Numbers 31:22

Only the gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, and lead--

Study Bible

only the gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, and lead—
This verse is part of the instructions given to the Israelites after their victory over the Midianites. It highlights the materials that were to be purified and kept after the battle. Each of these elements holds significant historical and spiritual symbolism.

only
The use of "only" here emphasizes exclusivity and specificity. It indicates that not everything captured was to be kept, but rather a select group of items. This reflects God's desire for purity and holiness among His people, ensuring that only what is deemed valuable and purifiable is retained. The Hebrew word for "only" is "raq," which often denotes restriction or limitation, underscoring the importance of discernment in what is preserved.

the gold
Gold, in biblical times, was a symbol of wealth, purity, and divine glory. It was often used in the construction of the tabernacle and temple, representing the presence and majesty of God. The Hebrew word for gold is "zahav," which is frequently associated with things of great value and beauty. In a spiritual sense, gold can symbolize the incorruptible nature of God’s promises and the faith that is refined through trials.

silver
Silver, like gold, was a precious metal used in various religious and ceremonial contexts. It often symbolizes redemption and atonement, as it was used in the tabernacle for the atonement money (Exodus 30:11-16). The Hebrew word "kesef" for silver can also mean money, indicating its role in trade and economy. Spiritually, silver represents the price paid for redemption, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

bronze
Bronze, or "nechosheth" in Hebrew, was a common metal used for making tools, weapons, and religious artifacts. In the tabernacle, the bronze altar was where sacrifices were made, symbolizing judgment and atonement. Bronze's durability and strength can also represent the steadfastness and resilience required in the believer's life.

iron
Iron, known as "barzel" in Hebrew, was a symbol of strength and power. It was used for making weapons and tools, signifying might and durability. In a spiritual context, iron can represent the strength of God’s word and the unyielding nature of His commandments. It also serves as a reminder of the strength needed to uphold righteousness in a world of sin.

tin
Tin, or "bedil" in Hebrew, is less frequently mentioned in the Bible but was known for its use in alloys, particularly bronze. Tin's inclusion here may symbolize the importance of unity and cooperation, as it is often combined with other metals to create something stronger. Spiritually, it can remind believers of the need for community and the strength found in unity with others in faith.

lead
Lead, referred to as "oferet" in Hebrew, is a heavy and malleable metal. While not as valuable as gold or silver, lead's weight and pliability can symbolize the burdens of sin and the need for purification. In a spiritual sense, lead can represent the heaviness of sin that is lifted through repentance and the transformative power of God’s grace.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who is receiving instructions from God regarding the spoils of war.

2. Israelites
The people of God who are being instructed on how to handle the spoils from their victory over the Midianites.

3. Midianites
The people defeated by the Israelites, whose possessions are being sorted and purified.

4. God
The divine authority giving specific instructions on the purification process of the spoils.

5. The Wilderness
The setting where the Israelites are journeying and receiving God's laws and instructions.

Teaching Points

Purification and Holiness
The instruction to purify metals symbolizes the need for spiritual purification. Just as metals are refined, believers are called to undergo spiritual refinement to remove impurities and become holy.

Value and Usefulness
The specific mention of valuable metals highlights their importance and usefulness. Similarly, God sees value in each believer and desires to use them for His purposes.

Obedience to God's Instructions
The Israelites' obedience in handling the spoils reflects the importance of following God's commands precisely. Believers today are called to obey God's Word in all aspects of life.

Stewardship of Resources
The careful handling of resources, as instructed by God, teaches the principle of stewardship. Believers are entrusted with resources and must manage them wisely for God's glory.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the purification of metals in Numbers 31:22 teach us about the process of spiritual purification in our lives?

2. How can we apply the principle of obedience seen in this passage to our daily walk with God?

3. In what ways does the concept of refining and purification appear in other parts of the Bible, and how does it relate to our spiritual growth?

4. How can we identify and utilize the "valuable metals" or gifts that God has given us for His service?

5. What steps can we take to ensure we are good stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us, as seen in the handling of the spoils in Numbers 31?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25:3-7
This passage lists materials used for the Tabernacle, including gold, silver, and bronze, showing the importance of these metals in worship and service to God.

1 Corinthians 3:12-13
Paul speaks of building with gold, silver, and costly stones, which will be tested by fire, drawing a parallel to the purification process described in Numbers.

Malachi 3:2-3
Describes God as a refiner and purifier of silver, symbolizing the purification of His people, similar to the purification of metals in Numbers 31:22.