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Numbers 31:21 - Purifying war's spoils spiritually

Numbers 31:21 - במדבר 31:21

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר אֶלְעָזָר הַכֹּהֵן אֶל־אַנְשֵׁי הַצָּבָא הַבָּאִים לַמִּלְחָמָה זֹאת חֻקַּת הַתּוֹרָה אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּה יְהוָה אֶת־מֹשֶׁה׃

English Translation

And El῾azar the priest said to the men of war which went to the battle, This is the ordinance of the Tora which the Lord commanded Moshe;

Transliteration

Va'yomer El'azar ha'kohen el anshei ha'tzava ha'ba'im la'milchama zot chukat ha'torah asher tziva Adonai et Moshe.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר אֶלְעָזָ֤ר הַכֹּהֵן֙ אֶל־אַנְשֵׁ֣י הַצָּבָ֔א הַבָּאִ֖ים לַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה זֹ֚את חֻקַּ֣ת הַתּוֹרָ֔ה אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה׃
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר אֶלְעָזָ֤ר הַכֹּהֵן֙ אֶל־אַנְשֵׁ֣י הַצָּבָ֔א הַבָּאִ֖ים לַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה זֹ֚את חֻקַּ֣ת הַתּוֹרָ֔ה אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Numbers 31:21) appears in the aftermath of the battle against Midian, where Elazar the Kohen instructs the soldiers regarding the laws of purifying spoils of war. The verse emphasizes that these laws are not arbitrary but rooted in divine commandment given to Moshe.

Elazar's Role as Kohen

Rashi explains that Elazar, not Moshe, delivered these instructions because Moshe became temporarily angered when he saw the soldiers bringing back Midianite women alive (Rashi on Numbers 31:14). The Sifrei (Bamidbar 157) notes that Elazar's involvement highlights the Kohen's role in teaching Torah, especially laws pertaining to purity and impurity.

The Phrase "חֻקַּת הַתּוֹרָה" (Ordinance of the Torah)

The Ramban (Numbers 31:21) observes that this term indicates these laws are eternal statutes, not limited to wartime. The Ohr HaChaim adds that calling it "חֻקַּת הַתּוֹרָה" connects these laws to the broader Torah system, showing they are integral to Jewish observance.

Laws of Purification

  • Metal Vessels: The subsequent verses detail that metal vessels must pass through fire (Numbers 31:22-23). The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 75b) derives from this that non-kosher absorption in vessels can be purged through hag'alah (boiling).
  • Immersion: The requirement to immerse vessels (Numbers 31:23) establishes the principle of tevilat keilim (immersing utensils acquired from non-Jews), as codified in Rambam's Mishneh Torah (Kelim 1:5-6).

Divine Command Through Moshe

The concluding phrase "אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּה ה' אֶת־מֹשֶׁה" reinforces the Torah's divine origin. The Malbim explains that even laws given through Elazar trace back to Moshe's transmission at Sinai, maintaining the unbroken chain of mesorah (tradition).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the context of Numbers 31:21?
A: Numbers 31:21 takes place after the Israelites' battle with Midian. Elazar the Kohen instructs the soldiers regarding the laws of purifying spoils of war (like metals and utensils) according to the Torah's commandments. This teaches that even in wartime, we must follow Hashem's laws.
Q: Why did Elazar the Kohen speak to the soldiers and not Moshe?
A: Rashi explains that since the laws involved ritual purity (taharah) of vessels, it was appropriate for Elazar the Kohen—an expert in purity laws—to teach these halachos, rather than Moshe. This shows the importance of learning Torah from proper authorities in each field.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from this verse today?
A: This verse teaches that Torah laws apply in all situations—even during or after war. Just as the soldiers had to purify their spoils, we must remember that mitzvos guide our actions at all times, whether during ordinary life or challenging circumstances.
Q: What does 'chukat haTorah' (statute of the Torah) mean in this verse?
A: The term 'chukat haTorah' refers to commandments that may not have obvious reasons but are divine decrees. Here, it includes the laws of kashering vessels (hag'alah) which require faith in following Hashem's will, even when the logic isn't apparent to us.
Q: How were the spoils of war purified according to Jewish law?
A: The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 75b) explains that metal vessels captured in war required immersion in a mikveh and kashering (purifying through fire or boiling water, depending on the material). This process removed any spiritual impurity and made the items permissible for Jewish use.