Numbers 31:5
So there were delivered out of the thousands of Israel, a thousand of every tribe, twelve thousand armed for war.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּמָּֽסְרוּ֙
So there were delivered
H4560
וַיִּמָּֽסְרוּ֙
So there were delivered
Strong's:
H4560
Word #:
1 of 10
to sunder, i.e., (transitively) set apart, or (reflexive) apostatize
אֶ֖לֶף
a thousand
H505
אֶ֖לֶף
a thousand
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
2 of 10
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
3 of 10
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֶ֖לֶף
a thousand
H505
אֶ֖לֶף
a thousand
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
4 of 10
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
לַמַּטֶּ֑ה
of every tribe
H4294
לַמַּטֶּ֑ה
of every tribe
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
5 of 10
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
עָשָׂ֥ר
H6240
עָשָׂ֥ר
Strong's:
H6240
Word #:
7 of 10
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
אֶ֖לֶף
a thousand
H505
אֶ֖לֶף
a thousand
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
8 of 10
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
Historical Context
The term "armed for war" indicates these were trained, battle-ready men, not raw recruits. Israel had gained military experience through conflicts with Amalekites (Exodus 17), Amorites (Numbers 21), and in defending themselves during the wilderness period. This campaign served as final preparation before the Canaan conquest under Joshua.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the concept of being "delivered" or dedicated to spiritual battle inform your understanding of Christian commitment?
- What does the selective nature of the 12,000 (from 600,000+) teach about God's sovereignty in calling different believers to different roles?
- In what ways are you "armed for war" in the spiritual battles you face (Ephesians 6:10-18)?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Twelve thousand armed for war (chalutzey tzava, חֲלוּצֵי צָבָא)—The Hebrew chalutz means equipped, ready, or drawn out for battle. These were not conscripts but delivered (yimmaseru, יִמָּסְרוּ, handed over/dedicated) soldiers, suggesting voluntary or selected warriors rather than forced service.
The number twelve (1,000 from each tribe) carries symbolic weight throughout Scripture—twelve tribes, twelve apostles, twelve gates of the New Jerusalem. The armed force represents the whole covenant community in sanctified battle. This selectivity foreshadows the New Testament's "good soldier of Jesus Christ" (2 Timothy 2:3), where not all are called to the same role, but all contribute to spiritual warfare.