What does Numbers 31:15 mean?
"And Moses said unto them, Have ye saved all the women alive?" - Numbers 31:15

Numbers 31:15 (KJV) reads: "And Moses said unto them, Have ye saved all the women alive?"
This verse is taken from the book of Numbers in the Old Testament, which is a historical and legal document of ancient Israel. The book tells the story of the Israelites journeying through the wilderness after being freed from slavery in Egypt, and their struggles to remain faithful to God's commands.
In this particular verse, Moses is addressing the Israelite warriors after they had defeated the Midianites in battle. The context of this verse is important in understanding its significance. The Israelites had been commanded by God to take vengeance on the Midianites for leading them into sin through sexual immorality and idolatry. As a result, the Israelite soldiers had killed the men of the Midianite community. However, when Moses questioned them about why they had spared the women, it became clear that they had disobeyed God's commands by saving the women alive, rather than destroying everything and everyone in the city.
This verse raises several important themes and points of discussion. Firstly, it highlights the theme of obedience and faithfulness to God's commands. The Israelite warriors had been given clear instructions by God to completely destroy the Midianite community, and yet they chose to spare the lives of the women. This act of disobedience shows the consequences of failing to heed God's commands, as it led to further problems for the Israelites in their journey.
Secondly, the verse brings up the issue of justice and vengeance. The Israelites had been wronged by the Midianites, and they sought vengeance for their betrayal. However, their disobedience in sparing the women undermined the justice they sought to achieve. This raises questions about the nature of justice and the importance of adhering to moral and ethical principles in the pursuit of justice.
Symbolism can also be found in this verse. The act of sparing the women can be seen as a symbol of the Israelites' failure to fully commit to the path of righteousness. By allowing themselves to be swayed by their own desires and emotions, they strayed from the path that God had set for them. This symbolism serves as a reminder of the consequences of straying from God's will and the importance of staying true to His commands.
In a broader context, this verse can also be seen as a lesson in the complexities of human nature and morality. It serves as a reminder that even those who are chosen by God are susceptible to temptation and moral failure. The Israelite warriors were not immune to error, and their actions serve as a cautionary tale for all who seek to follow God's commands.
In conclusion, Numbers 31:15 (KJV) is a verse that raises important themes of obedience, justice, and the complexities of human nature. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of remaining steadfast in faith and morality. As with many passages in the Bible, it offers valuable lessons and insights that remain relevant to this day.
Have questions about Numbers 31:15?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Numbers 31:15 Artwork
Numbers 31:15 - "And Moses said unto them, Have ye saved all the women alive?"
"And Moses said unto them, Have ye saved all the women alive?" - Numbers 31:15
numbers 31:14-15
Hosea 3:1-5
Numbers 15:31 - "Because he hath despised the word of the LORD, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him."
Numbers 31:31 - "And Moses and Eleazar the priest did as the LORD commanded Moses."
Numbers 31 graphics
Numbers 31:46 - "And sixteen thousand persons;)"
Numbers 31:33 - "And threescore and twelve thousand beeves,"
Numbers 31:34 - "And threescore and one thousand asses,"
Numbers 31:44 - "And thirty and six thousand beeves,"
Numbers 31:1 - "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Numbers 31:25 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Numbers 31:45 - "And thirty thousand asses and five hundred,"
Numbers 21:31 - "¶ Thus Israel dwelt in the land of the Amorites."
"And Moses and Eleazar the priest did as the LORD commanded Moses." - Numbers 31:31
Numbers 26:31 - "And of Asriel, the family of the Asrielites: and of Shechem, the family of the Shechemites:"
Numbers 33:31 - "And they departed from Moseroth, and pitched in Bene-jaakan."
Numbers 31:22 - "Only the gold, and the silver, the brass, the iron, the tin, and the lead,"
Numbers 31:37 - "And the LORD'S tribute of the sheep was six hundred and threescore and fifteen."
"And sixteen thousand persons;)" - Numbers 31:46
Numbers 31:53 - "(For the men of war had taken spoil, every man for himself.)"
Joshua 15:31 - "And Ziklag, and Madmannah, and Sansannah,"
Numbers 31:11 - "And they took all the spoil, and all the prey, both of men and of beasts."
Numbers 31:10 - "And they burnt all their cities wherein they dwelt, and all their goodly castles, with fire."
Numbers 31:29 - "Take it of their half, and give it unto Eleazar the priest, for an heave offering of the LORD."
Numbers 31:7 - "And they warred against the Midianites, as the LORD commanded Moses; and they slew all the males."
Numbers 31:42 - "And of the children of Israel's half, which Moses divided from the men that warred,"
"And threescore and twelve thousand beeves," - Numbers 31:33
"And threescore and one thousand asses," - Numbers 31:34