Numbers 31:5

5 A fighting force of a thousand from each tribe of Israel - twelve thousand in all - was recruited.

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 addressed the people: "Recruit men for a campaign against Midian, to exact God's vengeance on Midian,

4 a thousand from each tribe of Israel to go to war."

5 A fighting force of a thousand from each tribe of Israel - twelve thousand in all - was recruited.

6 Moses sent them off to war, a thousand from each tribe, and also Phinehas son of Eleazar, who went as priest to the army, in charge of holy vessels and the signaling bugles.

7 They attacked Midian, just as God had commanded Moses, and killed every last man.