Numbers 31 describes the Israelites' war against the Midianites, as commanded by God. Verse 48 specifically describes a moment after the victory. "The officers who were over the thousands of the army, the captains of thousands, and the captains of hundreds, came near to Moses" means:
Officers of different ranks: It identifies officers who were in charge of large units (thousands) and smaller units (hundreds) within the Israelite army. The phrase emphasizes that leadership at various levels participated.
Coming to Moses: They approached Moses, the leader of the Israelites. This suggests they were seeking his attention for a specific purpose.
In the broader context of the chapter, the following verses clarify the reason for their visit: They came to report that not a single Israelite soldier had died in the battle (Numbers 31:49) and to offer a voluntary offering of gold items they had acquired as plunder (Numbers 31:50-54). Therefore, this verse describes a formal approach to report a miraculous outcome of the battle and express gratitude.
Numbers 31 describes the Israelites' war against the Midianites, as commanded by God. Verse 48 specifically describes a moment after the victory. "The officers who were over the thousands of the army, the captains of thousands, and the captains of hundreds, came near to Moses" means:
Officers of different ranks: It identifies officers who were in charge of large units (thousands) and smaller units (hundreds) within the Israelite army. The phrase emphasizes that leadership at various levels participated.
Coming to Moses: They approached Moses, the leader of the Israelites. This suggests they were seeking his attention for a specific purpose.
In the broader context of the chapter, the following verses clarify the reason for their visit: They came to report that not a single Israelite soldier had died in the battle (Numbers 31:49) and to offer a voluntary offering of gold items they had acquired as plunder (Numbers 31:50-54). Therefore, this verse describes a formal approach to report a miraculous outcome of the battle and express gratitude.