If we talk about Numbers 31 in detail,

Chapter 31 of Numbers deals with the war with Midian and its results. This chapter explains how the Israelites went to war against the Midianites as God commanded, won, and then divided the spoils.

1. Order to war against Midian (Numbers 31:1-6)

God gives Moses an order to fight the Midianites. This is a judgment on Midian for the sins that led the Israelites into sin. Moses summons a total of 12,000 soldiers, 1,000 from each tribe, and sends Phinehas, the son of Eleazar the priest, to participate in the battle, carrying the sanctuary utensils and trumpets.

2. War and victory (Numbers 31:7-12)

The Israelite army fights the Midianites and kills all the men. He also kills the five kings of Midian (Evi, Rechem, Zur, Hur, and Reba), and also kills Balaam, the son of Beor, with the sword. The Israelites take Midianite women and children captive, take all their livestock and property, and burn their cities and villages. These booty and captives are brought to Moses, the priest Eleazar, and the congregation of Israel while they are in the camp.

3. Purification ceremony (Numbers 31:13-24)

Moses and the priest Eleazar greet the soldiers returning from war outside the camp. Moses rebukes the military commanders for sparing the Midianite women. This is because the Midianite women fell for Balaam's trick and tempted Israel, causing the Baal Peor Incident. Moses orders all women and male children to be killed, except all young women who have not known men. In addition, soldiers and loot undergo a purification ceremony, and priest Eleazar teaches the water and fire purification methods for this purpose.

4. Distribution of spoils (Numbers 31:25-47)

Following God's command, Moses and the priest Eleazar divide the spoils between the soldiers and the congregation. Half of the spoils are given to the soldiers participating in the war, and half are given to the congregation of Israel. Additionally, a certain portion of each half is given to Jehovah: 1/500th from the soldiers' portion and 1/50th from the congregation's portion. This is given to the Levites who serve Jehovah in the tabernacle.

5. Thanks offering (Numbers 31:48-54)

The military commanders come to Moses, see that all the soldiers participating in the war are safe, and give them gold as a token of gratitude. This gold consists of various ornaments and precious metals, totaling 16,750 shekels. Moses and the priest Eleazar presented this gold as a memorial before Jehovah and presented it to Jehovah at the Tent of Meeting.

summary

Chapter 31 of Numbers records in detail the process by which Israel, following God's command, went to war with Midian and won, then divided the spoils and went through a purification ceremony. This chapter shows God's justice and grace through obedience to God's commands and the process of dividing the spoils fairly and giving them to God. Additionally, the sight of military commanders offering thanksgiving sacrifices after war shows their reverence and gratitude toward God.