Numbers 31:6
Numbers 31:6 in Multiple Translations
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.
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.
And Moses sent them, a thousand of every tribe, to the war, them and Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, to the war, with the vessels of the sanctuary and the trumpets for the alarm in his hand.
And Moses sent them out to war, a thousand from every tribe, and with them Phinehas, the son of Eleazar the priest, taking in his hands the vessels of the holy place and the horns for sounding the note of war.
Moses sent them into battle, one thousand from each tribe, together with Phinehas, son of Eleazar the priest. He carried with him the holy objects from the sanctuary and the trumpets used for giving signals.
And Moses sent them to the warre, euen a thousand of euery tribe, and sent them with Phinehas the sonne of Eleazar the Priest to the warre: and the holy instruments, that is, the trumpets to blow were in his hand.
and Moses sendeth them, a thousand for a tribe, to the host, them and Phinehas son of Eleazar the priest, to the host; and the holy vessels, and the trumpets of the shouting, in his hand.
Moses sent them, one thousand of every tribe, to the war with Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, to the war, with the vessels of the sanctuary and the trumpets for the alarm in his hand.
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.
And Moses sent them with Phinees the son of Eleazar the priest, and he delivered to him the holy vessels, and the trumpets to sound.
When Moses/I sent them to the battle, Phinehas, the son of Eleazar the priest, went with them. He took with him some of the things from the Sacred Tent and the trumpets that would be blown to give the signal to start the battle.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 31:6
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Numbers 31:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֨ח
אֹתָ֥/ם
מֹשֶׁ֛ה
אֶ֥לֶף
לַ/מַּטֶּ֖ה
לַ/צָּבָ֑א
אֹ֠תָ/ם
וְ/אֶת
פִּ֨ינְחָ֜ס
בֶּן
אֶלְעָזָ֤ר
הַ/כֹּהֵן֙
לַ/צָּבָ֔א
וּ/כְלֵ֥י
הַ/קֹּ֛דֶשׁ
וַ/חֲצֹצְר֥וֹת
הַ/תְּרוּעָ֖ה
בְּ/יָדֽ/וֹ
וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֨ח
shâlach
H7971
to send
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֹתָ֥/ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
מֹשֶׁ֛ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
אֶ֥לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Adj
לַ/מַּטֶּ֖ה
maṭṭeh
H4294
tribe
Prep | N-ms
לַ/צָּבָ֑א
tsâbâʼ
H6635
army
Prep | N-cs
אֹ֠תָ/ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
פִּ֨ינְחָ֜ס
Pîynᵉchâç
H6372
Phinehas
N-proper
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
אֶלְעָזָ֤ר
ʼElʻâzâr
H499
Eleazar
N-proper
הַ/כֹּהֵן֙
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-ms
לַ/צָּבָ֔א
tsâbâʼ
H6635
army
Prep | N-cs
וּ/כְלֵ֥י
kᵉlîy
H3627
article/utensil
Conj | N-mp
הַ/קֹּ֛דֶשׁ
qôdesh
H6944
Holy Place
Art | N-ms
וַ/חֲצֹצְר֥וֹת
chătsôtsᵉrâh
H2689
trumpet
Conj | N-fp
הַ/תְּרוּעָ֖ה
tᵉrûwʻâh
H8643
shout
Art | N-fs
בְּ/יָדֽ/וֹ
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 31:6
וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֨ח
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
אֹתָ֥/ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מֹשֶׁ֛ה
Môsheh
H4872
"Moses"
N-proper
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
אֶ֥לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
"thousand"
Adj
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
לַ/מַּטֶּ֖ה
maṭṭeh
H4294
"tribe"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word can mean a tribe, like the 12 tribes of Israel, or a staff, like the one Moses used to lead his people in Exodus 4:2.
Definition: : tribe 1) staff, branch, tribe 1a) staff, rod, shaft 1b) branch (of vine) 1c) tribe 1c1) company led by chief with staff (originally)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: rod, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 38:18; Numbers 34:19; Psalms 105:16.
לַ/צָּבָ֑א
tsâbâʼ
H6635
"army"
Prep | N-cs
This Hebrew word means a large group of people or things, often referring to an army or a campaign, and is also used to describe the Lord's hosts. It appears in the Bible as a name for God, emphasizing His power and authority. In the KJV, it's translated as 'host' or 'army'.
Definition: : army 1) that which goes forth, army, war, warfare, host 1a) army, host 1a1) host (of organised army) 1a2) host (of angels) 1a3) of sun, moon, and stars 1a4) of whole creation 1b) war, warfare, service, go out to war 1c) service
Usage: Occurs in 463 OT verses. KJV: appointed time, ([phrase]) army, ([phrase]) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare). See also: Genesis 2:1; 1 Samuel 17:55; Psalms 24:10.
אֹ֠תָ/ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
פִּ֨ינְחָ֜ס
Pîynᵉchâç
H6372
"Phinehas"
N-proper
Phinehas was a priest in the Bible who was known for his zeal and dedication to God. He was the son of Eleazar and the grandson of Aaron, and his actions helped to stop a plague in Israel. Phinehas is also mentioned in the book of Ezra as a helper.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.8.33; father of: Eleazar (H0499K) § Phinehas = "mouth of brass" 1) son of Eleazar and grandson of Aaron; his zealousness for the Lord averted a plague on Israel and gained him the promise of the Lord of an everlasting priesthood in his family 2) a priest and the son of the priest Eli 3) the father of a helper of Ezra
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: Phinehas. See also: Exodus 6:25; 1 Samuel 4:4; Psalms 106:30.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אֶלְעָזָ֤ר
ʼElʻâzâr
H499
"Eleazar"
N-proper
Eleazar means God has helped, and was the name of several Israelites, including a high priest and one of David's warriors.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.42 § Eleazar = "God has helped" 1) the high priest son of Aaron 2) Abinadab's son who cared for the ark 3) the priest who rebuilt and dedicated the restored walls of Jerusalem in time of Ezra 4) one of David's mighty warriors 5) a Levite 6) one of the line of Parosh
Usage: Occurs in 70 OT verses. KJV: Eleazar. See also: Exodus 6:23; Numbers 31:51; Nehemiah 12:42.
הַ/כֹּהֵן֙
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
לַ/צָּבָ֔א
tsâbâʼ
H6635
"army"
Prep | N-cs
This Hebrew word means a large group of people or things, often referring to an army or a campaign, and is also used to describe the Lord's hosts. It appears in the Bible as a name for God, emphasizing His power and authority. In the KJV, it's translated as 'host' or 'army'.
Definition: : army 1) that which goes forth, army, war, warfare, host 1a) army, host 1a1) host (of organised army) 1a2) host (of angels) 1a3) of sun, moon, and stars 1a4) of whole creation 1b) war, warfare, service, go out to war 1c) service
Usage: Occurs in 463 OT verses. KJV: appointed time, ([phrase]) army, ([phrase]) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare). See also: Genesis 2:1; 1 Samuel 17:55; Psalms 24:10.
וּ/כְלֵ֥י
kᵉlîy
H3627
"article/utensil"
Conj | N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.
הַ/קֹּ֛דֶשׁ
qôdesh
H6944
"Holy Place"
Art | N-ms
The Holy Place refers to a sacred or set-apart area, like the temple in Jerusalem. It is a place of sanctity and holiness, where God is worshipped. The Bible describes it as a place of reverence and awe.
Definition: This name means apartness, holiness, sacredness Also named: hagion (ἅγιον "Holy Place" G0039)
Usage: Occurs in 380 OT verses. KJV: consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, ([idiom] most) holy ([idiom] day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 3:5; Leviticus 23:4; 1 Chronicles 26:26.
וַ/חֲצֹצְר֥וֹת
chătsôtsᵉrâh
H2689
"trumpet"
Conj | N-fp
The Hebrew word for trumpet, which made a quavering note, is used in the Bible to signal important events. In Numbers 10:2, God tells Moses to make two trumpets to call the community together. Trumpets were also used in battle, as in Joshua 6:4.
Definition: trumpet, clarion
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: trumpet(-er). See also: Numbers 10:2; 2 Chronicles 5:13; Psalms 98:6.
הַ/תְּרוּעָ֖ה
tᵉrûwʻâh
H8643
"shout"
Art | N-fs
This word means a loud shout or noise, like a battle cry or a joyful sound. It can also refer to the blast of trumpets in books like Numbers and Joshua.
Definition: 1) alarm, signal, sound of tempest, shout, shout or blast of war or alarm or joy 1a) alarm of war, war-cry, battle-cry 1b) blast (for march) 1c) shout of joy (with religious impulse) 1d) shout of joy (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: alarm, blow(-ing) (of, the) (trumpets), joy, jubile, loud noise, rejoicing, shout(-ing), (high, joyful) sound(-ing). See also: Leviticus 23:24; Ezra 3:12; Psalms 27:6.
בְּ/יָדֽ/וֹ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
Study Notes — Numbers 31:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 31:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 31:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 31:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 31:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 31:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 31:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 31:6
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 31:6
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 31:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 31:6
- Sermons on Numbers 31:6
Context — Vengeance on Midian
4Send into battle a thousand men from each tribe of Israel.”
5So a thousand men were recruited from each tribe of Israel—twelve thousand armed for war.
6And 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.
7Then they waged war against Midian, as the LORD had commanded Moses, and they killed every male. 8Among the slain were Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba—the five kings of Midian. They also killed Balaam son of Beor with the sword.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | 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. When you enter into battle in your land against an adversary who attacks you, sound short blasts on the trumpets, and you will be remembered before the LORD your God and saved from your enemies. |
| 3 | 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.” Now Jeroboam had sent troops around to ambush from the rear, so that while he was in front of Judah, the ambush was behind them. When Judah turned and discovered that the battle was both before and behind them, they cried out to the LORD. Then the priests blew the trumpets, and the men of Judah raised the battle cry. And when they raised the cry, God routed Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 14:18 | Then Saul said to Ahijah, “Bring the ark of God.” (For at that time it was with the Israelites.) |
| 5 | 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, followed the Israelite into his tent, and drove the spear through both of them—through the Israelite and on through the belly of the woman. So the plague against the Israelites was halted, but those who died in the plague numbered 24,000. Then the LORD said to Moses, “Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned My wrath away from the Israelites; for he was zealous for My sake among them, so that I did not consume the Israelites in My zeal. Declare, therefore, that I am granting him My covenant of peace. It will be a covenant of permanent priesthood for him and his descendants, because he was zealous for his God and made atonement for the Israelites.” |
| 6 | 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. And when there is a long blast of the ram’s horn and you hear its sound, have all the people give a mighty shout. Then the wall of the city will collapse and all your people will charge straight into the city. ” So Joshua son of Nun summoned the priests and said, “Take up the ark of the covenant and have seven priests carry seven rams’ horns in front of the ark of the LORD.” |
| 7 | Exodus 25:9 | You must make the tabernacle and design all its furnishings according to the pattern I show you. |
| 8 | 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.” |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 23:9 | When David learned that Saul was plotting evil against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod.” |
| 10 | 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. So on the second day they marched around the city once and returned to the camp. They did this for six days. Then on the seventh day, they got up at dawn and marched around the city seven times in the same manner. That was the only day they circled the city seven times. |
Numbers 31:6 Summary
In Numbers 31:6, Moses sends a thousand men from each tribe into battle, along with Phinehas, who carries the vessels of the sanctuary and the trumpets for signaling. This shows that the Israelites trusted in God's power and presence to give them victory, just like we are called to trust in God in our own challenges (as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalms 37:3-7). By carrying the vessels of the sanctuary and using the trumpets, the Israelites were reminded of God's holy presence and guidance. We can apply this to our own lives by trusting in God's power and promises, and by using prayer, worship, and fellowship to communicate with Him and to signal our need for His help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Moses send Phinehas, the son of Eleazar the priest, into battle?
Moses sent Phinehas into battle to ensure the presence of God was with the army, as Phinehas carried the vessels of the sanctuary and the trumpets for signaling, symbolizing God's guidance and power, as seen in Numbers 31:6 and supported by the importance of priestly presence in battles in Deuteronomy 20:2-4.
What is the significance of the vessels of the sanctuary in this context?
The vessels of the sanctuary represented the holy presence of God, and by taking them into battle, the Israelites acknowledged their dependence on God for victory, as also emphasized in Joshua 6:6-27 where the ark of the covenant was taken into battle.
Why were trumpets used for signaling in battle?
Trumpets were used for signaling in battle to communicate commands and to signify the start or end of battles, as well as to sound alarms, which is a practice also mentioned in Leviticus 25:9 and Numbers 10:1-10.
How does this verse relate to the broader biblical theme of trusting in God for victory?
This verse illustrates the Israelites' trust in God for victory, as they went into battle with the vessels of the sanctuary and the trumpets, symbolizing their reliance on God's power and guidance, a theme also seen in Proverbs 21:31 and Psalms 20:7-8.
Reflection Questions
- How can I, like the Israelites, ensure that I am acknowledging God's presence and power in my own 'battles' and challenges?
- What are some 'vessels of the sanctuary' or symbols of God's presence that I can carry with me in my daily life to remind me of His guidance and power?
- In what ways can I use the 'trumpets' of prayer, worship, and fellowship to signal my need for God's help and to communicate with Him?
- How can I, like Moses and the Israelites, trust in God's power and promises to overcome the challenges and enemies that I face, as seen in Numbers 31:6 and Deuteronomy 20:1-4?
- What does it mean for me to 'send' myself into battle, armed with the knowledge of God's Word and the power of the Holy Spirit, as the Israelites did in Numbers 31:6?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 31:6
And Moses sent them to the war,.... Being mustered and armed: a thousand of [every] tribe, them and Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest to the war; which looks as if Phinehas was the general of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 31:6
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 31:6
Phinehas had the charge not of the army, as general, (an office never committed to any priest in all the Old Testament,) but of the holy instruments, & c. as is here expressed, and was also sent to encourage, and quicken, and confirm them in their good enterprise. It is not here mentioned who was the general, whether Joshua, as some think, because he is not named amongst those who went out to meet the returning host, though that might be for other reasons, or some other prince, nor is it worth while to determine. The holy instruments; either, 1. The ark, with the things belonging to it, which before the building of the temple they did sometimes carry into the war for the encouragement of their army. See 14:18. But why then is it thus ambiguously expressed, seeing in all the other places it is called by its proper name? Nor is the ark ever so called in Scripture. Or, 2. The trumpets, as it here follows, the words being thus to be read, the holy instruments that is, the trumpets; for and is ofttimes put exegetically for that is, or to wit, as , compared with 9:9, &c. Or rather, 3.
The holy breastplate, wherein was the Urim and Thummim, which was easily carried and used, and very useful in war upon many emergent occasions. See 30:7. And the trumpets, which were to be used in war as well as in the service of the tabernacle. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 31:6
Numbers 31:6 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.Ver. 6. Them and Phinehas.] Not without Joshua, the general (though not here mentioned), the mighty conqueror of all Israel’ s enemies that rose up and resisted them: famous is he for his faithfulness and fortitude, In cognoscendis rebus bellicis perspicax, in agendo solers: noverat optime insidias facere, proelium committere, victoria uti, &c., as Dio saith of Decebalus, king of the Daci, in Domitian’ s days: i.e., Well skilled in warlike businesses, and diligent in despatching them; He knew well how to lay an ambush, worst an enemy, use a victory, &c. Dio, in Domitiano.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 31:6
(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 the breastplate, which was worn at this time by-Eleazar. The reference may be only to the silver trumpets (see Numbers 10:9), or it may include other sacred instruments. This was emphatically a holy war; and we may learn, from the command given to the Israelites to take with them “the holy instruments,” that they who would engage in the war against sin and Satan must “take to them the whole armour of God” (Ephesians 6:13).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 31:6
Verse 6. A thousand of every tribe] Twelve thousand men in the whole. And Phinehas, the son of Eleazar; some think he was made general in this expedition, but this is not likely. The ark and its contents must proceed to this battle, because the battle was the Lord's, and he dwelt between the cherubim over the ark; and Phinehas, who had before got a grant in the eternal priesthood, was chosen to accompany the ark in place of his father Eleazar, who was probably now too far advanced in years to undergo the fatigue. Who then was general? Joshua, without doubt, though not here mentioned, because the battle being the Lord's, he alone is to have the supreme direction, and all the glory. Besides, it was an extraordinary war, and not conducted on the common principle, for we do not find that peace was offered to the Midianites, and that they refused it; see Deuteronomy 20:10, c. In such a case only hostilities could lawfully commence but they were sinners against GOD; the cup of their iniquity was full, and God thought proper to destroy them. Though a leader there certainly was, and Joshua was probably that leader, yet because God, for the above reason, was considered as commander-in-chief, therefore no one else is mentioned; for it is evident that the sole business of Phinehas was to take care of the holy instruments and to blow with the trumpet.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 31:6
6. The war being of a strictly religious character, the soldiers were apparently led not by Moses or Joshua but by Phinehas the priest, who had previously displayed his zeal against the Midianites (Numbers 25:6-8). Eleazar the chief priest is represented as staying behind in the camp, perhaps from fear of pollution by contact with the dead. the vessels of the sanctuary] The word rendered ‘vessels’ is a general term which may denote any utensils or objects. It has been suggested that the writer had in mind the ephod containing the Urim and Tummim by which Phinehas could enquire of God concerning the conduct of the battle; but it is doubtful whether that right would be ascribed to any but the high priest (cf. Numbers 27:21).
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 31:6
Phinehas - He was marked out as the fitting director of the expedition by his conduct (compare Numbers 25:7-13) in the matter of Zimri and Cozbi.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 31:6
5-7. Twelve thousand — The conscription of so small a number against the hosts of Midian; the appointment, as commander, of Phinehas, who had recently so greatly signalized himself by his zeal
Sermons on Numbers 31:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Israel's Communication by Charles Anderson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenges faced by the Israelites during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. He emphasizes that the Israelites were not skille |
|
(Through the Bible) 2 Chronicles 10-13 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the history of Israel and their rebellion against God. He mentions how God had made a covenant with David that there would always be a king fr |
|
Fighting Our Battles by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the assurance of victory in God's battles, emphasizing the presence of the Lord as our fighter and captain. She highlights the importance of tru |
|
(1 Samuel) a Foolish Oath and Consequences by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on a passage from the Bible about Saul and his son Jonathan. The speaker highlights the difficulty of pronouncing some of the Bible names but em |
|
Ten Indictments Against the Modern Church by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for revival and awakening in the church. He cautions against expecting the Holy Spirit to clean up the mess without taking responsib |
|
(Exodus) Exodus 25:9 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the tabernacle and its significance in the Bible. He emphasizes that the tabernacle was a pattern of the one in heaven, indicating the existen |
|
God, as an Enemy by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the message shared by another preacher and highlights key points. He emphasizes the importance of teaching children the ways of the Lord and |