Numbers 31:11

and carried away all the plunder and spoils, both people and animals.

Study Bible

and carried away all the plunder and spoils
In the context of ancient warfare, it was common for the victors to take plunder and spoils from the defeated. This practice is seen throughout the Old Testament, where God sometimes commanded the Israelites to take spoils as a form of divine judgment against the nations. The plunder often included valuable items such as gold, silver, and other goods. This act of taking spoils can be seen as a fulfillment of God's promise to provide for His people, as seen in Exodus 3:21-22, where God promised the Israelites they would not leave Egypt empty-handed.

both people and animals
The inclusion of people and animals as part of the spoils reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of taking captives and livestock as part of the victory. Captives could be used as servants or integrated into the community, while animals were valuable for their economic and agricultural benefits. This practice is also seen in other biblical accounts, such as the conquest of Canaan, where livestock and captives were taken (Joshua 8:2). Theologically, this can be seen as a demonstration of God's sovereignty over all creation, as He directs the outcomes of battles and the distribution of resources. Additionally, it foreshadows the ultimate redemption and gathering of people from all nations, as seen in the New Testament, where Christ's victory brings people from every tribe and tongue into His kingdom (Revelation 5:9).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who was commanded by God to take vengeance on the Midianites.

2. Midianites
A nomadic tribe that had led Israel into sin through the counsel of Balaam, resulting in God's judgment upon them.

3. Israelites
The people of God, who were instructed to execute God's judgment on the Midianites and take the plunder.

4. Plunder and Spoils
The goods, people, and animals taken by the Israelites as a result of their victory over the Midianites.

5. Balaam
A prophet who advised the Midianites to lead Israel into sin, which ultimately led to their downfall.

Teaching Points

Obedience to Divine Commands
The Israelites' actions in taking the plunder were in direct obedience to God's command. This teaches us the importance of following God's instructions, even when they are difficult or counter-cultural.

Judgment and Mercy
The destruction of the Midianites serves as a reminder of God's judgment against sin. It also points to the mercy available through repentance and obedience, as seen in other biblical accounts.

Stewardship of Resources
The handling of plunder and spoils can be seen as a lesson in stewardship. Believers are called to manage resources wisely and in accordance with God's will.

Spiritual Warfare
The physical battle against the Midianites can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual warfare. Christians are called to be vigilant and to fight against sin and temptation in their lives.

Community and Accountability
The collective action of the Israelites highlights the importance of community and accountability in carrying out God's commands. Believers are encouraged to support one another in their spiritual journeys.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the command to take plunder in Numbers 31:11 reflect God's justice and mercy, and how can we apply this understanding to our lives today?

2. In what ways does the account of the Midianites serve as a warning against sin and disobedience? Can you identify similar warnings in other parts of Scripture?

3. How can the concept of stewardship, as seen in the handling of plunder, be applied to our management of resources in modern times?

4. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' obedience to God's command in Numbers 31, and how can these lessons be applied to our spiritual battles today?

5. How does the community aspect of the Israelites' actions in Numbers 31 inform our understanding of accountability and support within the church? Can you find other biblical examples that emphasize this principle?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 20:14
This passage provides instructions on how the Israelites were to handle plunder from their enemies, offering a broader context for understanding the actions in Numbers 31.

Joshua 6:19
The account of Jericho, where the Israelites were instructed to dedicate the plunder to the Lord, contrasts with the events in Numbers 31, highlighting different divine instructions for different situations.

1 Samuel 15:3
God's command to Saul to destroy the Amalekites and their possessions parallels the command given to Moses, emphasizing obedience to divine instructions regarding warfare and plunder.