Vengeance on Midian 1And the LORD said to Moses, 2“Take vengeance on the Midianites for the Israelites. After that, you will be gathered to your people.” 3So Moses told the people, “Arm some of your men for war, that they may go against the Midianites and execute the LORD’s vengeance on them. 4Send into battle a thousand men from each tribe of Israel.” 5So a thousand men were recruited from each tribe of Israel—twelve thousand armed for war. 6And Moses sent the thousand from each tribe into battle, along with Phinehas son of Eleazar the priest, who took with him the vessels of the sanctuary and the trumpets for signaling. 7Then they waged war against Midian, as the LORD had commanded Moses, and they killed every male. 8Among the slain were Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba—the five kings of Midian. They also killed Balaam son of Beor with the sword. 9The Israelites captured the Midianite women and their children, and they plundered all their herds, flocks, and goods. 10Then they burned all the cities where the Midianites had lived, as well as all their encampments, 11and carried away all the plunder and spoils, both people and animals. 12They brought the captives, spoils, and plunder to Moses, to Eleazar the priest, and to the congregation of Israel at the camp on the plains of Moab, by the Jordan across from Jericho. 13And Moses, Eleazar the priest, and all the leaders of the congregation went to meet them outside the camp. 14But Moses was angry with the officers of the army—the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds—who were returning from the battle. 15“Have you spared all the women?” he asked them. 16“Look, these women caused the sons of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to turn unfaithfully against the LORD at Peor, so that the plague struck the congregation of the LORD. 17So now, kill all the boys, as well as every woman who has had relations with a man, 18but spare for yourselves every girl who has never had relations with a man. 19All of you who have killed a person or touched the dead are to remain outside the camp for seven days. On the third day and the seventh day you are to purify both yourselves and your captives. 20And purify every garment and leather good, everything made of goat’s hair, and every article of wood.” 21Then Eleazar the priest said to the soldiers who had gone into battle, “This is the statute of the law which the LORD has commanded Moses: 22Only the gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, and lead— 23everything that can withstand the fire—must be put through the fire, and it will be clean. But it must still be purified with the water of purification. And everything that cannot withstand the fire must pass through the water. 24On the seventh day you are to wash your clothes, and you will be clean. After that you may enter the camp.” Division of the Spoils 25The LORD said to Moses, 26“You and Eleazar the priest and the family heads of the congregation are to take a count of what was captured, both of man and beast. 27Then divide the captives between the troops who went out to battle and the rest of the congregation. 28Set aside a tribute for the LORD from what belongs to the soldiers who went into battle: one out of every five hundred, whether persons, cattle, donkeys, or sheep. 29Take it from their half and give it to Eleazar the priest as an offering to the LORD. 30From the Israelites’ half, take one out of every fifty, whether persons, cattle, donkeys, sheep, or other animals, and give them to the Levites who keep charge of the tabernacle of the LORD.” 31So Moses and Eleazar the priest did as the LORD had commanded Moses, 32and this plunder remained from the spoils the soldiers had taken: 3372,000 cattle, 3461,000 donkeys, 35and 32,000 women who had not slept with a man. 36This was the half portion for those who had gone to war: 337,500 sheep, 37including a tribute to the LORD of 675, 3836,000 cattle, including a tribute to the LORD of 72, 3930,500 donkeys, including a tribute to the LORD of 61, 40and 16,000 people, including a tribute to the LORD of 32. 41Moses gave the tribute to Eleazar the priest as an offering for the LORD, as the LORD had commanded Moses. 42From the Israelites’ half, which Moses had set apart from the men who had gone to war, 43this half belonged to the congregation: 4436,000 cattle, 4530,500 donkeys, 46and 16,000 people. 47From the Israelites’ half, Moses took one out of every fifty persons and animals and gave them to the Levites who kept charge of the tabernacle of the LORD, as the LORD had commanded him. The Voluntary Offering 48Then the officers who were over the units of the army—the commanders of thousands and of hundreds—approached Moses 49and said, “Your servants have counted the soldiers under our command, and not one of us is missing. 50So we have brought to the LORD an offering of the gold articles each man acquired—armlets, bracelets, rings, earrings, and necklaces—to make atonement for ourselves before the LORD.” 51So Moses and Eleazar the priest received from them all the articles made out of gold. 52All the gold that the commanders of thousands and of hundreds presented as an offering to the LORD weighed 16,750 shekels.a 53Each of the soldiers had taken plunder for himself. 54And Moses and Eleazar the priest received the gold from the commanders of thousands and of hundreds and brought it into the Tent of Meeting as a memorial for the Israelites before the LORD. Footnotes: 52 a 16,750 shekels is approximately 420.8 pounds or 190.9 kilograms. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Numbers 31 Summary Vengeance on MidianVerses 1–6 – Commission for Judgment Verses 7–12 – Outcome of Battle Verses 13–18 – Moses’ Rebuke and Command Verses 19–24 – Purification and Cleansing Verses 25–47 – Division of Spoils Verses 48–54 – Offering of the Officers Numbers 31 is a controversial chapter that highlights a less comfortable aspect of biblical narrative, the Israelites' war against Midian. In it, Moses and the Israelites, obeying God's command, undertake a punitive expedition against the Midianites. This chapter provides a detailed account of the war, the division of plunder, and the purification rituals after the battle. It also conveys important lessons on obedience, justice, and the sacred responsibility of leadership. Historical Setting and Background Midianites were descendants of Abraham through Keturah (Genesis 25:1–4). They lived in the deserts east and south of Canaan, controlling trade routes and copper mines (Timna, modern Israel; Qurayyah, northwest Saudi Arabia). Numbers 25 records how Moabite and Midianite women enticed Israel into pagan worship at Peor, bringing a deadly plague. The campaign in chapter 31 is God’s direct response to that spiritual assault. Why Vengeance on Midian? 1. Spiritual warfare: Midian’s scheme was not a conventional war but a covert attack on Israel’s covenant loyalty (Revelation 2:14 refers back to Balaam’s counsel). 2. Protection of the promise: Israel’s holiness was critical for entering the land (Leviticus 20:26). 3. Divine justice: Balaam had tried to curse Israel, then advised Midian to stumble them (Numbers 31:16). Moses and Phinehas: Leadership in Action • Moses issues the command but does not go himself; his life’s work will end on Mount Nebo (Deuteronomy 34). • Phinehas, who had already stopped a plague with his zeal (Numbers 25:6–13), brings sanctuary vessels and trumpets. This shows that the battle is holy, not merely political (Joshua 6:4; 2 Chronicles 13:12). Purification Rituals Explained • Seven-day quarantine reflects the pattern after touching a corpse (Numbers 19). • Water of purification contains ashes of the red heifer, pointing to cleansing that God alone provides (Hebrews 9:13–14). • Passing metal through fire foreshadows refining imagery later used of faith (1 Peter 1:7). Division of Spoils and Divine Economy • Equal halves keep the non-combatants invested in the mission’s outcome (1 Samuel 30:24 echoes the principle). • The tribute supports priestly and Levitical service, highlighting that worship remains central even during military success (Deuteronomy 18:1–5). • Grateful officers voluntarily add an offering, modeling cheerful giving (2 Corinthians 9:7). Justice and Mercy Side by Side God’s judgment falls on those hardened in rebellion, yet 32,000 Midianite girls are spared, receiving a new start among God’s people. Mercy shines even in judgment, anticipating Rahab (Joshua 6), Ruth the Moabite (Ruth 1), and the Gentile inclusion foretold in Isaiah 49:6. Archaeological Notes • Midianite “Qurayyah Ware” pottery, distinct red-brown with white and black geometric designs, has been found at Timna and along the Arabah, confirming a widespread Midianite presence around the time of the Exodus. • Egyptian texts from the New Kingdom mention “Midian” (Mdʿn) as a nomadic group interacting with the Sinai copper industry, matching the biblical picture of a trade-savvy people. • Carved serpent images and altars at Timna recall the bronze serpent episode (Numbers 21), illustrating shared copper-working technology in the region. Connections to Other Scriptures • God’s instruction to “take vengeance” pairs with Romans 12:19, reminding believers to leave vengeance to God, not personal vendetta. • The cleansing water links to Ezekiel 36:25: “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean.” • The memorial of gold aligns with Joshua 4’s river stones—physical reminders keep future generations anchored in God’s acts. Lessons for Today 1. Holiness is non-negotiable; compromise can be more deadly than open attack. 2. Spiritual leadership must confront sin directly and promptly. 3. God equips His people with both material resources and clear instructions for living set-apart lives. 4. Grateful offerings flow naturally from hearts that recognize divine protection. Foreshadowing Christ • A single leader (Moses) oversees perfect justice, yet appoints Phinehas as mediator—just as the Father works through the Son (John 5:22). • The tribute of 1/500 hints at a ransom paid for life spared (Mark 10:45). • Cleansing by water and fire prefigures the Holy Spirit’s twin work of washing and refining (Matthew 3:11). Closing Reflection Numbers 31 is sobering, yet it anchors the reader in God’s holiness, justice, and mercy. The chapter challenges every generation to remain pure in a world eager to seduce, while finding hope in the God who cleanses, provides, and preserves His people all the way to the promised land. Connections to Additional Scriptures Obedience and Faith 1 Samuel 15:22 emphasizes that obedience is better than sacrifice, reinforcing the importance of following God’s commands. Consequences of Sin Romans 6:23 reminds us that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus. Leadership and Responsibility James 3:1 warns that teachers will be judged more strictly, highlighting the weight of leadership. Holiness 1 Peter 1:15-16 calls us to be holy in all we do, as God is holy. Generosity 2 Corinthians 9:7 encourages cheerful giving, reflecting God’s generosity. Teaching Points Divine Command and ObedienceNumbers 31:1-2 begins with the LORD instructing Moses to take vengeance on the Midianites. This command highlights the importance of obedience to God’s directives, even when they are difficult to understand. Judgment on Sin The Midianites had led Israel into sin at Peor (Numbers 25), and this chapter shows the seriousness with which God deals with sin. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of leading others into sin. Role of Leadership Moses, as a leader, faithfully communicates and executes God’s command (Numbers 31:3-6). This underscores the responsibility of leaders to guide their people according to God’s will. Purification and Holiness After the battle, the Israelites are instructed to purify themselves and the spoils of war (Numbers 31:19-24). This emphasizes the need for holiness and the cleansing from defilement. Distribution of Spoils The division of the spoils (Numbers 31:25-54) reflects God’s provision and fairness, ensuring that both those who fought and those who stayed behind were rewarded. Practical Applications Obedience to God’s WordWe are called to obey God’s commands, trusting in His wisdom and justice, even when we do not fully understand His ways. Guarding Against Sin Just as the Israelites faced consequences for their sin, we must be vigilant in guarding our hearts and communities against influences that lead us away from God. Leadership Accountability Those in leadership positions should seek God’s guidance and lead with integrity, ensuring that their actions align with His will. Pursuit of Holiness We are reminded of the importance of spiritual purification and living a life set apart for God. Equity and Generosity The fair distribution of spoils teaches us to be equitable and generous, recognizing that all we have is from God. People 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who receives God's command to take vengeance on the Midianites. Moses organizes the military campaign and later oversees the distribution of the spoils of war. 2. Phinehas The son of Eleazar the priest, who accompanies the Israelite army with the holy articles and the trumpets for signaling. Phinehas is noted for his zeal for God's honor, previously demonstrated in Numbers 25. 3. Eleazar The priest and son of Aaron, who provides instructions on the purification process for the soldiers and the spoils of war after the battle. 4. Balaam The son of Beor, a non-Israelite prophet who previously attempted to curse Israel but ended up blessing them. He is killed by the Israelites during the battle against the Midianites. 5. The Midianite Kings Five kings of Midian are mentioned by name: Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba. They are defeated and killed by the Israelites in the battle. 6. The Israelite Soldiers A contingent of 12,000 men, 1,000 from each tribe of Israel, who are chosen to fight against the Midianites. They successfully carry out the campaign as instructed by Moses. 7. The Captive Women and Children After the battle, the Israelite soldiers bring back captive Midianite women and children, along with livestock and goods. Moses instructs the soldiers on how to deal with the captives and the spoils. In this chapter, the Hebrew roots provide insight into the cultural and historical context of the narrative. For example, the term "vengeance" (נָקָם, ^naqam^) reflects the divine justice theme prevalent in the Old Testament, where God enacts judgment through His chosen people. The roles of Moses, Phinehas, and Eleazar highlight the leadership and priestly functions essential to maintaining the covenant relationship between God and Israel. Places 1. MidianThis is the primary location mentioned in Numbers 31. The Midianites were a nomadic people descended from Midian, a son of Abraham by Keturah (Genesis 25:1-2). The Midianites lived in the region east of the Jordan River and the Dead Sea, in what is now modern-day northwest Saudi Arabia, southern Jordan, and parts of southern Israel. The Hebrew root for Midian (מִדְיָן) can imply "strife" or "contention," which is fitting given the conflict described in this chapter. The chapter does not provide additional specific place names, but the context of the battle and the subsequent events are centered around the Midianite territory. The focus is more on the actions and outcomes of the battle rather than a detailed geographical account. Events 1. God's Command to MosesThe LORD instructs Moses to take vengeance on the Midianites for leading the Israelites into sin. This is seen as a divine directive to uphold God's holiness and justice (Numbers 31:1-2). 2. Moses' Instructions to the Israelites Moses commands the people to arm themselves for battle against Midian, selecting a thousand men from each tribe, totaling twelve thousand warriors (Numbers 31:3-5). 3. Phinehas Leads the Army Phinehas, the son of Eleazar the priest, is sent with the holy articles and trumpets to lead the army, signifying the spiritual nature of the battle (Numbers 31:6). 4. The Battle Against Midian The Israelites wage war against the Midianites as commanded by the LORD, resulting in the defeat of the Midianite men, including their five kings (Numbers 31:7-8). 5. Death of Balaam Balaam, the prophet who previously attempted to curse Israel, is killed in the battle, highlighting the consequences of opposing God's people (Numbers 31:8). 6. Captives and Spoils The Israelites capture Midianite women and children and seize livestock and goods as plunder, reflecting the totality of their victory (Numbers 31:9-11). 7. Moses' Anger and Instructions Moses is angry with the officers for sparing the women, as they were responsible for leading Israel into sin at Peor. He instructs them to kill all male children and non-virgin women (Numbers 31:14-18). 8. Purification Process Moses and Eleazar outline the purification process for the soldiers and the spoils, emphasizing the need for ritual cleanliness after contact with death (Numbers 31:19-24). 9. Division of the Spoils The spoils are divided between the soldiers and the rest of the community, with a portion given to the LORD as a tribute, demonstrating the principle of dedicating a share to God (Numbers 31:25-30). 10. Offering to the LORD The officers present an offering to the LORD from their share of the spoils as an atonement for their souls, acknowledging God's role in their victory (Numbers 31:48-54). Topics 1. God's Command to MosesGod instructs Moses to take vengeance on the Midianites before he is gathered to his people. This command is seen as a divine directive for justice. The Hebrew word for "vengeance" (נָקָם, ^naqam^) implies a retributive justice that is sanctioned by God. ^"Take vengeance on the Midianites for the Israelites. After that, you will be gathered to your people."^ (Numbers 31:2) 2. The Battle Against Midian Moses sends a thousand men from each tribe to war against Midian, led by Phinehas, the son of Eleazar the priest. This reflects the organized and divinely sanctioned nature of the battle. ^"So Moses spoke to the people and told them to arm themselves for war; they were to go against the Midianites to execute the LORD’s vengeance on them."^ (Numbers 31:3) 3. The Defeat of Midian The Israelites defeat the Midianites, killing all the males, including the five kings of Midian and Balaam son of Beor. This victory is seen as a fulfillment of God's command. ^"They waged war against Midian, as the LORD had commanded Moses, and they killed every male."^ (Numbers 31:7) 4. The Captives and Spoils The Israelites take the women, children, livestock, and goods of the Midianites as plunder. This reflects the common practice of taking spoils in ancient warfare, which was permitted by God in this context. ^"The Israelites took the Midianite women and their children captive, and they seized all their herds, flocks, and goods as plunder."^ (Numbers 31:9) 5. Moses' Anger and Instructions Moses is angry with the officers for sparing the women, as they had led Israel into sin at Peor. He instructs them to kill all the male children and non-virgin women, emphasizing the need for purity and obedience to God's commands. ^"Moses was angry with the officers of the army—the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds—who were returning from the battle."^ (Numbers 31:14) 6. Purification After Battle Instructions are given for the purification of the soldiers and the spoils. This includes staying outside the camp for seven days and purifying themselves and their captives. The Hebrew word for "purify" (טָהֵר, ^taher^) indicates a ritual cleansing necessary for holiness. ^"You must remain outside the camp for seven days. All of you who have killed a person or touched a dead body must purify yourselves and your captives on the third day and the seventh day."^ (Numbers 31:19) 7. Division of the Spoils The spoils are divided between the soldiers and the rest of the community, with a portion given as a tribute to the LORD. This reflects the principle of dedicating a portion of one's gains to God. ^"Divide the captives between the troops who went out to battle and the rest of the congregation."^ (Numbers 31:27) 8. Tribute to the LORD A tribute is taken from the soldiers' portion and given to Eleazar the priest as an offering to the LORD. This act of giving back to God acknowledges His role in granting victory. ^"From the soldiers who fought in the battle, set apart a tribute for the LORD—one out of every five hundred, whether people, cattle, donkeys, or sheep."^ (Numbers 31:28) 9. The Offering of the Officers The officers bring an offering of gold to make atonement for themselves before the LORD, recognizing their dependence on God's mercy and grace. ^"We have brought an offering to the LORD from what each man found—articles of gold, armlets, bracelets, rings, earrings, and necklaces—to make atonement for ourselves before the LORD."^ (Numbers 31:50) Themes 1. Divine Command for VengeanceIn Numbers 31:1-2, the LORD instructs Moses to take vengeance on the Midianites for leading the Israelites into sin. This theme highlights the concept of divine justice and retribution, where God commands His people to act against those who have led them astray. The Hebrew root for "vengeance" (נָקָם, ^naqam^) emphasizes the idea of retributive justice. 2. Obedience to God's Instructions Verses 3-5 describe how Moses and the Israelites prepare for battle in obedience to God's command. This theme underscores the importance of following divine instructions precisely, as the Israelites select a specific number of men from each tribe to carry out God's will. 3. Holy War and Purity The battle against the Midianites, as described in verses 6-12, is portrayed as a holy war. The involvement of Phinehas, the priest, and the sacred articles signifies the religious nature of the conflict. The theme of purity is further emphasized by the need to cleanse the camp and the warriors after the battle. 4. Judgment on Sin In verses 13-18, Moses expresses anger at the survival of the Midianite women, who had previously led the Israelites into idolatry and immorality. This theme highlights the seriousness of sin and the need for its complete eradication to maintain the holiness of God's people. 5. Purification and Ritual Cleansing Verses 19-24 focus on the purification process for the soldiers and the spoils of war. The Hebrew root for "purify" (טָהֵר, ^taher^) reflects the necessity of ritual cleansing to restore purity after contact with death and defilement. 6. Distribution of Spoils The division of the spoils in verses 25-47 illustrates the theme of fairness and communal sharing. The spoils are divided between the warriors and the rest of the community, with a portion dedicated to the LORD, emphasizing the principle of giving back to God. 7. Acknowledgment of God's Protection In verses 48-54, the officers report to Moses that not a single Israelite soldier was lost in battle. This theme highlights God's protection and faithfulness, as the Israelites acknowledge His hand in their victory and offer gifts in gratitude. Answering Tough Questions 1. Numbers 31:7–18: How can the command to kill non-virgin women and boys be reconciled with claims of a compassionate God? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What does Numbers 31 teach us about obedience to God's commandments? 2. How does this chapter demonstrate God's justice? Do you find it challenging to reconcile this narrative with the notion of a loving God? Why or why not? 3. What do you think about the Israelites' actions towards the Midianites? How would you have handled this situation if you were in Moses' position? 4. Discuss the concept of ritual purity after war as shown in this chapter. How does this relate to our modern concepts of cleansing or catharsis after traumatic events? 5. How does the division of spoils highlight the social and spiritual hierarchy among the Israelites? 6. How does Moses' leadership influence the events of this chapter? Do you see any modern parallels in your community or country's leadership? 7. How can we apply the lessons from the offering of tribute in our lives? 8. How does this chapter challenge our understanding of atonement and forgiveness? 9. How might the events of this chapter impact the younger generation of Israelites, especially the women? 10. If you were in the place of the Israelite soldiers, how would you feel about the commands given by Moses? 11. How do we reconcile the harsh realities of war with the pursuit of peace in our world today? 12. What does this chapter teach about responsibility and accountability in leadership roles? 13. In today's context, how can we practice 'giving tribute' or showing gratitude? 14. How does the intensity of the purification rituals reflect the seriousness of sin in the eyes of God? 15. How do you understand God's command to 'avenge the Israelites' in the context of New Testament teachings about love and forgiveness? 16. Do you agree with the way the plunder was divided among the Israelites? How would you have divided it? 17. How does Eleazar's role in this chapter underline the importance of spiritual guidance in times of conflict? 18. What lessons can we draw from the Israelites' handling of war and its aftermath in our approach to conflict and resolution today? 19. In the light of this chapter, how do you understand the role of women in the Bible? 20. Given the violent events of this chapter, how does it influence your understanding of the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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