Phinehas, son of Eleazar the high priest, led this force of 12,000 men into battle. His leadership showed that this battle was considered a “holy war” (a war carried out in obedience to God). It was an act of judgment for the spiritual harm that Midian had caused Israel (see 25:6–18; 31:15–16). His zeal in this situation matched his actions in the case of Zimri and Cozbi (Numbers 25:11, 13; 25:7–8).
Many scholars believe the holy objects of the holy place included the ark of the covenant, which the Hebrews sometimes carried into battle (for example, Numbers 10:35–36; Joshua 6:6; 1 Samuel 4:3–11; see also Numbers 14:44). Other scholars suggest they were various holy objects used in Tent of Meeting ceremonies (3:31; 4:15; 18:3; see also 1 Kings 8:4; 1 Chronicles 9:29; 2 Chronicles 5:5). The Israelites likely took some or all of these holy objects as signs that God was with them in this battle.