey into two parts; between them that took the war upon them...and between all the congregation</strong>—The Hebrew <em>chatsah</em> (divide) creates 50-50 split between combatants (12,000 men, 31:5) and non-combatants (approximately 600,000+ total population). Soldiers risked death; community supported them with prayer, logistics, families.<br><br>This radical redistributi...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(27) **And divide the prey into two parts . . . —**It was reasonable that those who had encountered the perils and hardships of the war should receive a larger share of the spoil than those who had remained in the camp. It was equally reasonable that the latter should not be left without some substantial benefit from the victory miraculously achieved over the enemies of the Lord and of His people....
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**53. the land shall be divided according to the number of names--**The portion of each tribe was to be greater or less, according to its populousness.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 25-47** Whatever we have, God justly claims a part. Out of the people's share God required one in fifty, but out of the soldiers' share only one in five hundred. The less opportunity we have of honouring God with personal services, the more should we give in money or value.

And levy a tribute unto the LORD of the men of war which went out to battle: one soul of five hundred, both of the persons, and of the beeves, and of the asses, and of the sheep:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And levy a tribute unto the LORD</strong> (וַהֲרֵמֹתָ מֶכֶס לַיהוָה)—From soldiers' half: 1 in 500 (<em>mechkas</em>, tribute/tax) goes to Yahweh through Eleazar (31:29). From the congregation's half: 1 in 50 goes to Levites (31:30). The differential rate reflects soldiers' greater risk and smaller base population.<br><br><strong>One soul of five hundred</strong>—includes persons, cattle, ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(28) **And levy a tribute unto the Lord.—**Literally, *and thou shalt lift up *(or, *heave*)*, *&c. The portion assigned to the priests, which was taken from the prey that fell to the lot of the warriors, and which is described in Numbers 31:29 as “the heave offering of the Lord,” was one-five-hundredth part of the maidens and of the cattle which had fallen to their share. The maidens were probabl...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**54. To many thou shalt give the more inheritance--**that is, to the more numerous tribes a larger allotment shall be granted. **according to those that were numbered--**the number of persons twenty years old at the time of the census being made, without taking into account either the increase of those who might have attained that age, when the land should be actually distributed, or the diminu...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 25-47** Whatever we have, God justly claims a part. Out of the people's share God required one in fifty, but out of the soldiers' share only one in five hundred. The less opportunity we have of honouring God with personal services, the more should we give in money or value.

Take it of their half, and give it unto Eleazar the priest, for an heave offering of the LORD.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Take it of their half, and give it unto Eleazar the priest, for an heave offering of the LORD</strong>—The Hebrew <em>terumah</em> (heave/wave offering) designates this as sacred gift lifted toward heaven symbolically. The soldiers' tribute goes to the high priest, supporting Tabernacle ministry and priestly families who own no land inheritance.<br><br>Eleazar receives on God's behalf—the ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**55. the land shall be divided by lot--**The appeal to the lot did not place the matter beyond the control of God; for it is at His disposal (Pr 16:33), and He has fixed to all the bounds of their habitation. The manner in which the lot was taken has not been recorded. But it is evident that the lot was cast for determining the section of the country in which each tribe should be located--not the...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 25-47** Whatever we have, God justly claims a part. Out of the people's share God required one in fifty, but out of the soldiers' share only one in five hundred. The less opportunity we have of honouring God with personal services, the more should we give in money or value.

And of the children of Israel's half, thou shalt take one portion of fifty, of the persons, of the beeves, of the asses, and of the flocks, of all manner of beasts, and give them unto the Levites, which keep the charge of the tabernacle of the LORD. flocks: or, goats

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And of the children of Israel's half, thou shalt take one portion of fifty</strong>—The non-combatant majority (congregation) gives 1/50 to the Levites who assist priests but don't perform high priestly duties. This tenfold higher rate (compared to soldiers' 1/500) reflects their non-risk status and larger numbers.<br><br><strong>Give them unto the Levites, which keep the charge of the tab...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(30) **One portion of fifty.**—The Levites were much more numerous than the priests, and consequently it was ordered that they should have two per cent. of the spoil which fell to the congregation, whereas the priests had only one-fifth percent, of a like amount. The portion of the Levites, therefore, was 320 maidens, 6,750 sheep and goats, 720 oxen, and 610 asses.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 25-47** Whatever we have, God justly claims a part. Out of the people's share God required one in fifty, but out of the soldiers' share only one in five hundred. The less opportunity we have of honouring God with personal services, the more should we give in money or value.

And Moses and Eleazar the priest did as the LORD commanded Moses.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Moses and Eleazar the priest did as the LORD commanded Moses</strong>—Perfect obedience formula. Moses nears death (Numbers 27:12-14), yet meticulously follows divine instruction. Eleazar co-leads, ensuring continuity. The phrase <em>ka'asher tzivah YHWH</em> (as the LORD commanded) appears throughout Numbers marking covenant faithfulness.<br><br>This verse punctuates the distribution ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 25-47** Whatever we have, God justly claims a part. Out of the people's share God required one in fifty, but out of the soldiers' share only one in five hundred. The less opportunity we have of honouring God with personal services, the more should we give in money or value.

And the booty, being the rest of the prey which the men of war had caught, was six hundred thousand and seventy thousand and five thousand sheep,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the booty, being the rest of the prey which the men of war had caught, was six hundred thousand and seventy thousand and five thousand sheep</strong>—The precise number 675,000 (<em>tson</em>, flocks) demonstrates meticulous inventory and enormous scale. After setting aside tribute, soldiers received approximately 337,500 sheep; congregation received equal amount.<br><br>The staggering...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(32) **And the booty, being the rest of the prey . . . —**The reference may be to the residue of the captives after the slaughter of all the males and of a large number of the women, and to the cattle which were brought to the camp, some, it may be, having been lost or slaughtered for food; or it may be to the booty which had been taken in captives and animals, as distinguished from the gold and s...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**58. families of the Levites--**The census of this tribe was taken separately, and on a different principle from the rest. (See Ex 6:16-19).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 25-47** Whatever we have, God justly claims a part. Out of the people's share God required one in fifty, but out of the soldiers' share only one in five hundred. The less opportunity we have of honouring God with personal services, the more should we give in money or value.

And threescore and twelve thousand beeves,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And threescore and twelve thousand beeves</strong>—72,000 cattle (<em>baqar</em>) represented enormous wealth. Cattle provided labor (plowing), dairy, leather, and meat. With sheep (675,000), donkeys (61,000), this livestock transformed Israel from survival wanderers into economically viable nation ready for Canaan settlement.<br><br>The distribution gave soldiers 36,000 cattle, congregati...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 25-47** Whatever we have, God justly claims a part. Out of the people's share God required one in fifty, but out of the soldiers' share only one in five hundred. The less opportunity we have of honouring God with personal services, the more should we give in money or value.

And threescore and one thousand asses,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And threescore and one thousand asses</strong>—61,000 donkeys (<em>chamor</em>) were essential pack animals for transport, agriculture, and commerce. Unlike horses (associated with warfare/Egypt), donkeys represented humble utility—the animal Jesus rode entering Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-11), fulfilling Zechariah 9:9.<br><br>Donkeys carried goods, transported families, worked fields. Their i...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 25-47** Whatever we have, God justly claims a part. Out of the people's share God required one in fifty, but out of the soldiers' share only one in five hundred. The less opportunity we have of honouring God with personal services, the more should we give in money or value.

And thirty and two thousand persons in all, of women that had not known man by lying with him.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And thirty and two thousand persons in all, of women that had not known man by lying with him</strong>—32,000 virgin females (<em>nashim asher lo yad'u mishkav zakar</em>) sparks difficult ethical questions. Deuteronomy 20:14 permits taking women/children as spoils; adult males were executed (31:7,17) along with non-virgin females (31:17) due to their role in Baal-Peor seduction (Numbers 2...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 25-47** Whatever we have, God justly claims a part. Out of the people's share God required one in fifty, but out of the soldiers' share only one in five hundred. The less opportunity we have of honouring God with personal services, the more should we give in money or value.

And the half, which was the portion of them that went out to war, was in number three hundred thousand and seven and thirty thousand and five hundred sheep:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the half, which was the portion of them that went out to war, was in number three hundred thousand and thirty thousand and seven thousand and five hundred sheep</strong>—The soldiers' half: 337,500 sheep from the 675,000 total. This precise accounting continues through verses 37-40, showing 36,000 cattle, 30,500 donkeys, 16,000 persons. Transparency prevents corruption.<br><br>The repe...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**62. twenty and three thousand--**so that there was an increase of a thousand (Nu 3:39). **males from a month old and upward--**(See on Nu 3:14).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 25-47** Whatever we have, God justly claims a part. Out of the people's share God required one in fifty, but out of the soldiers' share only one in five hundred. The less opportunity we have of honouring God with personal services, the more should we give in money or value.

And the LORD'S tribute of the sheep was six hundred and threescore and fifteen .

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the LORD'S tribute of the sheep was six hundred and threescore and fifteen</strong>—The Hebrew <em>terumah</em> (תְּרוּמָה, 'heave offering') designates the portion lifted up and consecrated to Yahweh. This precise 0.2% levy (675 from 337,500 sheep) established Israel's recognition that all war spoils belonged first to God. The meticulous accounting reflects not mere bookkeeping but co...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 25-47** Whatever we have, God justly claims a part. Out of the people's share God required one in fifty, but out of the soldiers' share only one in five hundred. The less opportunity we have of honouring God with personal services, the more should we give in money or value.

And the beeves were thirty and six thousand; of which the LORD'S tribute was threescore and twelve .

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the beeves were thirty and six thousand; of which the LORD'S tribute was threescore and twelve</strong>—The Hebrew <em>baqar</em> (בָּקָר, 'cattle/oxen') represented substantial wealth in ancient agrarian economies. The 72 cattle given to the Levitical priesthood (0.2% of 36,000) provided both sustenance and sacrificial animals for tabernacle service. This systematic allocation ensured...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**64. among these there was not a man ... numbered ... in the wilderness of Sinai--**The statement in this verse must not be considered absolute. For, besides Caleb and Joshua, there were alive at this time Eleazar and Ithamar, and in all probability a considerable number of Levites, who had no participation in the popular defections in the wilderness. The tribe of Levi, having neither sent a spy ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 25-47** Whatever we have, God justly claims a part. Out of the people's share God required one in fifty, but out of the soldiers' share only one in five hundred. The less opportunity we have of honouring God with personal services, the more should we give in money or value.

And the asses were thirty thousand and five hundred; of which the LORD'S tribute was threescore and one.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the asses were thirty thousand and five hundred; of which the LORD'S tribute was threescore and one</strong>—The Hebrew <em>chamor</em> (חֲמוֹר, 'donkey/ass') designated essential beasts of burden in Israel's economy. Unlike horses associated with warfare and Egyptian oppression, donkeys represented humble transport and agricultural work. The 61 animals consecrated to God underscore th...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 25-47** Whatever we have, God justly claims a part. Out of the people's share God required one in fifty, but out of the soldiers' share only one in five hundred. The less opportunity we have of honouring God with personal services, the more should we give in money or value.

And the persons were sixteen thousand; of which the LORD'S tribute was thirty and two persons.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the persons were sixteen thousand; of which the LORD'S tribute was thirty and two persons</strong>—The Hebrew <em>nephesh adam</em> (נֶפֶשׁ אָדָם, 'souls of men') refers to the 32,000 Midianite virgins taken captive (Numbers 31:35), of whom 32 were given to the Levites. These women became servants in Israel, likely performing domestic tasks for the priesthood. While jarring to modern s...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 25-47** Whatever we have, God justly claims a part. Out of the people's share God required one in fifty, but out of the soldiers' share only one in five hundred. The less opportunity we have of honouring God with personal services, the more should we give in money or value.

And Moses gave the tribute, which was the LORD'S heave offering, unto Eleazar the priest, as the LORD commanded Moses.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Moses gave the tribute, which was the LORD'S heave offering, unto Eleazar the priest</strong>—The Hebrew <em>terumah YHWH</em> (תְּרוּמַת יְהוָה, 'heave offering of Yahweh') emphasizes the offering's direction: lifted from common use toward holy purposes. Moses's mediation through Eleazar (Aaron's successor) established proper channels for consecrating spoils to God. Human hands cannot...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 25-47** Whatever we have, God justly claims a part. Out of the people's share God required one in fifty, but out of the soldiers' share only one in five hundred. The less opportunity we have of honouring God with personal services, the more should we give in money or value.

And of the children of Israel's half, which Moses divided from the men that warred,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And of the children of Israel's half, which Moses divided from the men that warred</strong>—The Hebrew מַחֲצִית (machatzit, "half") emphasizes the exact division of war spoils. This verse introduces the accounting of the non-combatant half: warriors kept their portion (vv. 25-41), but the congregation's share required priestly oversight. The verb חָלַק (chalaq, "to divide/apportion") refle...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 25-47** Whatever we have, God justly claims a part. Out of the people's share God required one in fifty, but out of the soldiers' share only one in five hundred. The less opportunity we have of honouring God with personal services, the more should we give in money or value.

(Now the half that pertained unto the congregation was three hundred thousand and thirty thousand and seven thousand and five hundred sheep ,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>(Now the half that pertained unto the congregation was three hundred thousand and thirty thousand and seven thousand and five hundred sheep</strong>—The parenthetical structure marks this as explanatory detail, listing the congregation's exact share: 337,500 צֹאן (tzon, "sheep/small livestock"). The precision demonstrates covenantal accountability—every animal was counted, nothing hidden o...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 27 Nu 27:1-11. The Daughters of Zelophehad Ask for an Inheritance. **3. Our father died in the wilderness, and he was not ... in the company of ... Korah--**This declaration might be necessary because his death might have occurred about the time of that rebellion; and especially because, as the children of these conspirators were involved along with their fathers in the awful punishment, ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 25-47** Whatever we have, God justly claims a part. Out of the people's share God required one in fifty, but out of the soldiers' share only one in five hundred. The less opportunity we have of honouring God with personal services, the more should we give in money or value.

And thirty and six thousand beeves,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And thirty and six thousand beeves</strong>—The Hebrew בָּקָר (baqar, "cattle/oxen") refers to large livestock essential for agriculture, transportation, and sacrifice. The congregation's half was 36,000 head (from 72,000 total), representing enormous wealth and productive capacity for the settlement ahead.<br><br>Unlike sheep, cattle required significant pastureland and provided draft pow...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**4. Give unto us a possession among the brethren of our father--**Those young women perceived that the males only in families had been registered in the census. Because there were none in their household, their family was omitted. So they made known their grievance to Moses, and the authorities conjoined with him in administering justice. The case was important; and as the peculiarity of daughter...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 25-47** Whatever we have, God justly claims a part. Out of the people's share God required one in fifty, but out of the soldiers' share only one in five hundred. The less opportunity we have of honouring God with personal services, the more should we give in money or value.

And thirty thousand asses and five hundred,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And thirty thousand asses and five hundred</strong>—The Hebrew חֲמוֹר (chamor, "donkey") was the primary beast of burden in ancient Israel. The congregation received 30,500 donkeys (from 61,000 total)—essential for transporting goods, especially in mountainous terrain unsuitable for wagons.<br><br>Donkeys appear throughout biblical narrative as symbols of peaceful labor (unlike horses for ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 25-47** Whatever we have, God justly claims a part. Out of the people's share God required one in fifty, but out of the soldiers' share only one in five hundred. The less opportunity we have of honouring God with personal services, the more should we give in money or value.

And sixteen thousand persons ;)

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And sixteen thousand persons</strong>—The Hebrew נֶפֶשׁ אָדָם (nephesh adam, "souls of mankind") refers to Midianite captives, specifically young women who had not known man (v. 18). The congregation's half was 16,000 from 32,000 total. While jarring to modern readers, this reflects ancient warfare customs where unmarried women were integrated into the conquering community.<br><br>Critical...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 25-47** Whatever we have, God justly claims a part. Out of the people's share God required one in fifty, but out of the soldiers' share only one in five hundred. The less opportunity we have of honouring God with personal services, the more should we give in money or value.

Even of the children of Israel's half, Moses took one portion of fifty, both of man and of beast, and gave them unto the Levites, which kept the charge of the tabernacle of the LORD; as the LORD commanded Moses.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Even of the children of Israel's half, Moses took one portion of fifty, both of man and of beast, and gave them unto the Levites</strong>—From the congregation's half, Moses extracted a 2% Levitical tax (אֶחָד אָחֻז מִן־הַחֲמִשִּׁים, echad achutz min-ha-chamishim, "one drawn/seized from the fifty"). This totaled 6,750 sheep, 720 cattle, 610 donkeys, and 320 persons for <strong>the Levites,...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 25-47** Whatever we have, God justly claims a part. Out of the people's share God required one in fifty, but out of the soldiers' share only one in five hundred. The less opportunity we have of honouring God with personal services, the more should we give in money or value.

And the officers which were over thousands of the host, the captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds, came near unto Moses:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the officers which were over thousands of the host, the captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds, came near unto Moses</strong>—The Hebrew שָׂרֵי הָאֲלָפִים וְשָׂרֵי הַמֵּאוֹת (sarei ha-alaphim ve-sarei ha-meot, "princes/commanders of the thousands and princes of the hundreds") represents Israel's military hierarchy. These פְּקֻדֵי (pequdei, "officers/appointed ones") approached...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 48-54** The success of the Israelites had been very remarkable, so small a company overcoming such multitudes, but it was still more wonderful that not one was slain or missing. They presented the gold they found among the spoils, as an offering to the Lord. Thus they confessed, that instead of claiming a reward for their service, they needed forgiveness of much that had been amiss, a...
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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. charge: Heb. hand

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KJV Study Commentary

The officers report: 'Thy servants have taken the sum of the men of war... and there lacketh not one man of us.' This miraculous preservation in warfare demonstrated God's protective power. The Hebrew 'ish echad' (one man) emphasizes complete preservation - not even one casualty. This military miracle led to grateful offerings (v.50), showing they recognized divine intervention. The incident typif...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(49) **There lacketh not one man of us.—**It is obvious from the smallness of the number of the Israelitish warriors, as well as from the reference to those chiefs only of the Midianites who were the vassals of Sihon, and from the strength of the Midianitish nation in the time of Gideon (Judges 6-8), that the attack was made only upon that particular portion of the nation which had been concerned ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 48-54** The success of the Israelites had been very remarkable, so small a company overcoming such multitudes, but it was still more wonderful that not one was slain or missing. They presented the gold they found among the spoils, as an offering to the Lord. Thus they confessed, that instead of claiming a reward for their service, they needed forgiveness of much that had been amiss, a...
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We have therefore brought an oblation for the LORD, what every man hath gotten, of jewels of gold, chains, and bracelets, rings, earrings, and tablets, to make an atonement for our souls before the LORD. gotten: Heb. found

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KJV Study Commentary

The military officers brought gold ornaments as 'atonement for our souls before the LORD,' recognizing that even righteous war (God-commanded) involved bloodshed requiring purification. The Hebrew 'kaphar' (atonement) means to cover or make reconciliation. Remarkably, not one Israelite soldier died (v.49) - a miraculous preservation pointing to God's protective power. Yet they still sought atoneme...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 48-54** The success of the Israelites had been very remarkable, so small a company overcoming such multitudes, but it was still more wonderful that not one was slain or missing. They presented the gold they found among the spoils, as an offering to the Lord. Thus they confessed, that instead of claiming a reward for their service, they needed forgiveness of much that had been amiss, a...
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And Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold of them, even all wrought jewels.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold of them, even all wrought jewels</strong>—Moses and Eleazar received gold offerings (זָהָב <em>zahav</em>) described as <strong>wrought jewels</strong> (כְּלִי מַעֲשֶׂה <em>keli ma'aseh</em>, 'vessels of craftsmanship'), indicating elaborate metalwork rather than raw gold. This voluntary offering (v.50) from military officers expressed gratitu...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 48-54** The success of the Israelites had been very remarkable, so small a company overcoming such multitudes, but it was still more wonderful that not one was slain or missing. They presented the gold they found among the spoils, as an offering to the Lord. Thus they confessed, that instead of claiming a reward for their service, they needed forgiveness of much that had been amiss, a...
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And all the gold of the offering that they offered up to the LORD, of the captains of thousands, and of the captains of hundreds, was sixteen thousand seven hundred and fifty shekels. offering: Heb. heave offering

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And all the gold of the offering that they offered up to the LORD, of the captains of thousands, and of the captains of hundreds, was sixteen thousand seven hundred and fifty shekels</strong>—The precise total—<strong>sixteen thousand seven hundred and fifty shekels</strong> (שִׁשָּׁה עָשָׂר אֶלֶף וּשְׁבַע מֵאוֹת וַחֲמִשִּׁים שֶׁקֶל <em>shishah asar elef usheva me'ot vachamishim sheqel</em...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(52) **Sixteen thousand seven hundred and fifty shekels.**—This quantity of golden ornaments is quite in harmony with the well-known habits of nomad and even barbarous tribes. The peculiar affection of the Midianites for such ornaments is shown further in the account which is contained in Judges 8:26 of the weight of the golden earrings which were given to Gideon after his victory over that nation...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Nu 27:12-17. Moses Being Told of His Approaching Death, Asks for a Successor. **12. The Lord said unto Moses, Get thee up into this mount Abarim, and see the land--**Although the Israelites were now on the confines of the promised land, Moses was not privileged to cross the Jordan, but died on one of the Moabitic range of mountains, to which the general name of Abarim was given (Nu 33:47). The pr...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 48-54** The success of the Israelites had been very remarkable, so small a company overcoming such multitudes, but it was still more wonderful that not one was slain or missing. They presented the gold they found among the spoils, as an offering to the Lord. Thus they confessed, that instead of claiming a reward for their service, they needed forgiveness of much that had been amiss, a...
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( For the men of war had taken spoil, every man for himself.)

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>(For the men of war had taken spoil, every man for himself.)</strong>—The parenthetical clarification distinguishes between <strong>spoil</strong> (בָּזָז <em>bazaz</em>, plunder) kept by individual soldiers 'every man for himself' (אִישׁ לוֹ <em>ish lo</em>) and the officers' voluntary thanksgiving offering. While soldiers retained personal plunder (gold, clothing, livestock from v.32-47)...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 48-54** The success of the Israelites had been very remarkable, so small a company overcoming such multitudes, but it was still more wonderful that not one was slain or missing. They presented the gold they found among the spoils, as an offering to the Lord. Thus they confessed, that instead of claiming a reward for their service, they needed forgiveness of much that had been amiss, a...
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And Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold of the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and brought it into the tabernacle of the congregation, for a memorial for the children of Israel before the LORD.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold of the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and brought it into the tabernacle of the congregation, for a memorial for the children of Israel before the LORD</strong>—The gold's destination—<strong>tabernacle of the congregation</strong> (אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד <em>ohel mo'ed</em>, tent of meeting)—designated it as sacred treasury rather than personal...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 48-54** The success of the Israelites had been very remarkable, so small a company overcoming such multitudes, but it was still more wonderful that not one was slain or missing. They presented the gold they found among the spoils, as an offering to the Lord. Thus they confessed, that instead of claiming a reward for their service, they needed forgiveness of much that had been amiss, a...
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