Study Desk

So Moses told the people, "Arm some of your men for war, that they may go against the Midianites and execute the LORD's vengeance on them.

So a thousand men were recruited from each tribe of Israel-twelve thousand armed for war.

And Moses sent the thousand from each tribe into battle, along with Phinehas son of Eleazar the priest, who took with him the vessels of the sanctuary and the trumpets for signaling.

but spare for yourselves every girl who has never had relations with a man.

All of you who have killed a person or touched the dead are to remain outside the camp for seven days. On the third day and the seventh day you are to purify both yourselves and your captives.

Set aside a tribute for the LORD from what belongs to the soldiers who went into battle: one out of every five hundred, whether persons, cattle, donkeys, or sheep.

This was the half portion for those who had gone to war: 337,500 sheep

Moses gave the tribute to Eleazar the priest as an offering for the LORD, as the LORD had commanded Moses.

So we have brought to the LORD an offering of the gold articles each man acquired-armlets, bracelets, rings, earrings, and necklaces-to make atonement for ourselves before the LORD."

Each of the soldiers had taken plunder for himself.

And Moses and Eleazar the priest received the gold from the commanders of thousands and of hundreds and brought it into the Tent of Meeting as a memorial for the Israelites before the LORD.

Now the Reubenites and Gadites, who had very large herds and flocks, surveyed the lands of Jazer and Gilead, and they saw that the region was suitable for livestock.

which the LORD conquered before the congregation of Israel, are suitable for livestock-and your servants have livestock."

For when your fathers went up to the valley of Eshcol and saw the land, they discouraged the Israelites from entering the land the LORD had given them.

For if you turn away from following Him, He will once again leave this people in the wilderness, and you will be the cause of their destruction."

Then the Gadites and Reubenites approached Moses and said, "We want to build sheepfolds here for our livestock and cities for our little ones.

But we will arm ourselves and be ready to go ahead of the Israelites until we have brought them into their place. Meanwhile, our little ones will remain in the fortified cities for protection from the inhabitants of the land.

"If you do this," Moses replied, "if you will arm yourselves before the LORD for battle,

Build cities for your little ones and folds for your flocks, but do what you have promised."

But your servants are equipped for war, and every man will cross over to the battle before the LORD, just as our lord says."