What is the meaning of Numbers 31:7? Then they waged war • This clause shows action that immediately follows God’s order in Numbers 31:2 – “Take vengeance for the Israelites on the Midianites.” • Israel’s army does not hesitate; their readiness illustrates faith in God’s direction (cf. Joshua 1:10-11). • Spiritual takeaway: obedience often requires decisive steps, not endless deliberation (James 1:22). against Midian • Midian had enticed Israel into idolatry and immorality at Peor (Numbers 25:1-9). • Cross references: Numbers 25:16-18; Judges 6:1-6 shows Midian’s later oppression; Genesis 37:28 reminds us the Midianites previously harmed Joseph. • God’s justice addresses both spiritual corruption and physical threat. as the LORD had commanded Moses • The war is not personal revenge but divine judgment. The phrase anchors the narrative in God’s righteous authority (Deuteronomy 32:4). • Similar patterns: Exodus 17:14-16; Deuteronomy 20:16-18; 1 Samuel 15:3, 22 remind us that partial obedience is disobedience. • Moses serves as mediator; Israel’s success depends on following God’s exact word (Numbers 27:12-23). and they killed every male • Total elimination of fighting men removes the immediate military threat (Deuteronomy 20:13). • It fulfills the command to “harass the Midianites and strike them” (Numbers 25:17-18). • The judgment underscores the seriousness of leading God’s people into sin (Matthew 18:6). • Mercy is not absent; later verses detail how women and children are handled under further instruction (Numbers 31:9-18). summary Numbers 31:7 records Israel’s swift, complete, and God-directed judgment on Midian. Each phrase highlights obedience: initiating war when God says, targeting the specific enemy God identifies, acting precisely as commanded, and carrying out the tough requirements of divine justice. The verse calls believers to trust God’s wisdom, treat sin with gravity, and obey His Word fully. |
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