Numbers 25:14

The name of the Israelite who was slain with the Midianite woman was Zimri son of Salu, the leader of a Simeonite family.

Study Bible

The name of the Israelite who was slain with the Midianite woman

This phrase identifies the Israelite involved in the incident at Peor, where Israelites engaged in idolatry and immorality with the Moabite and Midianite women. This event is significant as it led to a plague among the Israelites, which was only stopped by the zealous action of Phinehas. The act of naming the individual highlights the personal responsibility and the seriousness of the sin. It also serves as a historical record, emphasizing the importance of accountability within the community of Israel.

Num 31:16-18 Look, these women caused the sons of Israel,…
Psa 106:28-31 They yoked themselves to Baal of Peor…
1Co 10:8 We should not commit sexual immorality, as some…

was Zimri son of Salu,

Zimri is identified by his lineage, which was a common practice in ancient Israel to establish identity and social standing. Being the son of Salu, Zimri's actions would have brought shame not only upon himself but also upon his family and tribe. This highlights the communal nature of sin and its consequences in the Israelite society. The naming of Zimri serves as a warning against idolatry and immorality, which were constant temptations for Israel as they interacted with surrounding nations.

1Ch 2:6 The sons of Zerah: Zimri, Ethan, Heman, Calcol…
1Ki 16:9-20 However, while Elah was in Tirzah getting drunk…
Num 26:12-14 These were the descendants of Simeon by their clans:…

the leader of a Simeonite family.

Zimri's position as a leader within the tribe of Simeon underscores the gravity of his sin. Leaders were expected to set an example for others, and his failure to do so had dire consequences. This reflects the biblical principle that those in positions of authority bear greater responsibility (James 3:1). The tribe of Simeon, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, had its own unique history and challenges, and this incident would have been a significant blemish on their record. The mention of his leadership role also serves to illustrate the widespread nature of the sin at Peor, affecting even those in high positions.

Num 1:6 from Simeon, Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai;
Num 2:12 The tribe of Simeon will camp next to it.…
Num 7:36-41 On the fifth day Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai,…

Persons / Places / Events

1. Zimri
An Israelite man, identified as the son of Salu and a leader of a Simeonite family. His actions in this passage are significant because they represent a breach of covenant faithfulness to God, as he openly defied God's commands by consorting with a Midianite woman.

2. Salu
The father of Zimri, indicating the familial and tribal connections that Zimri had within the tribe of Simeon. This highlights the gravity of Zimri's actions, as he was not just any Israelite but a leader.

3. Midianite Woman
Though not named in this verse, she is identified elsewhere as Cozbi, the daughter of a Midianite leader. Her involvement with Zimri symbolizes the temptation and sin that led Israel astray.

4. Simeonite Family
The tribe of Simeon, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Zimri's actions brought shame and judgment upon his tribe, illustrating the communal impact of individual sin.

5. Event of Judgment
This verse is part of a larger account where God’s judgment falls upon Israel due to their idolatry and immorality with the Moabite and Midianite women, leading to a plague that was only stopped by Phinehas's zealous act.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Leadership Failure
Leaders have a significant influence on their communities. Zimri's sin as a leader had severe repercussions for his tribe and the nation. We must pray for and support our leaders to uphold godly standards.

The Danger of Compromise
Zimri's relationship with the Midianite woman represents a compromise of faith and obedience. Believers must guard against compromising their values and faith for worldly pleasures or relationships.

The Importance of Zeal for God’s Holiness
Phinehas's response to the sin in Israel shows the importance of being zealous for God's holiness. We should be passionate about upholding God's standards in our lives and communities.

Communal Impact of Personal Sin
Zimri's sin affected the entire community, leading to a plague. Our personal sins can have broader implications, affecting our families, churches, and communities.

Repentance and Restoration
While this passage focuses on judgment, it also points to the need for repentance and the possibility of restoration. God desires His people to turn back to Him and be restored.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Zimri's position as a leader in the tribe of Simeon affect the interpretation of his actions in this passage?

2. In what ways can we see the dangers of compromise in our own lives, and how can we guard against them?

3. How does the account of Phinehas's zeal for God's holiness challenge us in our own spiritual walk?

4. What are some modern-day examples of how personal sin can impact a community, and how can we address these issues biblically?

5. How can we apply the principles of repentance and restoration in our lives when we recognize areas where we have fallen short?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:3-5
The first and second commandments warn against idolatry and having other gods, which is directly related to the sin of the Israelites in Numbers 25.

1 Corinthians 10:8
Paul references this event as a warning to the Corinthians about sexual immorality and idolatry, showing the timelessness of the lesson.

Psalm 106:28-31
This Psalm recounts Israel's sin at Peor and highlights Phinehas's righteous act, which stopped the plague, emphasizing the importance of zeal for God's holiness.