The root פקד has a very broad semantic range. If it’s at all possible to boil
the root down to an irreducible etymological core, it would be something like
‘to deal with’. However, as is the case with all semantics, it is context and
function that dictates the meaning in the end.
In Num 31.48, הפקדים is ‘the appointees’ (ie. those appointed). No major
drama that I can see there.
In Num 31.49, the phrase has the sense of ‘no man undealt with’. Again, no
major problem that I can see.
GEORGE ATHAS
Moore Theological College (Sydney, Australia)
www.moore.edu.au