(I) THE SENTENCE PASSED AND CARRIED OUT ON THE LOCAL MIDIANITES (NUMBERS 31:1). Analysis. a The command to avenge Yahweh on Midian (Numbers 31:1). b The judgment of Yahweh in the defeat of Midian (Numbers 31:7). c The sparing of the women who had caused them to sin at Baal-peor (Numbers 31:9).... [ Continue Reading ]
(II) THE DIVISION OF THE SPOILS (NUMBERS 31:25). This whole passage follows the following pattern. a The sum of the prey that was taken and the levies commanded (Numbers 31:25). b Division between the men of war, Yahweh (the priests), the people and the Levites (Numbers 31:32). a The sum of the... [ Continue Reading ]
THE DIVISION BETWEEN THE MEN OF WAR, YAHWEH (THE PRIESTS), THE PEOPLE AND THE LEVITES (NUMBERS 31:32). The assessing and dividing of the spoils follows a sequential pattern rather than the usual chiastic pattern. a The sum of the prey assessed (Numbers 31:32). b Sum of the half which belongs to t... [ Continue Reading ]
THE SUM OF THE SURVIVING MEN OF WAR AND THEIR FREEWILL GIFT TO THE SANCTUARY OF THEIR PERSONAL SPOIL (NUMBERS 31:48). a The assessing of the men of war, not one is missing (num 8-49). b They offer the gold from their personal spoils to Yahweh to make atonement for themselves before Yahweh (Numbers... [ Continue Reading ]