What is the meaning of Numbers 31:11? And carried away – The phrase shows immediate action after victory. Israel did not leave the battlefield cluttered; they obeyed Moses’ instruction from the LORD to seize what was won (Numbers 31:7–9). – This fulfillment of divine command echoes earlier moments when God empowered His people to take possession of what He promised (Joshua 6:24; 1 Samuel 30:18–20). – By literally gathering the goods, the Israelites demonstrated trust that God supplies through obedience, not through their own cleverness (Deuteronomy 8:17–18). All the plunder and spoils – “Plunder” and “spoils” cover everything of value: gold, silver, garments, livestock, and more, as clarified later in Numbers 31:25–31. – Scripture often distinguishes between items devoted to destruction and items permitted for Israel’s use (Deuteronomy 20:14; Joshua 8:2, 27). In this case God allowed the material goods to be kept, teaching that He can convert former instruments of wickedness into provision for His covenant people. – The completeness of “all” signals God’s thorough judgment on Midian’s sin (Numbers 25:16–18) and His complete care for Israel’s needs (Philippians 4:19). Both people and animals – Captives and livestock alike fell under Israel’s authority. Later verses (Numbers 31:15–18, 35–40) lay out how these were to be handled, underlining God’s concern for orderly, righteous distribution. – Similar wartime protocols appear in Deuteronomy 21:10–14 and 1 Chronicles 18:11, reminding readers that every life and possession ultimately belongs to the LORD and must be treated according to His revealed standards. – The inclusion of animals underscores how God supplies even mundane necessities—food, labor, and wealth—for His people’s journey (Exodus 12:35–36; 2 Chronicles 20:25). summary Numbers 31:11 highlights Israel’s total obedience in gathering everything God allowed them to take—people, animals, and goods. The verse testifies to God’s just judgment on Midian, His provision for His people, and His sovereignty over every detail of warfare and daily life. |
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