Numbers 31:6

Translations

Modern

And Moses sent the thousand from each tribe into battle, along with Phinehas son of Eleazar the priest, who took with him the vessels of the sanctuary and the trumpets for signaling.

Traditional

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.

Literal

And Moses sent them to the war, a thousand from a tribe, and he sent them to the war along with Phinehas son of Eleazar the priest, and the holy vessels, and the signal and the trumpets in his hand.

Latin

…quos misit Moyses cum Phinees filio Eleazari sacerdotis, vasa quoque sancta, et tubas ad clangendum tradidit ei.

Original

Hebrew

English

And Moses sent the thousand from each tribe into battle, along with Phinehas son of Eleazar the priest, who took with him the vessels of the sanctuary and the trumpets for signaling.

Notes

Numbers 31:6

Phinehas, son of Eleazar the high priest, led this force of 12,000 men into battle. His leadership showed that this battle was considered a “holy war” (a war carried out in obedience to God). It was an act of judgment for the spiritual harm that Midian had caused Israel (see 25:6–18; 31:15–16). His zeal in this situation matched his actions in the case of Zimri and Cozbi (Numbers 25:11, 13; 25:7–8).
Many scholars believe the holy objects of the holy place included the ark of the covenant, which the Hebrews sometimes carried into battle (for example, Numbers 10:35–36; Joshua 6:6; 1 Samuel 4:3–11; see also Numbers 14:44). Other scholars suggest they were various holy objects used in Tent of Meeting ceremonies (3:31; 4:15; 18:3; see also 1 Kings 8:4; 1 Chronicles 9:29; 2 Chronicles 5:5). The Israelites likely took some or all of these holy objects as signs that God was with them in this battle.

Theme notes and profiles

Moses

Related verses

Numbers 14:44
But they dared to go up to the ridge of the hill country, though neither Moses nor the ark of the covenant of the LORD moved from the camp.
Numbers 10:8–9
The sons of Aaron, the priests, are to sound the trumpets. This shall be a permanent statute for you and the generations to come.
1 Samuel 23:9
When David learned that Saul was plotting evil against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod.”
1 Samuel 4:4–5
So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the LORD of Hosts, who sits enthroned between the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.
2 Samuel 11:11
Uriah answered, “The ark and Israel and Judah are dwelling in tents, and my master Joab and his soldiers are camped in the open field. How can I go to my house to eat and drink and sleep with my wife? As surely as you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do such a thing!”
Exodus 25:9
You must make the tabernacle and design all its furnishings according to the pattern I show you.
Numbers 25:7–13
On seeing this, Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, got up from the assembly, took a spear in his hand,
2 Chronicles 13:12–15
Now behold, God Himself is with us as our head, and His priests with their trumpets sound the battle call against you. O children of Israel, do not fight against the LORD, the God of your fathers, for you will not succeed.”
Joshua 6:4–6
Have seven priests carry seven rams’ horns in front of the ark. Then on the seventh day, march around the city seven times, while the priests blow the horns.
1 Samuel 14:18
Then Saul said to Ahijah, “Bring the ark of God.” (For at that time it was with the Israelites.)
Joshua 6:13–15
And the seven priests carrying seven rams’ horns kept marching ahead of the ark of the LORD and blowing the horns. The armed troops went in front of them and the rear guard followed the ark of the LORD, while the horns kept sounding.
1 Samuel 4:17
The messenger answered, “Israel has fled before the Philistines, and there has been a great slaughter among the people. Your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are both dead, and the ark of God has been captured.”

People

Eleazar: Son of Aaron, high priest after his father Moses: Prophet who led Israel out of Egypt Phinehas: Aaron's grandson; zealous priest who opposed idolatry

Glossary

Deuteronomy, Book of Midian, Midianite Numbers, Book of Phinehas

Topics

Journey of Israel Through The Desert: Return to the Plains of Moab: Midianites Destroyed and Balaam Slain Midianites with the Moabites: Punished for Seducing Israel Phinehas: Sent to Sound the Trumpets in the Battle with the Midianites Priest: A Second Priest, Under the High Priest Priest: Duties of Sound the Trumpet in Summoning Assemblies and in Battle The Armies of Israel: Attended by Priest with Trumpets The Armies of Israel: Men Selected From, for Difficult Enterprises Trumpet used for Sounding for a Memorial when the People Went Into Battle Trumpet: To Summon Soldiers by Phinehas

Numbers 31:6

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