Numbers 31:5

5 So theywere assigned from the thousands of Israel, a thousand from each tribe, twelve thousand equipped for battle.

Numbers 31:5 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 31:5

So they were delivered out of the thousands of Israel
] Several thousands very probably offered themselves voluntarily to go to the war, or however were summoned together on this account, and out of them the following number was delivered of picked and chosen men:

a thousand [of every] tribe, twelve thousand armed for war;
which was but a small number to go against so considerable a nation and people; but this was done to show that the war was of the Lord, he would fight the battle, and give them victory, it being the same to him to do it with few as with many; and to encourage the people of Israel to believe the Lord would give them success against their many and powerful enemies in the land of Canaan, on the borders of which they now were.

Numbers 31:5 In-Context

3 Moses spoke to the people, saying, "Arm yourself from among your men for the battle, so that they will {go} against Midian to mete out the vengeance of Yahweh on Midian.

4 A thousand from each tribe of every tribe of Israel you will send to battle."

5 So theywere assigned from the thousands of Israel, a thousand from each tribe, twelve thousand equipped for battle.

6 Moses sent them, a thousand from each tribe, to the battle, and Phinehas son of Eleazar the priest to the battle with them, and the vessels of the sanctuary and the trumpets of the blast [were] in his hand.

7 And they fought against Midian just as Yahweh commanded Moses, and they killed every male.