King James Version
What Does Numbers 31:9 Mean?
“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.”
Numbers 31:9 · KJV
Context
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.
9
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.
10
And they burnt all their cities wherein they dwelt, and all their goodly castles, with fire.
11
And they took all the spoil, and all the prey, both of men and of beasts.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe children of Israel took all the women of Midian captives, and their little ones—the Hebrew shabah (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 all the spoil of all their cattle...flocks...and goods (Hebrew shalal for spoil, malqowach for prey) was standard ancient warfare practice, but Israel's campaigns differed—spoils belonged to Yahweh first, then were distributed by divine law.
This verse sets up the theological problem addressed in verses 15-18: the women of Midian had been instruments of Israel's seduction to Baal-Peor (25:1-18), making their preservation dangerous. The soldiers' initial mercy violated God's purpose to remove the source of Israel's spiritual corruption, demonstrating that human compassion without divine wisdom can perpetuate sin's influence.
This verse sets up the theological problem addressed in verses 15-18: the women of Midian had been instruments of Israel's seduction to Baal-Peor (25:1-18), making their preservation dangerous. The soldiers' initial mercy violated God's purpose to remove the source of Israel's spiritual corruption, demonstrating that human compassion without divine wisdom can perpetuate sin's influence.
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Historical & Cultural Context
This campaign against Midian (c. 1406 BC) executed divine judgment for the Baal-Peor incident where Midianite women, following Balaam's counsel, seduced Israelite men into idolatry and sexual immorality, resulting in a plague killing 24,000. The Midianites were descended from Abraham through Keturah (Genesis 25:1-4), making this judgment against distant relatives particularly poignant. The battle occurred on the plains of Moab just before Israel's entry into Canaan, serving as Moses' final military act.
Reflection Questions
- How can well-intentioned mercy toward sin's sources undermine God's purposes for holiness in your life?
- What 'captives' are you taking—influences or relationships—that seem harmless but carry spiritual danger?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 18 wordsבְנֵֽי2 of 18
“And the children”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל3 of 18
“of Israel”
H3478he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֶת4 of 18
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִדְיָ֖ן6 of 18
“of Midian”
H4080midjan, a son of abraham; also his country and (collectively) his descendants
וְאֶת7 of 18
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֵ֨ת9 of 18
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל10 of 18
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בְּהֶמְתָּ֧ם11 of 18
“of all their cattle”
H929properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
וְאֶת12 of 18
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל13 of 18
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מִקְנֵהֶ֛ם14 of 18
“and all their flocks”
H4735something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition
וְאֶת15 of 18
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל16 of 18
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
חֵילָ֖ם17 of 18
“and all their goods”
H2428probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
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 31:9 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 31:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge