Numbers 31:4 Meaning and Explanation
“Of every tribe a thousand, throughout all the tribes of Israel, shall ye send to the war.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A thousand men from each tribe are to be sent to war.
The Context of Numbers 31:4
Instructions for military recruitment.
What Does Numbers 31:4 Mean?
The organization demonstrates careful planning and corporate responsibility. Twelve tribes each contribute one thousand warriors, totaling twelve thousand soldiers. This equal distribution ensures that the burden and honor of the campaign is shared across all Israel, preventing any one tribe from bearing disproportionate risk or gaining excessive honor from victory.
The structure emphasizes unity and collective purpose. Every tribe's participation binds the entire nation to this act of judgment, making it a communal response to the earlier corporate sin at Baal-peor. The precision of 'a thousand of every tribe' suggests the army was well-organized and properly mobilized.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 31:4
What does Numbers 31:4 mean?
A thousand men from each tribe are to be sent to war.
What is the context of Numbers 31:4?
Instructions for military recruitment.