What is the meaning of Numbers 25:15? And the name Knowing someone’s name in Scripture often signals personal accountability and the historical reliability of the event (see 2 Timothy 2:19; Luke 19:5). By recording her name, God shows that individual choices—good or evil—matter and are remembered. Just as Achan’s name is preserved in Joshua 7:24–26, Cozbi’s is forever tied to the sin at Peor (Numbers 25:1–3). of the slain Midianite woman The word “slain” points back to the decisive action of Phinehas in Numbers 25:7–8, which stopped the plague (Numbers 25:9). Judgment fell swiftly because the sin was open, brazen, and infectious (1 Corinthians 5:6). This underscores that God’s holiness cannot be compromised, echoing Hebrews 10:31: “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” was Cozbi Her personal identity highlights the seductive tactic used against Israel. Revelation 2:14 connects “the teaching of Balaam” to enticing Israel into immorality and idolatry—Cozbi was part of that strategy. Like Delilah with Samson (Judges 16), Cozbi represents how sin often comes packaged in attractive forms. the daughter of Zur Zur appears later among the five Midianite kings slain in Numbers 31:8 and Joshua 13:21. Mentioning her father reveals she came from high rank, showing that leadership can actively promote rebellion (Psalm 2:2). The fall of a leader’s family member carries broader national implications, just as Absalom’s sin shook Israel (2 Samuel 15). a tribal chief A chief is meant to lead for the welfare of his people (Exodus 18:21). Instead, Zur’s household led the attack on Israel’s covenant faithfulness. Proverbs 29:12 warns, “If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked.” Authority magnifies both influence and accountability (Luke 12:48). of a Midianite family Midian had earlier enjoyed peaceful ties with Israel through Moses’ father-in-law (Exodus 2:18; 18:1). By Numbers 25 they stand as adversaries, illustrating how alliances shift when God’s people compromise with idolatry (James 4:4). This family connection shows the deliberate, organized nature of the seduction—an international plot, not a random fling (Numbers 31:16). summary Numbers 25:15 identifies Cozbi not as an anonymous casualty but as a named conspirator from a powerful Midianite house. Her lineage underlines that the assault on Israel’s covenant was strategic and sanctioned by Midianite leaders. God’s swift judgment through Phinehas demonstrates His unwavering holiness and His protection of the covenant community. The verse reminds believers that personal choices, national leadership, and covenant fidelity are inseparably linked, and that sin—no matter how prestigious its source—must be dealt with decisively to preserve God’s people and His glory. |
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