Evi was one of the five princes of Midian during the time of the Israelites' wilderness wanderings, as recorded in the Old Testament. The Midianites were a nomadic people who lived in the region east of the Jordan River and the Dead Sea. They are often mentioned in the context of their interactions and conflicts with the Israelites.

Biblical Context

The account of Evi and the other Midianite princes is found in the Book of Numbers. The Midianites, along with the Moabites, had previously sought to curse the Israelites through the prophet Balaam, as described in Numbers 22-24. When this plan failed, they resorted to seducing the Israelites into idolatry and immorality, leading to God's anger against His people (Numbers 25:1-3).

The Death of Evi

In response to the Midianite seduction and the resulting plague among the Israelites, God commanded Moses to take vengeance on the Midianites. Numbers 31:1-2 states, "The LORD said to Moses, 'Take vengeance on the Midianites for the Israelites. After that, you will be gathered to your people.'" Moses obeyed, and a military campaign was launched against Midian.

During this campaign, the Israelites killed all the male Midianites, including their five kings: Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba. Numbers 31:8 records, "Among the slain were Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba—the five kings of Midian. They also killed Balaam son of Beor with the sword."

Significance

The death of Evi and the other Midianite princes marked a significant moment in Israel's journey to the Promised Land. It demonstrated God's judgment against those who led His people into sin and served as a warning against idolatry and immorality. The campaign against Midian was not only a military victory but also a spiritual cleansing for the Israelites, who had been led astray by the Midianite influence.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the account of Evi and the Midianite princes underscores the seriousness with which God views sin and the lengths to which He will go to protect His covenant people. It highlights the theme of divine justice and the importance of obedience to God's commands. The narrative also serves as a reminder of the consequences of leading others into sin, as seen in the fate of both the Midianite leaders and Balaam.

Related Biblical References

· Numbers 22-24: The account of Balaam and Balak, the king of Moab, who sought to curse Israel.
· Numbers 25: The account of Israel's sin with the Moabite and Midianite women and the resulting plague.
· Numbers 31: The command to take vengeance on Midian and the subsequent battle.

Evi's account, though brief, is a part of the larger narrative of Israel's journey and God's faithfulness to His promises, even in the face of opposition and sin.Numbers 31:8
And they slew the kings of Midian, beside the rest of them that were slain; namely, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, five kings of Midian: Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword.
Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 13:21
And all the cities of the plain, and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, which reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses smote with the princes of Midian, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, which were dukes of Sihon, dwelling in the country.
Nave's Topical Index

Who was Hur in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus