Numbers 31:4
Of every tribe a thousand, throughout all the tribes of Israel, shall ye send to the war.
Original Language Analysis
אֶ֖לֶף
a thousand
H505
אֶ֖לֶף
a thousand
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
1 of 9
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
מַטּ֣וֹת
Of every tribe
H4294
מַטּ֣וֹת
Of every tribe
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
2 of 9
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
אֶ֖לֶף
a thousand
H505
אֶ֖לֶף
a thousand
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
3 of 9
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
מַטּ֣וֹת
Of every tribe
H4294
מַטּ֣וֹת
Of every tribe
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
4 of 9
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
לְכֹל֙
H3605
לְכֹל֙
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מַטּ֣וֹת
Of every tribe
H4294
מַטּ֣וֹת
Of every tribe
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
6 of 9
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
7 of 9
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
Historical Context
This selective conscription preserved most of Israel for the impending Jordan crossing and Canaan conquest. The campaign was surgical and specific, targeting the Midianite leadership and those directly involved in the Baal-Peor seduction. It was not total annihilation of the Midianite people—Midianites appear later in Judges.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the equal tribal contribution to holy war challenge individualism in the church's spiritual battles today?
- What does the modest army size (12,000 from 600,000) teach about trusting God's power over human resources?
- In what areas of spiritual warfare might you be relying on numerical strength rather than divine empowerment?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Of every tribe a thousand, throughout all the tribes of Israel—The equal conscription (elef echad, אֶלֶף אֶחָד, one thousand each) ensured tribal solidarity in holy war. All twelve tribes shared responsibility for defending covenant holiness, not just warrior tribes like Gad or Naphtali. This unified response to the Midianite threat contrasts with later tribal divisions.
The total force of 12,000 (v. 5) was modest compared to Israel's fighting-age men (over 600,000, Numbers 26:51), signifying trust in divine power rather than numerical superiority. Gideon's 300 against the Midianites (Judges 7) and Jonathan's "nothing can hinder the LORD from saving" (1 Samuel 14:6) echo this principle: victory belongs to God.