Numbers 31:6
And Moses sent them to the war, a thousand of every tribe, them and Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, to the war, with the holy instruments, and the trumpets to blow in his hand.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח
sent
H7971
וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח
sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 18
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
אֹתָ֥ם
H853
אֹתָ֥ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֶ֥לֶף
a thousand
H505
אֶ֥לֶף
a thousand
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
4 of 18
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
לַמַּטֶּ֖ה
of every tribe
H4294
לַמַּטֶּ֖ה
of every tribe
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
5 of 18
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
לַצָּבָ֔א
them to the war
H6635
לַצָּבָ֔א
them to the war
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
6 of 18
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
אֹ֠תָם
H853
אֹ֠תָם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
פִּ֨ינְחָ֜ס
them and Phinehas
H6372
פִּ֨ינְחָ֜ס
them and Phinehas
Strong's:
H6372
Word #:
9 of 18
pinechas, the name of three israelites
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
10 of 18
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הַכֹּהֵן֙
the priest
H3548
הַכֹּהֵן֙
the priest
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
12 of 18
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
לַצָּבָ֔א
them to the war
H6635
לַצָּבָ֔א
them to the war
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
13 of 18
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
וּכְלֵ֥י
instruments
H3627
וּכְלֵ֥י
instruments
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
14 of 18
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
הַקֹּ֛דֶשׁ
with the holy
H6944
הַקֹּ֛דֶשׁ
with the holy
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
15 of 18
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
וַחֲצֹֽצְר֥וֹת
and the trumpets
H2689
וַחֲצֹֽצְר֥וֹת
and the trumpets
Strong's:
H2689
Word #:
16 of 18
a trumpet (from its sundered or quavering note)
Historical Context
Phinehas's leadership established a pattern of priestly involvement in warfare (Joshua 6:4-6, 1 Samuel 4:4, 2 Chronicles 20:21-22). The holy instruments and trumpets sanctified the campaign, distinguishing it from pagan conquest. This was not Israel's initiative but divine command executed with ritual propriety.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Phinehas's dual role (priest and military leader) challenge false dichotomies between spiritual and practical service?
- What "holy instruments" (spiritual disciplines, Scripture, prayer) do you carry into your daily battles against temptation and sin?
- How does viewing spiritual conflict as "Yahweh's war" shift your approach from self-effort to dependence on God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Moses sent them to the war, a thousand of every tribe, them and Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest—Phinehas, whose zealous action stopped the Baal-Peor plague (Numbers 25:6-13), was the natural choice to lead this holy vengeance. As priest, he brought the holy instruments (keley ha-kodesh, כְּלֵי הַקֹּדֶשׁ)—likely the Urim and Thummim for divine guidance (Exodus 28:30) and possibly the Ark's silver trumpets.
The trumpets to blow in his hand (chatzotzerot hat'ruah, חֲצֹצְרֹת הַתְּרוּעָה)—These sacred trumpets (Numbers 10:1-10) signaled God's presence and invoked His aid. Their use in battle (Joshua 6:4-20) declared this was Yahweh's war. The priest leading armed men illustrates that Israel's military campaigns were liturgical acts, extensions of worship.