A major theme of Numbers 31 is the spoils of victory. The handling of these spoils with integrity is very important at this stage of Israel’s history for soon she will cross the Jordan, conquer many peoples, and be tempted to take what God has prohibited. This final conflict, west of the Jordan, provides an opportunity for Israel to be alerted to this temptation and how to handle it: by taking God seriously. Though our world is very different, and the church’s commission radically different, nevertheless we too must take God seriously if we will please him as we engage an evil world. This chapter will help us to do so as we consider it under four broad headings:

(1) A Holy Mandate (vv. 1–2)

(2) A Holy Motive (vv. 3–24)

(3) A Holy Mindset (vv. 25–47)

(4) A Holy Mercy (vv. 48–54)