Numbers 31 Summary

The LORD commands Moses to execute vengeance against Midian before his death, and twelve thousand armed Israelites—one thousand from each tribe—are sent to war under Phinehas the son of Eleazar, who carries the holy instruments and trumpets. The army slays all Midianite males, including five kings and Balaam the son of Beor, burns their cities, and returns to the camp with captives, livestock, and spoil. Moses is angered that the women have been spared, since they had led Israel into sin at Peor through Balaam's counsel, and he orders the execution of all male children and all women who had known a man, while commanding a seven-day purification for the soldiers and their captives, with rites covering persons, garments, and metal goods. The LORD then instructs Moses and Eleazar to divide the plunder equally between the warriors and the congregation, with a proportional tribute taken from each half for the LORD and the Levites; additionally, the officers of the army—having counted their men and found none missing—bring a voluntary gold offering of 16,750 shekels as an atonement before the LORD, which is placed in the tabernacle as a memorial.