What lessons on obedience can we learn from the Israelites' actions in Numbers 31? Setting the Scene Numbers 31 records Israel’s God-commanded campaign against Midian. After victory, the soldiers brought back plunder and captives. Moses then relayed the Lord’s further instructions: remove everything tainted by Midianite immorality and idolatry. Verse 35 reports one result: “and 32,000 persons in all, the women who had not lain with a man.” Why Verse 35 Matters • The verse is a snapshot of obedience carried out to the smallest detail. • It reminds us God distinguishes between what is devoted to destruction and what may be spared. • It shows that holiness and purity, not human sentiment, define God-honoring decisions. What Israel Actually Did • Acted only after “Moses spoke to them” (31:3) — obedience began with listening. • Fought exactly the people God named (31:2, 7). • Followed the hard directive to purge impurity (31:14-18). • Submitted spoils to cleansing fire and water before re-entering camp (31:21-24). • Presented a heave offering from the plunder as tribute to the Lord (31:41). Lessons on Obedience • Prompt response matters. Delay or debate would have meant open rebellion (cf. Psalm 119:60). • Obedience is measured by completeness, not convenience. Partial compliance—like Saul’s with Amalek (1 Samuel 15)—is disobedience. • Godly obedience may conflict with natural emotion. Sparing Midianite women seemed humane, yet God’s command protected Israel from spiritual corruption (Numbers 25:1-3). • Purity precedes fellowship. Before returning to camp, soldiers and spoils alike were purified; likewise, believers must “cleanse ourselves from all defilement” (2 Corinthians 7:1). • Obedience includes stewardship. Israel acknowledged God as the giver of victory by dedicating part of the plunder (Proverbs 3:9). Supporting Scriptures • John 14:15 — “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • James 1:22 — “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” • Deuteronomy 12:32 — “See that you do all I command you; do not add or subtract.” • 1 Peter 1:15-16 — “Be holy in all your conduct… for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” Putting It Into Practice • Start each day by hearing God’s specific word (Scripture first, feelings second). • Examine areas of “partial obedience” and bring them under full surrender. • Guard purity—relationships, media, habits—so no Midianite influence survives. • Dedicate the first and best of every gain to the Lord as an act of thankful obedience. |
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