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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/numbers/31.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/numbers/31.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />So Moses said to the people, &#8220Arm some of your men to go to war against the Midianites so that they may carry out the LORD&#8217s vengeance on them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/31.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So Moses said to the people, “Choose some men, and arm them to fight the LORD’s war of revenge against Midian.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/31.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />So Moses spoke to the people, saying, “Arm men from among you for the war, that they may go against Midian to execute the LORD’s vengeance on Midian.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/31.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Moses told the people, “Arm some of your men for war, that they may go against the Midianites and execute the LORD’s vengeance on them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/31.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/31.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So Moses spoke to the people, saying, “Arm some of yourselves for war, and let them go against the Midianites to take vengeance for the LORD on Midian.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/31.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Moses spoke to the people, saying, “Arm men from among you for the war, so that they may go against Midian to execute the LORD’S vengeance on Midian.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/31.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Moses spoke to the people, saying, &#8220Arm men from among you for the war, that they may go against Midian to execute the LORD&#8217S vengeance on Midian.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/31.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And Moses spoke to the people, saying, “Arm men from among you for the war, that they may go against Midian, to execute the LORD’S vengeance on Midian.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/31.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And Moses spoke to the people, saying, “Arm men from among you for the war, that they may go against Midian to execute Yahweh’s vengeance on Midian.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/31.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Moses spoke to the people, saying, “Arm men from among you for war, so that they may go against Midian to execute the LORD’S vengeance on Midian [for seducing Israel to participate in idolatry].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/31.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Moses spoke to the people, “Equip some of your men for war. They will go against Midian to inflict the LORD’s vengeance on them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/31.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Moses spoke to the people, &#8220Equip some of your men for war. They will go against Midian to inflict the LORD&#8217s vengeance on them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/31.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Moses spake unto the people, saying, Arm ye men from among you for the war, that they may go against Midian, to execute Jehovah's vengeance on Midian.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/31.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Then Moses told the people, "The LORD wants to punish the Midianites. So tell our men to prepare for battle. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/31.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Moses spake unto the people, saying, Arm ye men from among you for the war, that they may go against Midian, to execute the LORD'S vengeance on Midian.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/31.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Moses said to the people, "Some of your men must get ready to go to war against the Midianites. The LORD will use them to get even with Midian.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/31.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So Moses said to the people, "Get ready for war, so that you can attack Midian and punish them for what they did to the LORD. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/31.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So Moses instructed the people, "Muster your men of war to attack the Midianites and deliver the LORD'S vengeance against Midian. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/31.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Moses told the people, ?Arm some of your men for war, that they may go against the Midianites and execute the LORD?s vengeance on them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/31.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So Moses spoke to the people: "Arm men from among you for the war, to attack the Midianites and to execute the LORD's vengeance on Midian.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/31.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Moses spoke to the people, saying, "Arm men from among you for the war, that they may go against Midian, to execute the LORD's vengeance on Midian.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/31.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Moses spoke to the people, saying, Arm some of yourselves for the war, and let them go against the Midianites, and avenge the LORD on Midian.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/31.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Moses spoke to the people, saying, “Arm men from among you for war, that they may go against Midian, to execute Yahweh’s vengeance on Midian. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/31.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Moses speaks to the people, saying, “Arm men from [among] you for the war, and they are against Midian, to put the vengeance of YHWH on Midian;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/31.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Moses speaketh unto the people, saying, 'Be ye armed some of you for the host, and they are against Midian, to put the vengeance of Jehovah on Midian;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/31.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Moses will speak to the people, saying, Arm from yourselves the men for war, and they shall be against Midian, to give the avenging of Jehovah upon Midian.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/31.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Moses forthwith said: Arm of you men to fight, who may take the revenge of the Lord on the Madianites. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/31.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And immediately Moses said: “Arm the men among you for a battle, so that they may be able to fulfill the retribution of the Lord on the Midianites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/31.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />So Moses told the people, “Arm some men among you for the campaign, to attack Midian and to execute the LORD’s vengeance on Midian.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/31.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So Moses said to the people, “Arm some of your number for the war, so that they may go against Midian, to execute the LORD’s vengeance on Midian.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/31.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Moses said to the people, Arm some of the men from among you for the host, and let them go against the Midianites to avenge the LORD against Midian.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/31.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Moshe said to the people: “Arm some of your men for the army and they shall be against the Midianites and they shall avenge the vengeance of LORD JEHOVAH from the Midianites.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/31.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Moses spoke unto the people, saying: 'Arm ye men from among you for the war, that they may go against Midian, to execute the LORD'S vengeance on Midian.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/31.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Moses spoke to the people, saying, Arm some of you, and set yourselves in array before the Lord against Madian, to inflict vengeance on Madian from the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/31-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=9431" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/numbers/31.htm">Vengeance on Midian</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>“Take vengeance on the Midianites for the Israelites. After that, you will be gathered to your people.” <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4872.htm" title="4872: mō·šeh (N-proper-ms) -- A great Isr. leader, prophet and lawgiver. From mashah; drawing out, i.e. Rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver.">So Moses</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: way·ḏab·bêr (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">told</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">the people,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: lê·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2502.htm" title="2502: hê·ḥā·lə·ṣū (V-Nifal-Imp-mp) -- A primitive root; to pull off; hence to strip, To depart; by implication, to deliver, equip; present, strengthen.">“Arm</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: mê·’it·tə·ḵem (Prep-m:: DirObjM:: 2mp) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: ’ă·nā·šîm (N-mp) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">some of your men</a> <a href="/hebrew/6635.htm" title="6635: laṣ·ṣā·ḇā (Prep-l, Art:: N-cs) -- Or tsbadah; from tsaba'; a mass of persons, especially reg. Organized for war; by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively.">for war,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wə·yih·yū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf-3mp) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">that they may go</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">against</a> <a href="/hebrew/4080.htm" title="4080: miḏ·yān (N-proper-ms) -- The same as midyan; Midjan, a son of Abraham; also his country and his descendants.">the Midianites</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: lā·ṯêṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">and execute</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/5360.htm" title="5360: niq·maṯ- (N-fsc) -- Vengeance. Feminine of naqam; avengement, whether the act of the passion.">vengeance</a> <a href="/hebrew/4080.htm" title="4080: bə·miḏ·yān (Prep-b:: N-proper-ms) -- The same as midyan; Midjan, a son of Abraham; also his country and his descendants.">on them.</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>Send into battle a thousand men from each tribe of Israel.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-1.htm">Deuteronomy 20:1-4</a></span><br />When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you. / When you are about to go into battle, the priest is to come forward and address the army, / saying to them, “Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle with your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be alarmed or terrified because of them. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/6-2.htm">Joshua 6:2-5</a></span><br />And the LORD said to Joshua, “Behold, I have delivered Jericho into your hand, along with its king and its mighty men of valor. / March around the city with all the men of war, circling the city one time. Do this for six days. / Have seven priests carry seven rams’ horns in front of the ark. Then on the seventh day, march around the city seven times, while the priests blow the horns. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/7-7.htm">Judges 7:7-8</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Gideon, “With the three hundred men who lapped the water I will save you and deliver the Midianites into your hand. But all the others are to go home.” / So Gideon sent the rest of the Israelites to their tents but kept the three hundred men, who took charge of the provisions and rams’ horns of the others. And the camp of Midian lay below him in the valley.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/15-3.htm">1 Samuel 15:3</a></span><br />Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them. Do not spare them, but put to death men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-45.htm">1 Samuel 17:45-47</a></span><br />But David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. / This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand. This day I will strike you down, cut off your head, and give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the creatures of the earth. Then the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. / And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/20-15.htm">2 Chronicles 20:15-17</a></span><br />And he said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle does not belong to you, but to God. / Tomorrow you are to march down against them. You will see them coming up the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley facing the Wilderness of Jeruel. / You need not fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out and face them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/18-39.htm">Psalm 18:39</a></span><br />You have armed me with strength for battle; You have subdued my foes beneath me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/144-1.htm">Psalm 144:1</a></span><br />Of David. Blessed be the LORD, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/41-10.htm">Isaiah 41:10-13</a></span><br />Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. / Behold, all who rage against you will be ashamed and disgraced; those who contend with you will be reduced to nothing and will perish. / You will seek them but will not find them. Those who wage war against you will come to nothing. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/51-20.htm">Jeremiah 51:20-23</a></span><br />“You are My war club, My weapon for battle. With you I shatter nations; with you I bring kingdoms to ruin. / With you I shatter the horse and rider; with you I shatter the chariot and driver. / With you I shatter man and woman; with you I shatter the old man and the youth; with you I shatter the young man and the maiden. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-37.htm">Romans 8:37</a></span><br />No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-57.htm">1 Corinthians 15:57</a></span><br />But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/10-3.htm">2 Corinthians 10:3-4</a></span><br />For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. / The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-10.htm">Ephesians 6:10-17</a></span><br />Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. / Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. / For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/4-13.htm">Philippians 4:13</a></span><br />I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Moses spoke to the people, saying, Arm some of yourselves to the war, and let them go against the Midianites, and avenge the LORD of Midian.</p><p class="hdg">arm some</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/17-9.htm">Exodus 17:9-13</a></b></br> And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand… </p><p class="hdg">avenge the Lord.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/25-11.htm">Numbers 25:11,13</a></b></br> Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, hath turned my wrath away from the children of Israel, while he was zealous for my sake among them, that I consumed not the children of Israel in my jealousy… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/17-16.htm">Exodus 17:16</a></b></br> For he said, Because the LORD hath sworn <i>that</i> the LORD <i>will have</i> war with Amalek from generation to generation.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/26-25.htm">Leviticus 26:25</a></b></br> And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall avenge the quarrel of <i>my</i> covenant: and when ye are gathered together within your cities, I will send the pestilence among you; and ye shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/22-28.htm">Amongst</a> <a href="/numbers/24-7.htm">Arm</a> <a href="/numbers/21-24.htm">Armed</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-25.htm">Avenge</a> <a href="/numbers/24-22.htm">Carry</a> <a href="/numbers/30-8.htm">Effect</a> <a href="/numbers/31-2.htm">Execute</a> <a href="/numbers/26-2.htm">Host</a> <a href="/numbers/28-16.htm">Jehovah's</a> <a href="/numbers/28-16.htm">LORD'S</a> <a href="/numbers/25-18.htm">Midian</a> <a href="/numbers/25-18.htm">Mid'ian</a> <a href="/numbers/31-2.htm">Midianites</a> <a href="/numbers/26-2.htm">Military</a> <a href="/numbers/31-1.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/numbers/31-2.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/numbers/26-2.htm">Service</a> <a href="/numbers/31-1.htm">Speaketh</a> <a href="/numbers/31-2.htm">Vengeance</a> <a href="/numbers/26-2.htm">War</a> <a href="/numbers/29-7.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/23-17.htm">Amongst</a> <a href="/numbers/32-20.htm">Arm</a> <a href="/numbers/31-5.htm">Armed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-35.htm">Avenge</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-9.htm">Carry</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/8-18.htm">Effect</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/10-18.htm">Execute</a> <a href="/numbers/31-4.htm">Host</a> <a href="/numbers/31-29.htm">Jehovah's</a> <a href="/numbers/31-16.htm">LORD'S</a> <a href="/numbers/31-7.htm">Midian</a> <a href="/numbers/31-7.htm">Mid'ian</a> <a href="/numbers/31-7.htm">Midianites</a> <a href="/joshua/4-13.htm">Military</a> <a href="/numbers/31-7.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/numbers/35-12.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/numbers/31-14.htm">Service</a> <a href="/numbers/31-25.htm">Speaketh</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-35.htm">Vengeance</a> <a href="/numbers/31-4.htm">War</a> <a href="/numbers/31-18.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 31</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/31-1.htm">The Midianites are spoiled, and Balaam slain</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/31-13.htm">Moses is angry with the officers, for saving the women alive</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/31-19.htm">How the soldiers, with their captives and spoil, are to be purified</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/31-25.htm">The proportion in which the prey is to be divided</a></span><br><span class="reftext">48. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/31-48.htm">The voluntary offering unto the treasure of the Lord</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/31.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/numbers/31.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>So Moses told the people</b><br>Moses, as the leader of the Israelites, acts as the intermediary between God and the people. This phrase highlights his role in communicating God's commands. Moses' leadership is crucial during the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land, and his actions often prefigure Christ as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity.<p><b>Arm some of your men for war</b><br>This directive involves preparing for battle, which was a common aspect of life in the ancient Near East. The Israelites were often engaged in conflicts as they journeyed through hostile territories. The call to arms signifies a divine mandate, emphasizing that this is not merely a human conflict but one with spiritual significance. The concept of spiritual warfare is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are called to put on the "armor of God" (<a href="/ephesians/6-11.htm">Ephesians 6:11</a>).<p><b>that they may go against the Midianites</b><br>The Midianites were a nomadic people with whom the Israelites had previous interactions, both hostile and peaceful. Historically, the Midianites were descendants of Abraham through Keturah, making them distant relatives of the Israelites. This conflict is rooted in the events of <a href="/numbers/25.htm">Numbers 25</a>, where the Midianites led Israel into idolatry and immorality, prompting divine judgment.<p><b>and execute the LORD’s vengeance on them</b><br>This phrase underscores the concept of divine justice. The vengeance is not personal retribution but a fulfillment of God's righteous judgment against sin. The Midianites' actions had led Israel astray, and this campaign serves as a corrective measure to uphold God's holiness. The idea of divine vengeance is seen throughout Scripture, culminating in the ultimate judgment at the end of times (<a href="/revelation/20-11.htm">Revelation 20:11-15</a>). This also foreshadows Christ's role in executing divine justice and establishing God's kingdom.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. In this passage, Moses is acting on God's command to prepare the Israelites for battle against the Midianites.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They are being instructed to arm themselves for a divinely sanctioned battle.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_midianites.htm">The Midianites</a></b><br>A nomadic people who were often in conflict with the Israelites. In this context, they are the target of God's vengeance due to their role in leading Israel into sin.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord's_vengeance.htm">The LORD’s Vengeance</a></b><br>This refers to God's judgment and retribution against the Midianites for their actions against Israel, particularly their involvement in leading Israel into idolatry and immorality.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/w/war.htm">War</a></b><br>The event of armed conflict that Moses is preparing the Israelites for, as a means of executing divine justice.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_justice.htm">Divine Justice</a></b><br>God's justice is perfect and righteous. The call to war against the Midianites was not a human decision but a divine command to execute justice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_commands.htm">Obedience to God’s Commands</a></b><br>Moses' instruction to arm for battle demonstrates the importance of obedience to God's directives, even when they involve difficult tasks.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_sin.htm">The Consequences of Sin</a></b><br>The Midianites' actions led to severe consequences, illustrating the seriousness of leading others into sin and the resulting divine judgment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_warfare.htm">Spiritual Warfare</a></b><br>While this passage deals with physical warfare, it can be a metaphor for spiritual warfare, reminding believers to be prepared to stand against spiritual forces of evil.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God’s Sovereignty</a></b><br>Believers are reminded to trust in God's sovereign plan and timing, knowing that He will execute justice in His perfect way.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_31.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 31</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_incense.htm">Who is the author of the Book of Numbers?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_permit_biblical_genocides.htm">Why does God allow genocides to happen, including those commanded in the Bible (Numbers 31:17-18)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_moses'_ban_affect_his_account's_credibility.htm">Deuteronomy 3:26 indicates Moses was forbidden to enter the land--how does this affect the credibility of his supposed firsthand account?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_key_events_in_joshua's_life.htm">What are key events in Joshua's life?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/31.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">Arm some of yourselves . . . --</span>Better, <span class= "ital">Arm from among you </span>(or, <span class= "ital">from those with you</span>)<span class= "ital"> men for the war. </span>The details of the selection are contained in the next verse.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/31.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Avenge the Lord of Midian.</span> God, speaking to Moses, had commanded a war of vengeance; Moses, speaking to the people, is careful to command a war of religious vengeance. In seducing the people of the Lord the Midianites had insulted and injured the majesty of God himself. On the question why Midian only, and not Moab also, was punished see on Numbers 25:17. It is to be remembered that, however hateful the sins of licentiousness and idolatry may be, they have never aroused by themselves the exterminating wrath of God. Midian was smitten because he had deliberately used these sins as weapons wherewith to take the life of Israel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/31-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">So Moses</span><br /><span class="heb">מֹשֶׁה֙</span> <span class="translit">(mō·šeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4872.htm">Strong's 4872: </a> </span><span class="str2">Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver</span><br /><br /><span class="word">told</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיְדַבֵּ֤ר</span> <span class="translit">(way·ḏab·bêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrange, to speak, to subdue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the people,</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעָ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Arm</span><br /><span class="heb">הֵחָלְצ֧וּ</span> <span class="translit">(hê·ḥā·lə·ṣū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2502.htm">Strong's 2502: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pull off, to strip, to depart, to deliver, equip, present, strengthen</span><br /><br /><span class="word">some of your men</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲנָשִׁ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·nā·šîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for war,</span><br /><span class="heb">לַצָּבָ֑א</span> <span class="translit">(laṣ·ṣā·ḇā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6635.htm">Strong's 6635: </a> </span><span class="str2">A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that they may go</span><br /><span class="heb">וְיִהְיוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(wə·yih·yū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">against</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Midianites</span><br /><span class="heb">מִדְיָ֔ן</span> <span class="translit">(miḏ·yān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4080.htm">Strong's 4080: </a> </span><span class="str2">Midian -- a son of Abraham and Keturah, also his descendants and the region where they settled </span><br /><br /><span class="word">and execute</span><br /><span class="heb">לָתֵ֥ת</span> <span class="translit">(lā·ṯêṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD’s</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">vengeance</span><br /><span class="heb">נִקְמַת־</span> <span class="translit">(niq·maṯ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5360.htm">Strong's 5360: </a> </span><span class="str2">Avengement</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on them.</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּמִדְיָֽן׃</span> <span class="translit">(bə·miḏ·yān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4080.htm">Strong's 4080: </a> </span><span class="str2">Midian -- a son of Abraham and Keturah, also his descendants and the region where they settled </span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/31-3.htm">Numbers 31:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/31-3.htm">Numbers 31:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/31-3.htm">Numbers 31:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/31-3.htm">Numbers 31:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/31-3.htm">Numbers 31:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/31-3.htm">Numbers 31:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/31-3.htm">Numbers 31:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/31-3.htm">Numbers 31:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/31-3.htm">Numbers 31:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/31-3.htm">Numbers 31:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/31-3.htm">OT Law: Numbers 31:3 Moses spoke to the people saying Arm (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/31-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 31:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 31:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/31-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 31:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 31:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>