King James Version

What Does Numbers 31:3 Mean?

Numbers 31:3 in the King James Version says “And Moses spake unto the people, saying, Arm some of yourselves unto the war, and let them go against the Midianites, an... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Numbers 31:3 · KJV


Context

1

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

2

Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people.

3

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.

4

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

5

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Arm some of yourselves unto the war, and let them go against the Midianites—The Hebrew hechalletsu (הֵחָלְצוּ, arm/equip) comes from chalats, meaning to strengthen, equip, or draw out for battle. This is holy war (milchemet mitzvah, מִלְחֶמֶת מִצְוָה), not conquest for territory but avenge the LORD of Midian (niqmat-YHWH, נִקְמַת־יְהוָה).

The offense being avenged is Midian's seduction of Israel into Baal-Peor worship (Numbers 25), which brought plague killing 24,000. This was spiritual warfare—judgment on those who sought Israel's destruction through idolatry. God's vengeance (not human revenge) executes justice through Israel as His covenant instrument (Deuteronomy 32:35, Romans 12:19).

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Historical & Cultural Context

This military campaign, Moses' last recorded act before death (v. 2), occurred around 1406 BC at the end of forty years' wandering. Midianite leaders, including Balaam (v. 8), had conspired with Moab to curse Israel (Numbers 22-24) and then seduced them into sexual immorality and idolatry (Numbers 25:1-9, 31:16).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does framing this as "the LORD's vengeance" rather than human revenge shape your understanding of divine justice?
  2. What does Israel's role as God's instrument of judgment teach about His sovereignty in using nations for His purposes?
  3. How do you distinguish between righteous opposition to evil and personal vengeance in your own life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֤ר1 of 16

spake

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

מֹשֶׁה֙2 of 16

And Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֶל3 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָעָ֣ם4 of 16

unto the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

לֵאמֹ֔ר5 of 16

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הֵחָֽלְצ֧וּ6 of 16

Arm

H2502

to pull off; hence (intensively) to strip, (reflexive) to depart; by implication, to deliver, equip (for fight); present, strengthen

מֵֽאִתְּכֶ֛ם7 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֲנָשִׁ֖ים8 of 16
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

לַצָּבָ֑א9 of 16

of yourselves unto the war

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

וְיִֽהְיוּ֙10 of 16
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עַל11 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בְּמִדְיָֽן׃12 of 16

and let them go against the Midianites

H4080

midjan, a son of abraham; also his country and (collectively) his descendants

לָתֵ֥ת13 of 16

and avenge

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

נִקְמַת14 of 16
H5360

avengement, whether the act of the passion

יְהוָ֖ה15 of 16

the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בְּמִדְיָֽן׃16 of 16

and let them go against the Midianites

H4080

midjan, a son of abraham; also his country and (collectively) his descendants


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 31:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 31:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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