What is the meaning of Numbers 25:14? The name of the Israelite - The verse spotlights an individual by name, showing God’s concern for personal accountability (cf. Exodus 32:33, “Whoever has sinned against Me I will blot out of My book”). - Naming Zimri makes the sin public; secret rebellion is brought into the light (Luke 12:2). - Scripture often records names to warn future generations (1 Corinthians 10:11). who was slain with the Midianite woman - The phrase connects Zimri’s sin to an illicit alliance with Midian, revealing how immorality and idolatry came together (Revelation 2:14). - Their joint death under Phinehas’s spear (Numbers 25:7-8) underscores that God judges both participants, not just foreign influence (James 4:4). - The judgment halted the plague (Numbers 25:8-9), illustrating how decisive action against sin averts wider wrath (Psalm 106:30-31). was Zimri son of Salu - “Son of Salu” roots Zimri in a real lineage; sin stains family reputation (Proverbs 13:5). - Contrast: Salu’s name means “weighed,” hinting that Zimri was “weighed and found wanting” (Daniel 5:27). - Personal heritage does not exempt one from obedience (Ezekiel 18:20). the leader of a Simeonite family - Leadership heightens responsibility; Zimri’s influence could have normalized rebellion within Simeon (James 3:1). - Tribal authority abused: instead of guarding holiness (Numbers 1:4-6), he led by wicked example (Matthew 18:6). - His execution models impartial justice—rank offers no shelter from divine law (Deuteronomy 10:17). summary Numbers 25:14 names and exposes Zimri, a tribal leader who flaunted immorality and idolatry. By recording his lineage and status, the verse teaches that no position shields from God’s judgment. The swift, public consequence administered through Phinehas halted national calamity and stands as a timeless warning: personal sin, especially among leaders, invites corporate peril, but decisive zeal for holiness restores God’s favor. |
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