King James Version

What Does Numbers 31:6 Mean?

Numbers 31:6 in the King James Version says “And Moses sent them to the war, a thousand of every tribe, them and Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, to the war, ...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Numbers 31:6 · KJV

Context

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.

6

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.

7

And they warred against the Midianites, as the LORD commanded Moses; and they slew all the males.

8

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.

Read Numbers 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses sent them to the war, a thousand of every tribe, them and Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest—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 the holy instruments (keley ha-kodesh, כְּלֵי הַקֹּדֶשׁ)—likely the Urim and Thummim for divine guidance (Exodus 28:30) and possibly the Ark's silver trumpets.

The trumpets to blow in his hand (chatzotzerot hat'ruah, חֲצֹצְרֹת הַתְּרוּעָה)—These sacred trumpets (Numbers 10:1-10) signaled God's presence and invoked His aid. Their use in battle (Joshua 6:4-20) declared this was Yahweh's war. The priest leading armed men illustrates that Israel's military campaigns were liturgical acts, extensions of worship.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Phinehas's leadership established a pattern of priestly involvement in warfare (Joshua 6:4-6, 1 Samuel 4:4, 2 Chronicles 20:21-22). The holy instruments and trumpets sanctified the campaign, distinguishing it from pagan conquest. This was not Israel's initiative but divine command executed with ritual propriety.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Phinehas's dual role (priest and military leader) challenge false dichotomies between spiritual and practical service?
  2. What "holy instruments" (spiritual disciplines, Scripture, prayer) do you carry into your daily battles against temptation and sin?
  3. How does viewing spiritual conflict as "Yahweh's war" shift your approach from self-effort to dependence on God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח1 of 18

“sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֹתָ֥ם2 of 18
H853

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

מֹשֶׁ֛ה3 of 18

“And Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֶ֥לֶף4 of 18

“a thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

לַמַּטֶּ֖ה5 of 18

“of every tribe”

H4294

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

לַצָּבָ֔א6 of 18

“them to 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

אֹ֠תָם7 of 18
H853

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

וְאֶת8 of 18
H853

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

פִּ֨ינְחָ֜ס9 of 18

“them and Phinehas”

H6372

pinechas, the name of three israelites

בֶּן10 of 18

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אֶלְעָזָ֤ר11 of 18

“of Eleazar”

H499

elazar, the name of seven israelites

הַכֹּהֵן֙12 of 18

“the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

לַצָּבָ֔א13 of 18

“them to 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

וּכְלֵ֥י14 of 18

“instruments”

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

הַקֹּ֛דֶשׁ15 of 18

“with the holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

וַחֲצֹֽצְר֥וֹת16 of 18

“and the trumpets”

H2689

a trumpet (from its sundered or quavering note)

הַתְּרוּעָ֖ה17 of 18

“to blow”

H8643

clamor, i.e., acclamation of joy or a battle-cry; especially clangor of trumpets, as an alarum

בְּיָדֽוֹ׃18 of 18

“in his hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

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 31:6 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 31:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 14:44Numbers 10:8-9Numbers 25:7-131 Samuel 23:91 Samuel 4:4-52 Samuel 11:11

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