Numbers 31:46

and 16,000 people.

Study Bible

and 16,000 people.
This phrase refers to the number of individuals taken as part of the spoils of war after the Israelites' victory over the Midianites. The context of this passage is the aftermath of a divinely commanded battle, where the Israelites, led by Moses, were instructed to take vengeance on the Midianites for their role in leading Israel into sin (Numbers 25). The number 16,000 represents the total number of women who had not known a man intimately, as specified earlier in the chapter.

In the broader biblical narrative, this event underscores the theme of divine justice and the consequences of leading God's people into idolatry and immorality. The Midianites had previously seduced the Israelites into worshiping Baal of Peor, resulting in a plague that killed 24,000 Israelites (Numbers 25:1-9). This battle and its spoils serve as a form of retribution and purification for the nation of Israel.

Theologically, the number 16,000 can be seen as a symbol of God's provision and the fulfillment of His promises. The division of the spoils, including the people, was done according to God's instructions, ensuring that the Levites, who served in the tabernacle, received their due portion. This reflects the principle of dedicating a portion of one's gains to God, a practice that is echoed in the New Testament with the concept of tithing and offerings (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Culturally, the taking of captives in ancient warfare was a common practice, and these individuals would often become servants or be integrated into the community. The inclusion of these 16,000 people into Israelite society would have had significant social and cultural implications, potentially influencing the demographic and cultural landscape of the Israelite community.

In terms of typology, the purification and integration of these captives can be seen as a foreshadowing of the inclusion of Gentiles into the people of God, a theme that is fully realized in the New Testament with the spread of the Gospel to all nations (Acts 10:34-35). This reflects the overarching biblical narrative of God's desire for all people to come to know Him and be part of His covenant community.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who was commanded by God to take vengeance on the Midianites for leading Israel into sin.

2. Midianites
A nomadic tribe that led Israel into idolatry and immorality, resulting in God's command for their destruction.

3. Israelites
The people of God, who were instructed to carry out God's judgment against the Midianites.

4. Plunder
The goods and people taken by the Israelites from the Midianites, including the sixteen thousand people mentioned in this verse.

5. God's Command
The directive given to Moses and the Israelites to execute judgment on the Midianites as a consequence of their actions against Israel.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Sin
The destruction of the Midianites serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of leading others into sin. Sin is not only personal but can have communal repercussions.

Obedience to God's Commands
The Israelites' actions demonstrate the importance of obedience to God's directives, even when they are difficult or involve judgment.

God's Justice and Mercy
While God's judgment is severe, it is also just. Understanding God's justice helps us appreciate His mercy and the grace offered through Christ.

The Role of Leadership
Moses' leadership in executing God's command highlights the responsibility of leaders to guide their people in righteousness and obedience.

The Importance of Purity
The incident underscores the need for spiritual and moral purity among God's people, avoiding alliances or influences that lead away from God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of the Midianites in Numbers 31:46 reflect the consequences of sin and idolatry in our lives today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are obedient to God's commands, even when they are challenging or counter-cultural?

3. How does understanding God's justice in the Old Testament help us appreciate His mercy and grace in the New Testament?

4. What lessons can we learn from Moses' leadership in this passage that can be applied to spiritual leadership today?

5. How can we maintain spiritual and moral purity in a world that often leads us away from God's standards?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 25:1-4
Provides background on the Midianites, who were descendants of Abraham through Keturah, showing the long-standing connection between the Israelites and Midianites.

Numbers 25:1-3
Describes the sin of Israel with the Moabite women, which was instigated by the Midianites, leading to God's command for their destruction.

Deuteronomy 20:10-18
Outlines the laws of warfare for Israel, including the treatment of conquered peoples, which provides context for the actions taken in Numbers 31.

1 Samuel 15:1-3
Relates to God's command to Saul to destroy the Amalekites, showing a pattern of divine judgment against nations that lead Israel into sin.

Romans 6:23
Connects to the theme of sin and its consequences, emphasizing the seriousness of sin and the need for divine justice.