Old Testament
Numbers 31:10
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Numbers 31:10, the Israelites are commanded to destroy the cities and strongholds of the Midianites after a battle.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
They burned all the cities where they lived and all their splendid castles with fire.
And they burnt all their cities wherein they dwelt, and all their goodly castles, with fire.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Numbers 31:10, the Israelites are commanded to destroy the cities and strongholds of the Midianites after a battle. This act of burning signifies total destruction and serves as a divine judgment against the Midianites for their idolatry and leading Israel into sin. The cities and castles represent not just physical structures but also the cultural and spiritual strongholds that opposed God's people. By burning them, the Israelites were not only eliminating a military threat but also purging the land of influences that could lead them away from their covenant with God. This event highlights the seriousness of sin and the lengths to which God’s people must go to maintain their purity and devotion to Him. It also reflects the broader theme of God's justice and the consequences of turning away from Him. The destruction was a necessary step in fulfilling God's command to possess the Promised Land, emphasizing the importance of obedience in the life of faith.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Numbers 31:10 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of removing negative influences from our lives. Just as the Israelites destroyed the cities of their enemies, we should actively eliminate anything that leads us away from our commitment to God. This could mean distancing ourselves from harmful relationships or habits that compromise our faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 31:10 mean?
Numbers 31:10 describes the Israelites burning the cities and castles of the Midianites after a battle. This act symbolizes total destruction as a form of divine judgment against the Midianites for their sins and idolatry.
What is the significance of burning cities in Numbers 31:10?
Burning the cities in Numbers 31:10 signifies the complete eradication of the Midianite influence and serves as a warning against idolatry. It reflects the seriousness of maintaining purity and obedience to God.
How does Numbers 31:10 relate to spiritual warfare?
Numbers 31:10 illustrates spiritual warfare by showing the Israelites actively removing threats to their faith. The destruction of the Midianite cities represents the need to eliminate influences that lead one away from God.
What lessons can we learn from Numbers 31:10?
From Numbers 31:10, we learn the importance of removing negative influences from our lives. Just as the Israelites destroyed the Midianite cities, we should be proactive in distancing ourselves from anything that compromises our faith.
The Book of Numbers
Numbers 1: First Census and Tribal Leaders
The LORD speaks to Moses and Aaron in the wilderness of Sinai and orders a count of the men of Israel who are twenty years old and able to go to war. A leader from each tribe stands with them: Elizur for Reuben, Shelumiel for Simeon, Nahshon for Judah, Nethaneel for Issachar, Eliab for Zebulun, Elishama for Ephraim, Gamaliel for Manasseh, Abidan for Benjamin, Ahiezer for Dan, Pagiel for Asher, and Ahira for Naphtali. The totals are recorded by tribe, and the combined number of fighting men is six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty.
Unlock the full Numbers summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Numbers — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 36 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Numbers summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.