1. And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
2. "First, avenge the sons of Israel from the Midianites, and then you shall be gathered to your people."
3. And immediately Moses said: "Arm the men among you for a battle, so that they may be able to fulfill the retribution of the Lord on the Midianites.
4. Let one thousand men be chosen from each tribe of Israel, who shall be sent to war."
5. And they gave one thousand from each tribe, that is, twelve thousand foot soldiers for battle.
6. And Moses sent them with Phinehas, the son of Eleazar the priest; also, he delivered to him the holy vessels, and the trumpets to sound.