Numbers 31:3
And Moses spake unto the people, saying, Arm some of yourselves unto the war, and let them go against the Midianites, and avenge the LORD of Midian.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְדַבֵּ֤ר
spake
H1696
וַיְדַבֵּ֤ר
spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
1 of 16
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
הָעָ֣ם
unto the people
H5971
הָעָ֣ם
unto the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
4 of 16
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הֵחָֽלְצ֧וּ
Arm
H2502
הֵחָֽלְצ֧וּ
Arm
Strong's:
H2502
Word #:
6 of 16
to pull off; hence (intensively) to strip, (reflexive) to depart; by implication, to deliver, equip (for fight); present, strengthen
מֵֽאִתְּכֶ֛ם
H853
מֵֽאִתְּכֶ֛ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲנָשִׁ֖ים
H376
אֲנָשִׁ֖ים
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
8 of 16
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
לַצָּבָ֑א
of yourselves unto the war
H6635
לַצָּבָ֑א
of yourselves unto the war
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
9 of 16
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
וְיִֽהְיוּ֙
H1961
וְיִֽהְיוּ֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
10 of 16
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
בְּמִדְיָֽן׃
and let them go against the Midianites
H4080
בְּמִדְיָֽן׃
and let them go against the Midianites
Strong's:
H4080
Word #:
12 of 16
midjan, a son of abraham; also his country and (collectively) his descendants
לָתֵ֥ת
and avenge
H5414
לָתֵ֥ת
and avenge
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
13 of 16
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
Historical Context
This military campaign, Moses' last recorded act before death (v. 2), occurred around 1406 BC at the end of forty years' wandering. Midianite leaders, including Balaam (v. 8), had conspired with Moab to curse Israel (Numbers 22-24) and then seduced them into sexual immorality and idolatry (Numbers 25:1-9, 31:16).
Questions for Reflection
- How does framing this as "the LORD's vengeance" rather than human revenge shape your understanding of divine justice?
- What does Israel's role as God's instrument of judgment teach about His sovereignty in using nations for His purposes?
- How do you distinguish between righteous opposition to evil and personal vengeance in your own life?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Arm some of yourselves unto the war, and let them go against the Midianites—The Hebrew hechalletsu (הֵחָלְצוּ, arm/equip) comes from chalats, meaning to strengthen, equip, or draw out for battle. This is holy war (milchemet mitzvah, מִלְחֶמֶת מִצְוָה), not conquest for territory but avenge the LORD of Midian (niqmat-YHWH, נִקְמַת־יְהוָה).
The offense being avenged is Midian's seduction of Israel into Baal-Peor worship (Numbers 25), which brought plague killing 24,000. This was spiritual warfare—judgment on those who sought Israel's destruction through idolatry. God's vengeance (not human revenge) executes justice through Israel as His covenant instrument (Deuteronomy 32:35, Romans 12:19).