Numbers 31-33

It took me 18 minutes to read this passage. After the defeat of the Midianite army God revealed something about his nature when speaking about the plunder taken in wartime.  If whatever is taken in plunder can withstand fire it must be passed through the fire. If not it must be passed through the water of cleansing. (31:21-24) The water of cleansing is discussed in chapter 19. In my thinking that this is a picture of Christian baptism. Fire was, and still is, used to validate the purity and strength of durable products. Water too is used to test the durability of objects, especially those that cannot withstand fire. God's revelation may be that he requires a test of everything and everyone captured in battle. If someone will not pass through the water, sanctified by the sacrfice, then they have failed the test, and cannot become a part of the covenant people.
Stuart