Numbers 31:6

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.

Study Bible

And Moses sent them into battle
The phrase begins with "And Moses," indicating continuity in the narrative. Moses, as the leader appointed by God, acts in obedience to divine command. The Hebrew root for "sent" (שָׁלַח, shalach) implies a commissioning or dispatching with authority. This action underscores Moses' role as a mediator of God's will, emphasizing the importance of divine guidance in leadership. The phrase "into battle" highlights the context of spiritual warfare, where the Israelites are not merely engaging in physical combat but are executing God's judgment against the Midianites, who had led Israel into sin.

a thousand from each tribe
This phrase reflects the organized and equitable nature of the Israelite community. The number "thousand" (אֶלֶף, eleph) signifies completeness and sufficiency, ensuring that each tribe participates equally in the mission. This distribution underscores the unity and collective responsibility of the tribes in fulfilling God's command. It also reflects the principle of shared burden and mutual support within the covenant community.

along with Phinehas son of Eleazar the priest
Phinehas, known for his zealous act in Numbers 25, is a figure of righteous indignation and divine approval. His inclusion signifies the spiritual dimension of the battle, as he represents the priestly authority and the presence of God among the people. The mention of "son of Eleazar" connects him to the priestly lineage of Aaron, reinforcing the continuity of God's covenant promises and the importance of spiritual leadership in executing divine justice.

who took with him the articles from the sanctuary
The "articles from the sanctuary" (כְּלֵי הַקֹּדֶשׁ, kelei ha-kodesh) refer to sacred objects used in worship, symbolizing God's presence and blessing. Their inclusion in the battle signifies that this is not merely a military campaign but a holy war, with God Himself leading the charge. This highlights the principle that all endeavors, especially those involving conflict, should be undertaken with a sense of divine purpose and reliance on God's power.

and the trumpets for signaling
The "trumpets" (חֲצֹצְרֹת, chatzotzerot) were used for communication and coordination during battle, as well as for religious ceremonies. Their use here signifies the need for clear guidance and unity among the troops. In a broader spiritual sense, the trumpets represent the call to action and the proclamation of God's sovereignty. They remind the Israelites that their success depends on their obedience to God's commands and their attentiveness to His direction.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. In this passage, Moses is the one who sends the Israelites into battle.

2. Phinehas
The son of Eleazar, the priest. Phinehas is notable for his zeal for God's holiness, as seen in previous chapters. He is chosen to accompany the troops, signifying the spiritual aspect of the battle.

3. Eleazar
The high priest and father of Phinehas. He plays a significant role in the spiritual leadership of Israel.

4. The Israelites
The people of God, organized into tribes, each contributing a thousand men to the battle against the Midianites.

5. The Midianites
A people who had led Israel into sin through the counsel of Balaam, resulting in God's judgment upon them.

Teaching Points

Spiritual Preparation for Battle
Just as Phinehas took sacred articles and trumpets, we must equip ourselves spiritually for life's battles, relying on God's presence and guidance.

The Role of Leadership
Moses' decision to send Phinehas underscores the importance of godly leadership in both spiritual and physical endeavors. Leaders should be chosen for their spiritual integrity and zeal for God.

Holiness and Zeal
Phinehas' previous actions (Numbers 25) demonstrate the importance of zeal for God's holiness. We are called to uphold God's standards in our lives and communities.

Unity and Cooperation
The contribution of a thousand men from each tribe illustrates the need for unity and cooperation among God's people when facing challenges.

The Presence of God in Our Battles
The inclusion of sacred articles signifies the necessity of God's presence in our struggles. We must seek His guidance and strength in all circumstances.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the presence of Phinehas and the sacred articles in battle reflect the importance of spiritual readiness in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our leaders, both spiritual and secular, are chosen for their integrity and zeal for God?

3. How can we apply the principle of unity and cooperation seen in the Israelites' preparation for battle to our church or community today?

4. Reflect on a time when you faced a personal "battle." How did you experience God's presence and guidance during that time?

5. How can the account of Phinehas inspire us to uphold God's holiness in our daily lives and interactions with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 17
The battle against the Amalekites, where Moses' raised hands signified God's presence and power in battle, similar to the spiritual significance of Phinehas' presence in Numbers 31:6.

1 Samuel 4
The Israelites bring the Ark of the Covenant into battle, paralleling the presence of sacred articles in Numbers 31:6, highlighting the importance of God's presence in warfare.

Psalm 20
A prayer for victory in battle, emphasizing trust in God's power rather than human strength, which aligns with the spiritual preparation seen in Numbers 31:6.