Numbers 31:49 - They said to Moses, “Your servants have taken the sum of the men of war who are under our command, and there lacks not one man of us.

Generated Verse: Numbers 31:49

What does "Numbers 31:49" mean?


This verse from Numbers 31:49, "They said to Moses, “Your servants have taken the sum of the men of war who are under our command, and there lacks not one man of us," is a statement of gratitude and amazement after a successful military campaign against the Midianites. Let's break down its meaning:

"They said to Moses...": This refers to the officers or commanders who led the Israelite soldiers in the battle.
"...Your servants have taken the sum of the men of war who are under our command...": This means that they have counted all the soldiers who went into battle under their leadership.
"...and there lacks not one man of us.": This is the key point. It means that every single soldier who went into the battle returned alive and unharmed. There were no casualties.

In essence, the officers are telling Moses that they have counted their troops, and to their great surprise and relief, not a single soldier is missing. This was an extraordinary outcome, especially considering that battles were often deadly.

Significance:

Divine Protection: The Israelites interpreted this incredible outcome as a clear sign of God's protection and favor. They believed that God had miraculously preserved them in battle.
Acknowledgement of Leadership: The officers are reporting to Moses, acknowledging his leadership and the authority God had given him.
Gratitude: The statement reflects deep gratitude to God for their survival and victory.
Humility: Despite the victory, they are acknowledging their position as servants under Moses, emphasizing humility and obedience.

This verse is followed by the offering of gold and ornaments as a tribute to God, further emphasizing their gratitude and recognizing His role in their preservation. It highlights the Israelite's belief in divine intervention and their dependence on God for success and safety.

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