48 Then the officers who were over thousands of the army, the captains of thousands and captains of hundreds, came near to Moses;

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 31:48

Commentary on Numbers 31:48-54

(Read Numbers 31:48-54)

The success of the Israelites had been very remarkable, so small a company overcoming such multitudes, but it was still more wonderful that not one was slain or missing. They presented the gold they found among the spoils, as an offering to the Lord. Thus they confessed, that instead of claiming a reward for their service, they needed forgiveness of much that had been amiss, and desired to be thankful for the preservation of their lives, which might justly have been taken away.