Numbers 31:49,50
“and they (the army officers) said to Moses, “Your servants have taken a census of men of war who are in our charge, and no man of us is missing. “So we have brought as an offering to the LORD what each man found, articles of gold, armlets and bracelets, signet rings, earrings and necklaces, to make atonement for ourselves before the LORD.”
Trained army officers could probably assess how many soldiers would be lost in a conflict. I’m not sure what that was for this one, but they were amazed that there weren’t any casualties. They were probably dreading going to the spouses to break the news of the deaths in battle. Along with the speech that the warrior fought bravely. Only to learn that there were no deaths. No talks was necessary.
They knew God had visited them that day. I’m not sure why this miracle moved them so much. This group had witnessed the mighty plagues of Egypt; had seen the Red Sea parted; an much more. Yet, this act prompts them to return to Moses and give an offering for their own atonement.
Their own lives were on the line. They were facing a larger army with superior weapons and training. They expected many of their own and maybe themselves to die. Only to learn that not only had none of their own had been killed, but all Israel had been spared. This seemed to touch them deeply. So much so that the rugged army guys are going to church.
We generally should respond to the great gift of salvation. Jesus saved us all. This was like the deliverance from Egypt. We celebrate communion as a remembrance. As we stumble and sin, we get cleansed and give thanks.
As we walk with Christ, He will give obvious blessings or acts deliverance. This should provoke gratitude in us. Much like the officers in today’s story. Do these times draw us to God? Do they prompt greater dedication?
Lord, thank You for all You’ve done for us. Help us to be grateful. Help us to draw nigh unto You out of gratitude.