Numbers 31:5

5 And there were taken oute of the thousandes of Israel .xij. thousande prepared vnto warre of euery trybe a thousande.

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 And Moses spake vnto the folke sayenge: Harnesse some of you vnto warre and let them goo apon the Madianites and auenge the Lorde of the Madianitis.

4 Ye shall sende vnto the warre a thousande of euery trybe thorow out all the trybes of Israel.

5 And there were taken oute of the thousandes of Israel .xij. thousande prepared vnto warre of euery trybe a thousande.

6 And Moses sent them a thousande of euery trybe with Phineas the sonne of Eleazer the preaste to warre and the holye vessels and the trompettes to blowe with in his honde.

7 And they warred agenst the Madianites as the Lorde commaunded Moses ad slewe all the males.