Old Testament
Numbers 31:10
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They burned all the cities where they lived and all their splendid castles with fire.
Compare translations
And they burnt all their cities wherein they dwelt, and all their goodly castles, with fire.
What Numbers 31:10 means
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.
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
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Numbers 31:10
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Numbers 31:10
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Numbers
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.