"And Moses sent them to the war, a thousand of every tribe, them and Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, to the war, with the holy instruments, and the trumpets to blow in his hand."
Context:The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible and records the events that took place during the Israelites’ journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. In this particular chapter, the Israelites were preparing to wage war against the Midianites, who had seduced the Israelites into idolatry and sexual immorality.
Moses’ Leadership:Moses, as the appointed leader of the Israelites, was responsible for leading them in both their spiritual and military endeavours. In this verse, we see Moses organising the army for war against the Midianites. He chose a thousand men from each tribe, amounting to a total of twelve thousand men, to go into battle.
Phinehas the Priest:Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, was a priest and the grandson of Aaron. He played a significant role in the Israelites’ history, particularly in his zeal for the Lord. Phinehas had previously demonstrated his loyalty to God by taking a stand against the Israelites’ idolatry and putting to death an Israelite man and a Midianite woman involved in sexual immorality (Numbers 25:6-15). Now, he was chosen by Moses to accompany the army into battle.
Holy Instruments and Trumpets:As the priest, Phinehas was entrusted with the holy instruments and trumpets. These instruments had sacred significance and were used in worship and other religious ceremonies. In this context, they were taken into battle as a symbol of the presence and favour of God with the Israelite army.
Spiritual Lessons:
- Leadership and Responsibility:Moses’ role as a leader required him to make strategic decisions for the community. This verse highlights his responsibility to mobilise the army for battle, demonstrating the importance of strong leadership and organisation in times of conflict.
- Zeal for God:Phinehas’ inclusion in the army reveals his zeal for the Lord and his commitment to defend the sanctity of God’s commands. His previous actions showcased his unwavering devotion to God, and now he had the opportunity to exemplify this further by participating in the battle against the Midianites.
- God’s Presence:The presence of the holy instruments and trumpets symbolises the acknowledgment of God’s presence in the midst of the Israelite army. It emphasises the spiritual nature of their mission and their reliance on God’s power and protection in the upcoming battle.
- Holiness in Warfare:The inclusion of the holy instruments and the priest in the battle underscores the idea that even in warfare, the Israelites were called to maintain a sense of holiness and righteousness. Their actions on the battlefield should reflect their commitment to God’s laws and values.
Overall, Numbers 31:6 reminds us of the importance of leadership, zeal for God, acknowledgment of His presence, and the need to maintain holiness in all aspects of our lives, including times of conflict and struggle.
