“And thirty and two thousand persons in all, of women that had not known man by lying with him.”
Context: The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Old Testament and it focuses on the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness after their deliverance from Egypt. In Numbers 31, we find the account of the Israelites’ battle against the Midianites.
Victory over the Midianites: In Numbers 31, Moses, at God’s command, led the Israelites to take vengeance on the Midianites for their seduction of the Israelites into idolatry and sexual immorality. The Israelites were successful in defeating the Midianites and killing the kings of Midian. They also took captive the women and children of Midian.
Purification of the Captives: After the battle, Moses and the leaders of the Israelites gathered all the spoils, including the captives, and brought them before Moses. In Numbers 31:45, it states that there were thirty-two thousand virgins among the captive women who had not known a man intimately.
Significance of the Virgins: The mention of these virgins who had not been with a man is significant because it highlights their purity. In the ancient Near Eastern context, women who had not known a man were considered pure and suitable for marriage. It is important to note that the text is describing the condition of these women at the time of their capture, not implying any endorsement or support for the act of taking women as captives.
God’s Instruction for the Captives: In the subsequent verses (Numbers 31:46-47), God instructed Moses to divide the spoils, including the captives, among the Israelites and the Levites. The Israelites were to keep the livestock and other possessions, while a portion of the spoils, including the virgins, were to be given to the Levites as a tribute to the Lord.
Symbolism and Redemption: This passage can also be understood in a symbolic and redemptive sense. The number thirty-two can represent completion or wholeness. The presence of the virgins among the captives could symbolize the preservation of purity and a new beginning for the Israelites. It reminds us that God can bring restoration and redemption even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
Application: While the context of Numbers 31 is specific to the Israelites’ conquest of the Midianites, we can draw some general principles from this passage. Firstly, it serves as a reminder that God is a just God who holds accountable those who lead others astray. Secondly, it emphasizes the importance of maintaining purity and avoiding the corruption of idolatry and immorality. Finally, it highlights God’s ability to bring restoration and redemption even in the aftermath of difficult and painful experiences.
Remember that the Bible should be studied as a whole, and individual passages should be understood within their larger context and in light of the entire message of the Scriptures.
