The battle described in Numbers 31 is one of the most striking moments in Israel’s journey through the wilderness. God commands Moses to send Israelite warriors to fight against the Midianites, who had previously led them into idolatry and immorality (Numbers 25). This divine battle foreshadows Jesus Christ, the ultimate warrior King, who triumphs over the forces of sin, Satan, and death.
In Colossians 2:15, the Apostle Paul declares:
“Having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”
This verse perfectly parallels Numbers 31, where God’s people, under divine direction, defeat the enemy and strip them of their power. This passage teaches us about the nature of spiritual warfare, divine justice, and Christ’s final victory over evil.
1. The Command to Destroy the Enemy (Numbers 31:1-6)
God tells Moses:
“Take vengeance on the Midianites for the Israelites. After that, you will be gathered to your people.” (Numbers 31:2)
This battle was not driven by human aggression but divine justice. The Midianites had corrupted Israel, leading them into sin with Baal of Peor (Numbers 25). Their influence had brought about God’s wrath, and now He commanded their destruction to purify Israel.
Moses chose 12,000 men (1,000 from each tribe) and sent them into battle under Phinehas, the priest, carrying the holy articles and trumpets. The presence of these sacred items signifies that this was a holy war, orchestrated by God.
Jesus, the Greater Commander
Just as God directed the Israelites to battle against the Midianites, Jesus leads His people in spiritual warfare. In Revelation 19:11-16, Jesus is portrayed as the warrior King, riding a white horse, with a sword proceeding from His mouth. His mission? To defeat the enemy and establish righteousness.
When Jesus came to earth, He waged war—not against flesh and blood—but against Satan and the forces of darkness. His ultimate victory came through the cross, where He defeated sin, death, and hell (Colossians 2:15).
2. The Complete Victory Over the Enemy (Numbers 31:7-12)
The battle was swift and decisive. The Israelites killed every male Midianite, including the five kings, and also executed Balaam, the false prophet who had led them into sin (Numbers 31:8). They captured women, children, livestock, and plundered their cities.
This total victory mirrors Jesus’ triumph over sin and Satan. When He died on the cross and rose again, He completely disarmed the powers of darkness.
- Satan’s accusations were silenced. (Revelation 12:10)
- Sin’s grip on humanity was broken. (Romans 6:6-7)
- Death was swallowed up in victory. (1 Corinthians 15:54-57)
Through His death and resurrection, Jesus didn’t just wound the enemy—He crushed him (Genesis 3:15). Just as the Israelites plundered the Midianites, Jesus took back what the enemy had stolen—our freedom, righteousness, and eternal life.
3. Purification After the Battle (Numbers 31:13-24)
When the soldiers returned, Moses was angry because they had spared the women, who had led Israel into sin. He ordered them to kill all but the virgins and then undergo purification. Everything that had been contaminated by war—people, clothing, and even metal objects—had to be cleansed with fire and water before being used again.
Jesus, Our Purifier
This purification process foreshadows how Jesus cleanses us after victory. Even though we have been saved from sin, we still need to be sanctified—purified from the lingering effects of the world.
- We are purified by the blood of Jesus. (Hebrews 9:14)
- We are cleansed by the Word of God. (Ephesians 5:26)
- We are refined through trials. (1 Peter 1:6-7)
Like the Israelites, we must not allow remnants of the enemy’s influence in our lives. We must be ruthless in cutting off sin (Matthew 5:29-30) and pursue holiness (Hebrews 12:14).
4. The Division of the Spoils (Numbers 31:25-54)
After the victory, God commanded that the plunder be divided among the warriors, the people, and the Levites. A portion was given as a tribute to the Lord, recognizing that victory came from Him alone.
Jesus, Our Reward-Giver
When Jesus defeated the enemy, He also distributed the spoils of His victory to His people. Paul writes:
“When He ascended on high, He took many captives and gave gifts to His people.” (Ephesians 4:8)
What are these gifts?
- Salvation (Romans 6:23)
- The Holy Spirit (John 14:16)
- Authority over the enemy (Luke 10:19)
- Eternal life and reigning with Christ (Revelation 22:5)
Just as the Israelites acknowledged God’s role in their victory, we must continually give thanks and worship Jesus, the true Conqueror.
5. Jesus: The Victorious King
Numbers 31 is more than an ancient battle story—it is a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ’s victory.
- The Israelites fought a physical war; Jesus fought a spiritual war.
- Moses led the army; Jesus leads the Church.
- The Midianites were defeated; Satan and sin were crushed.
- The spoils were distributed; Jesus gives us gifts from His victory.
Jesus’ victory on the cross was total, public, and final. He triumphed over all demonic powers and secured eternal redemption for His people. Now, as His followers, we must walk in His victory, fight the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12), and stand firm against the enemy (Ephesians 6:10-18).
Conclusion: Walk in Christ’s Victory
The story of Numbers 31 calls us to:
- Trust Jesus as our victorious King. He has already won the battle—our job is to stand in His victory.
- Destroy sin completely. Just as the Israelites removed all traces of Midianite corruption, we must put to death anything that hinders our walk with Christ.
- Submit to purification. Through trials, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit, Jesus continues to cleanse us.
- Enjoy the rewards of victory. Jesus gives us spiritual gifts and eternal life—rejoice in them!
As we reflect on Numbers 31 and Colossians 2:15, let’s remember that we are on the winning side. The battle is already won, and Jesus reigns as the Victorious King!
