“And the booty, being the rest of the prey which the men of war had caught, was six hundred thousand and seventy thousand and five thousand sheep.”
Context:Numbers 31 recounts the account of the Israelites’ war against the Midianites. God commanded Moses to avenge the Israelites by attacking the Midianites because they had enticed the Israelites to worship their gods, leading them into immorality and idolatry. Moses led the Israelite army into battle and they were victorious. After the battle, the soldiers returned with a significant amount of spoils of war, including sheep.
Now let’s dive deeper into this verse and explore some key points:
The significance of the number:The verse states that the Israelite soldiers captured “six hundred thousand and seventy thousand and five thousand sheep.” The large number of sheep indicates the abundance of spoils they obtained. It shows how God blessed the Israelites with material wealth as a result of their obedience and victory in battle.
God’s provision and fulfilment of promises:The Israelites had experienced God’s faithfulness throughout their journey in the wilderness. Here, we see God providing for their needs once again by granting them an abundant amount of livestock. It reminds us that God fulfils His promises and takes care of His people, even in times of conflict.
The value of obedience:The Israelites’ victory and subsequent acquisition of spoils came as a result of their obedience to God’s command to engage in battle. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of obeying God’s instructions. Obedience to God’s commands leads to blessings and demonstrates trust in His guidance.
Stewardship and responsibility:The captured livestock was part of the spoils of war. The Israelites were responsible for managing and using these resources wisely. Throughout the Bible, we see instances where God calls His people to be good stewards of what He has given them. This verse reminds us of the responsibility we have to use the blessings and resources God provides in a manner that honours Him.
Symbolism:Sheep are often used symbolically in the Bible, representing believers and followers of God. In this context, the large number of sheep captured may symbolize the spiritual significance of the victory. It could represent the deliverance of God’s people from the influence and oppression of idolatry, leading them back to a closer relationship with Him.
In summary:Numbers 31:32 showcases God’s provision, the importance of obedience, stewardship, and the spiritual symbolism within the captured sheep. It encourages us to reflect on our own obedience to God’s commands, to be good stewards of the blessings we receive, and to recognise God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises.
