Numbers 31:21

Then Eleazar the priest said to the soldiers who had gone into battle, "This is the statute of the law which the LORD has commanded Moses:

Study Bible

Then Eleazar the priest said to the soldiers who had gone into battle
Eleazar, the son of Aaron, served as the high priest after Aaron's death. His role was crucial in guiding the Israelites in spiritual and ceremonial matters. The soldiers mentioned here had just returned from a victorious battle against the Midianites, a people who had previously led Israel into sin (Numbers 25). The priest's involvement underscores the importance of maintaining ritual purity and obedience to God's commands even in the aftermath of warfare. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's holiness and the need for His people to remain distinct from surrounding nations.

“This is the statute of the law which the LORD has commanded Moses:
The phrase emphasizes the divine origin of the law, highlighting that it is not merely a human tradition but a command from God Himself. This underscores the authority of the law and the necessity for the Israelites to adhere to it. The reference to Moses connects this statute to the broader Mosaic Law, which was given at Sinai and forms the foundation of Israel's covenant relationship with God. The law often served as a means to set Israel apart, ensuring they lived in a way that reflected God's character. This particular statute likely pertains to purification rituals, which were essential for maintaining the community's holiness after contact with death and warfare.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Eleazar the Priest
Eleazar was the son of Aaron and served as the high priest after Aaron's death. He played a crucial role in guiding the Israelites in religious and ceremonial matters.

2. The Soldiers
These were the Israelite warriors who had returned from battle against the Midianites, a conflict commanded by God as a form of judgment against Midian.

3. The Law of the LORD
This refers to the divine instructions given to Moses, which included various statutes and ordinances for the Israelites to follow, particularly concerning purity and holiness.

4. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received the law from God and communicated it to the people. He was responsible for ensuring that God's commands were followed.

5. The Battle Against Midian
This was a divinely sanctioned military campaign against the Midianites, who had led Israel into sin through idolatry and immorality.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Obedience
Obedience to God's commands is crucial, as demonstrated by Eleazar's reminder to the soldiers. This teaches us the importance of adhering to God's Word in our lives.

Purity and Holiness
The purification laws highlight the need for spiritual cleanliness. As believers, we are called to live holy lives, set apart for God's purposes.

Leadership and Responsibility
Eleazar's role underscores the responsibility of spiritual leaders to guide others in following God's commands. This is a reminder for leaders today to faithfully teach and uphold biblical truths.

God's Justice and Mercy
The battle against Midian reflects God's justice against sin, but also His mercy in providing a way for purification. We are reminded of the balance between justice and mercy in God's character.

The Role of the Law
The law served as a guide for the Israelites, pointing them to God's standards. In Christ, we see the fulfillment of the law, calling us to live by the Spirit.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Eleazar's role as a priest inform our understanding of spiritual leadership today?

2. In what ways do the purification laws in Numbers 31 relate to the concept of holiness in the New Testament?

3. How can we apply the principle of obedience to God's commands in our daily lives?

4. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' battle against Midian about God's justice and mercy?

5. How does the fulfillment of the law in Christ change our approach to the Old Testament laws and statutes?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 11
This chapter outlines the laws of clean and unclean, which are foundational to understanding the purification process mentioned in Numbers 31.

Deuteronomy 20
Provides instructions on warfare, including the treatment of captives and the spoils of war, which relate to the context of Numbers 31.

Hebrews 9
Discusses the purification rites under the Old Covenant and their fulfillment in Christ, offering a New Testament perspective on the concept of purification.