Numbers 31:20 (KJV)

What does Numbers 31:20 mean?

Numbers 31:20 commands the Israelites to purify all their clothing, anything made from animal skins, items crafted from goats’ hair, and all wooden objects. This instruction is about making sure that everything taken from the Midianites is ritually clean before it is used by the Israelites.

Moses is speaking to the Israelite soldiers after their battle with the Midianites, giving them specific instructions on how to handle the spoils of war. The verse highlights that not just people, but also everyday objects and materials, needed to be purified according to Israelite law, reflecting a concern for ritual cleanliness in every part of life.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 31:20

• The word "purify" (חָטָא, chata) here is often used for removing impurity or sin, not just physical washing, but a ritual process that restores something to a clean state.
• "Raiment" (בֶּגֶד, beged) refers to clothing or garments, emphasizing that even what people wear must be ritually clean.
• "Made of skins" (עוֹר, ‘or) points to items crafted from animal hides, which could easily become unclean through contact with death or blood.
• "Work of goats' hair" (עֵז, ‘ez) refers to woven items like tents or coverings, common in nomadic life, showing that all types of materials are included.
• "Wood" (עֵץ, ‘ets) highlights that even hard, non-porous items were not exempt from ritual purification.

Why Numbers 31:20 matters

• Numbers 31:20 clarifies that ritual purity in ancient Israel extended beyond people to include everyday objects and materials, not just obvious items like weapons or utensils.
• The verse shows the thoroughness of the purification process after war, emphasizing the seriousness with which the Israelites treated ritual law.
• This instruction connects to the broader context of Numbers 31, where Moses is ensuring that the community remains holy and set apart, even in the aftermath of conflict and victory.