Numbers 31:35
Arabic Simplified (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)
وَاثنَيْنِ وَثَلَاثِينَ ألْفًا مِنَ النَّاسِ، أيْ النِّسَاءِ اللَّوَاتِي لَمْ يُعَاشِرْنَ رَجُلًا قَطُّ.
What Does This Mean?
This verse from Numbers 31:35 tells us that there were 32,000 women who were virgins after a battle. It's a statement about the number of women captured and their status, without any dialogue from a specific person.
Explained for Children
Imagine a big game where you count how many toys you have. Here, the people counted the women they took as captives, and found out 32,000 of them were still like new toys that no one had played with before.
Historical Background
Numbers was written by Moses around 1400 BC, recounting the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. This verse is part of the census taken after a battle with the Midianites, providing a demographic snapshot of the captives.
Living It Out Today
In modern times, this verse can remind us to respect the dignity and value of every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances. It can also prompt discussions on how we treat others and the ethics of war and captivity.
Topics
warcaptivityethicswomenBible censusvirginity
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does this verse tell us about the Midianite war?
This verse gives a specific demographic detail about the captives taken during the Midianite war, indicating the number of women who were virgins.
Why was it important to count the women separately?
The counting of women separately, especially those who were virgins, was part of the census to understand the value and resources gained from the battle.
How does this relate to modern ethical discussions?
This verse prompts discussions on the ethics of war and the treatment of captives, encouraging reflection on the dignity and rights of individuals in conflict situations.
What can we learn about women in ancient times from this verse?
This verse offers a glimpse into the societal value placed on women's status and the methods used to record such information, reflecting the cultural norms of the time.