Numbers 31:21
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Numbers 31:21
21 And Eleazar the priest said unto the men of war which went to the battle, This is the ordinance of the law which the LORD commanded Moses;
Chapter Context
Numbers 31 is a mixed narrative and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, wisdom, obedience. Written during Israel's wilderness period (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The wilderness journey occurred between Egypt's dominance and the Canaanite tribal systems.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-54: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Numbers and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Numbers 31:21
21 And Eleazar the priest said unto the men of war which went to the battle, This is the ordinance of the law which the LORD commanded Moses;
Analysis
Eleazar the priest said...This is the ordinance of the law which the LORD commanded Moses—the Hebrew chuqqah (ordinance/statute) indicates a permanent, binding regulation, not temporary instruction. Eleazar's citation of Torah (law) emphasizes that these purification requirements weren't arbitrary rules but divine revelation. The priest's role as interpreter and enforcer of ceremonial law ensured proper understanding and compliance.
This verse marks a transition: after Moses' rebuke (v.14-18), Eleazar provides detailed implementation of purification laws. The cooperation between prophet (Moses) and priest (Eleazar) shows complementary leadership—Moses declared God's will, Eleazar administered its ritual execution. In Christ, these roles unite: He is both Prophet revealing God's word and High Priest administering perfect cleansing (Hebrews 3:1, 4:14). The church's teaching ministry similarly combines biblical proclamation with practical application.
Historical Context
Eleazar, Aaron's son, became high priest after Aaron's death (Numbers 20:25-28). His role included teaching Torah (Leviticus 10:11), making judicial decisions using Urim and Thummim (Numbers 27:21), and overseeing tabernacle service. His specific involvement in post-warfare purification ensured correct ritual application preventing corporate defilement. The reference to 'ordinance of the law which the LORD commanded Moses' likely points to Numbers 19's red heifer ceremony and related purity laws in Leviticus 11-15. The priest's authoritative teaching prevented individual soldiers from improvising purification methods, maintaining community holiness through standardized obedience.
Reflection
- Do you submit your spiritual practices to Scripture's authority and church teaching, or do you improvise based on personal preference?
- How does Christ's combination of prophetic and priestly offices give you confidence He both reveals and accomplishes your complete cleansing?
Word Studies
- Priest: כֹּהֵן (Kohen) H3548 - Priest