Verses 5-7
5-7. Twelve thousand The conscription of so small a number against the hosts of Midian; the appointment, as commander, of Phinehas, who had recently so greatly signalized himself by his zeal against the sin to which Midian had decoyed Israel; the holy instruments, the trumpets, and other furniture of the tabernacle borne with the army all indicate that the arm of Jehovah is to be made bare in victory; and the indication is strikingly confirmed by the miraculous preservation from death of every Israelite sent to the war.
The trumpets These were for the double purpose of giving an alarm blast and of a memorial or pledge that Israel should be remembered by Jehovah in the day of battle. Numbers 10:9, note.
And they warred There is no record of the decisive battles and brave deeds of this campaign; only the results are noted. Since Jehovah signally fought on this occasion, it is fitting that little or no mention should be made of his humble human allies.
Slew all the males The adults were slain on the field of battle and in the sacking of cities, since it was a war of vengeance.
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