Numbers 31:21

Then Eleazar the priest said to the soldiers who had gone into battle, "This is the statute of the law which the LORD has commanded Moses:

Study Bible

Then Eleazar the priest
Eleazar, the son of Aaron, holds the esteemed position of high priest after his father's death. His role is crucial as a spiritual leader and mediator between God and the Israelites. The Hebrew root for "Eleazar" means "God has helped," signifying his divine appointment and the assistance God provides through him. As a priest, Eleazar is responsible for maintaining the sanctity of the law and ensuring that the people adhere to God's commands. His presence in this verse underscores the importance of spiritual guidance in times of conflict and transition.

said to the soldiers
The soldiers, having returned from battle, are addressed by Eleazar. This interaction highlights the need for spiritual cleansing and instruction following warfare. The Hebrew term for "soldiers" can also imply "men of war," emphasizing their role as warriors. In the historical context, these soldiers are not only physical combatants but also participants in a divine mission. Eleazar's address to them signifies the integration of faith and duty, reminding them that their actions are under divine scrutiny and guidance.

who had gone into battle
This phrase indicates the soldiers' recent engagement in warfare, specifically against the Midianites as commanded by God. The Hebrew context of "gone into battle" suggests a purposeful and divinely sanctioned mission. Historically, battles in the Old Testament are often seen as extensions of God's will, with the Israelites acting as instruments of divine justice. This context serves as a reminder of the spiritual dimensions of their military endeavors and the need for subsequent purification.

This is the statute of the law
The term "statute" refers to a specific ordinance or decree given by God. In Hebrew, it conveys a sense of permanence and divine authority. The "law" here is the Torah, the foundational legal and moral code for the Israelites. This phrase underscores the unchanging nature of God's commandments and the necessity for the Israelites to adhere to them. It serves as a reminder that their actions, even in warfare, must align with divine law.

that the LORD has commanded Moses
This phrase reaffirms the divine origin of the law, with the LORD (Yahweh) as the ultimate authority. The Hebrew root for "commanded" implies a direct and authoritative instruction. Moses, as God's chosen leader, acts as the intermediary through whom these divine statutes are communicated. This highlights the continuity of God's covenant with Israel and the importance of obedience to His commands. The historical context emphasizes Moses' role in establishing a theocratic society where God's will is paramount.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Eleazar the Priest
Eleazar was the son of Aaron and served as the high priest after Aaron's death. He played a crucial role in guiding the Israelites in religious and ceremonial matters.

2. The Soldiers
These were the Israelite warriors who had returned from battle against the Midianites, a conflict commanded by God as a form of judgment against Midian.

3. The Law of the LORD
This refers to the divine instructions given to Moses, which included various statutes and ordinances for the Israelites to follow, particularly concerning purity and holiness.

4. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received the law from God and communicated it to the people. He was responsible for ensuring that God's commands were followed.

5. The Battle Against Midian
This was a divinely sanctioned military campaign against the Midianites, who had led Israel into sin through idolatry and immorality.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Obedience
Obedience to God's commands is crucial, as demonstrated by Eleazar's reminder to the soldiers. This teaches us the importance of adhering to God's Word in our lives.

Purity and Holiness
The purification laws highlight the need for spiritual cleanliness. As believers, we are called to live holy lives, set apart for God's purposes.

Leadership and Responsibility
Eleazar's role underscores the responsibility of spiritual leaders to guide others in following God's commands. This is a reminder for leaders today to faithfully teach and uphold biblical truths.

God's Justice and Mercy
The battle against Midian reflects God's justice against sin, but also His mercy in providing a way for purification. We are reminded of the balance between justice and mercy in God's character.

The Role of the Law
The law served as a guide for the Israelites, pointing them to God's standards. In Christ, we see the fulfillment of the law, calling us to live by the Spirit.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Eleazar's role as a priest inform our understanding of spiritual leadership today?

2. In what ways do the purification laws in Numbers 31 relate to the concept of holiness in the New Testament?

3. How can we apply the principle of obedience to God's commands in our daily lives?

4. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' battle against Midian about God's justice and mercy?

5. How does the fulfillment of the law in Christ change our approach to the Old Testament laws and statutes?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 11
This chapter outlines the laws of clean and unclean, which are foundational to understanding the purification process mentioned in Numbers 31.

Deuteronomy 20
Provides instructions on warfare, including the treatment of captives and the spoils of war, which relate to the context of Numbers 31.

Hebrews 9
Discusses the purification rites under the Old Covenant and their fulfillment in Christ, offering a New Testament perspective on the concept of purification.