Numbers 31:14 Meaning and Explanation
“And Moses was wroth with the officers of the host, with the captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, which came from the battle.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Moses becomes angry with the military officers who conducted the campaign.
The Context of Numbers 31:14
Moses rebukes the military officers for the campaign's execution.
What Does Numbers 31:14 Mean?
Unexpectedly, Moses expresses anger toward the military officers rather than praise for their victory. His wrath indicates displeasure with how the campaign was executed or what decisions were made during it. The officers include the captains over thousands and hundreds—the entire military hierarchy. This moment of rebuke is surprising given that the Israelites had just achieved the victory God commanded, suggesting Moses' concern is about specific details of how the command was carried out.
Moses' anger foreshadows his complaint in the following verses. He will accuse the officers of failing to follow God's complete instructions regarding which captives to spare and which to kill. The rebuke demonstrates that obedience to God's will requires attending to the specifics of His commands, not merely achieving the general objective. Even a successful military campaign can be judged negatively if it violates God's particular requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 31:14
What does Numbers 31:14 mean?
Moses becomes angry with the military officers who conducted the campaign.
What is the context of Numbers 31:14?
Moses rebukes the military officers for the campaign's execution.