The Church Fathers on this verse

Numbers 31:4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Let a thousand men be chosen out of every tribe of Israel to be sent to the war.

Douay-Rheims

אֶ֚לֶף לַמַּטֶּ֔ה אֶ֖לֶף לַמַּטֶּ֑ה לְכֹל֙ מַטּ֣וֹת יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל תִּשְׁלְח֖וּ לַצָּבָֽא׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

Cyrill of Alexandria

5th centuryChurch Father

Regarding those who have genuinely accepted the faith but lack the spiritual strength to earn divine blessings through their own efforts, the saints generously share in their glory. They guide these individuals as best as they can, directing them towards what pleases God, involving them in their own righteous endeavors, and imparting to others’ souls what they themselves find difficult to achieve. We will indeed participate in sacrificial acts alongside the saints in their inherent courage and share in their achievements. This occurs because, in His kindness and humanity, God chooses to blend our shortcomings with their righteousness, bringing together the imperfect and the perfect, making it acceptable to Him.

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This principle is further illustrated by the following example: God commanded that select young men be assembled for battle, gathering the most courageous and noble from each tribe so that the strength of the individual could contribute to the glory of the whole nation. As Paul wisely states, “Therefore if one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; if one member glory, all the members rejoice with it” (1 Cor. 12:26).

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.