Jennifer 
Read the Daily Bible Verse – Numbers 31:31 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
The Bible contains many important lessons, commands, and stories. Some verses may be hard to understand without knowing their background. Numbers 31:31 is one such verse. To fully understand it, we must look at the chapter it belongs to, the events that happened, and the people involved.
In this article, we will explore the context of Numbers 31:31, read the verse itself, understand its meaning, learn how to apply it to our lives today, and close with a conclusion.
The Context of Numbers 31:31 KJV
To understand Numbers 31:31, we need to go back to the beginning of Numbers Chapter 31. This chapter tells the story of a war between Israel and the Midianites. Let’s first learn who the Midianites were and why this battle happened.
Who Were the Midianites?
The Midianites were descendants of Midian, one of Abraham’s sons by Keturah (Genesis 25:1-2). Even though they were related to the Israelites, they often opposed them. They worshipped false gods and practiced idolatry. One of their most wicked acts is described in Numbers 25, where they led Israel into sin through sexual immorality and idol worship. This greatly displeased God.
God’s Command for Vengeance
Because of their evil actions, especially their role in turning Israel away from God, the Lord commanded Moses to take vengeance on the Midianites. In Numbers 31:2, God says:”Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people.”
This was Moses’ last major task before his death.
Preparing for Battle
Moses obeyed God’s command. He sent 1,000 soldiers from each tribe, making a total of 12,000 men to go to war. These soldiers were led by Phinehas, the son of Eleazar the priest. He brought holy instruments and trumpets to the battlefield. The Israelites went out with God’s blessing.
They defeated the Midianites completely, killing all their men, including five kings and Balaam, the prophet who earlier tried to curse Israel (see Numbers 22–24).
Taking the Spoil
After the victory, the Israelites took spoil, or treasure, from the battle. This included gold, silver, livestock, and captives. God gave Moses and Eleazar specific instructions on how to divide the spoil. This is where Numbers 31:31 comes in.
Numbers 31:31 (KJV)
Here is the full verse:“And Moses and Eleazar the priest did as the Lord commanded Moses.” — Numbers 31:31, KJV
This verse may seem very simple at first. But it carries a powerful message of obedience, leadership, and faithfulness to God’s commands.
Numbers 31:31 Meaning
Let’s take a deeper look at what this verse means. Even though it’s short, it holds important truth.
Obedience to God’s Command
This verse shows that Moses and Eleazar followed God’s exact instructions. They did not act based on their own feelings or judgment. Instead, they waited for God’s word and carried it out faithfully.
God had given them detailed steps for dividing the spoil:
- A portion was to go to the soldiers who fought.
- A portion was to go to the rest of the people.
- A part of the spoil was to be offered to God as tribute.
- Priests and Levites were to receive a share for their service in the tabernacle.
Moses and Eleazar didn’t change anything. They followed God’s order.
This teaches us the value of complete obedience, not partial or selective obedience. It reminds us that doing what God says, in the way He says, brings honor to Him.
Unity of Leadership
Another point is the unity between Moses, the political leader, and Eleazar, the spiritual leader. They worked together under God’s direction. This shows the importance of unity between different roles in leadership. Moses did not act alone, and Eleazar did not make his own rules.
This unity is a model for how believers should work together in harmony, especially when leading or serving in God’s work.
Trust in God’s Wisdom
This verse also shows that Moses and Eleazar trusted God’s wisdom. They did not argue or question His instructions. Even when those instructions involved dealing with difficult things—like dividing treasure or handling captives—they trusted that God knew best.
In the modern world, many people want to do things “their own way.” But this verse reminds us to submit to God’s way.
Numbers 31:31 Application in Life
The Bible is not just a book of history. Every verse is written for a purpose—to teach us, guide us, and shape us. Here are several ways that Numbers 31:31 can apply to our daily lives.
1. The Importance of Obeying God Completely
We are often tempted to half-obey God. For example:
- We might forgive someone, but still hold bitterness.
- We might give money to the church, but not with a joyful heart.
- We might read the Bible, but not apply it.
But this verse shows that Moses and Eleazar obeyed fully. We should aim for that same level of faithfulness.
Application Question: Am I obeying God completely, or just in the areas that are comfortable?
2. Listening Before Acting
Moses and Eleazar waited to hear from God. They did not rush into decisions, even after a great victory. Many times, we act first and pray later. But God’s way is to seek Him first.
Application Question: Do I pause and seek God’s will before making decisions in my life?
3. Leading with Integrity
Moses and Eleazar were leaders. But they did not use their power to benefit themselves. They handled the spoil honestly, following God’s rules exactly.
If you are a leader—in your family, your workplace, your church—this verse reminds you to lead with integrity and honor God’s instructions.
Application Question: As a leader, do I reflect God’s character in how I handle resources, people, and responsibilities?
4. Working Together in Unity
There was no competition between Moses and Eleazar. They worked side by side. In the church today, people sometimes compete for attention, recognition, or control. But God is pleased when His people work together in peace.
Application Question: Do I encourage unity and teamwork among those I serve with?
5. Trusting God’s Commands Even When They’re Hard
Handling the spoils of war was not an easy task. It involved thousands of animals, people, and precious metals. But Moses and Eleazar didn’t complain or change the plan. They simply did what the Lord said.
Sometimes God’s commands seem difficult, but they are always right. We must trust Him, even when we do not fully understand.
Application Question: Am I willing to trust God’s plan, even when it’s not what I would choose?
Conclusion
Numbers 31:31 may seem like a small verse, but it teaches us great lessons about obedience, leadership, and faithfulness. It shows how God’s people are to carry out His commands—not partly, not with hesitation, but completely and faithfully.
Moses and Eleazar were models of this kind of obedience. They remind us that when we follow God’s ways with a pure heart, we reflect His holiness and bring Him glory. Let us make it our goal to live like Moses and Eleazar—faithful to God in everything. When we do, we honor Him, bless others, and find joy in walking in His will.
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