The destruction of the Midianites is a significant event in the Old Testament, showcasing the miraculous intervention of God in the affairs of Israel. This event is primarily recorded in the Book of Numbers, chapter 31, where God commands Moses to take vengeance on the Midianites before he is gathered to his people.

Divine Command and Preparation

The narrative begins with the Lord instructing Moses, "Take vengeance on the Midianites for the Israelites. After that, you will be gathered to your people" (Numbers 31:2). This command follows the events at Peor, where the Midianites, through the counsel of Balaam, led the Israelites into sin, resulting in a plague among the people (Numbers 25:1-9).

Moses obeys the divine directive by mobilizing a force of 12,000 men, selecting 1,000 from each tribe of Israel. Phinehas, the son of Eleazar the priest, accompanies the army, carrying the holy articles and the trumpets for signaling (Numbers 31:4-6).

The Battle and Its Miraculous Outcome

The Israelites engage the Midianites in battle, and the Lord grants them a decisive victory. The text emphasizes the completeness of the victory: "They waged war against Midian, as the LORD had commanded Moses, and they killed every male" (Numbers 31:7). Among those slain were the five kings of Midian and Balaam son of Beor, who had previously counseled the Midianites to lead Israel astray (Numbers 31:8).

The miraculous nature of this victory is underscored by the fact that not a single Israelite soldier was lost in the battle, a testament to the divine protection and favor bestowed upon them. The officers report to Moses, "Your servants have counted the soldiers under our command, and not one of us is missing" (Numbers 31:49).

Spoils and Purification

Following the victory, the Israelites take the women, children, livestock, and goods of the Midianites as plunder. However, Moses is angered by the survival of the Midianite women, who had been instrumental in leading Israel into sin. He commands that all the male children and non-virgin women be killed, while the virgin girls are spared (Numbers 31:15-18).

The soldiers and the spoils undergo a purification process as prescribed by the law. Eleazar the priest instructs the soldiers on the purification of metals and other materials, emphasizing the importance of ritual cleanliness (Numbers 31:21-24).

Division of the Spoils

The spoils of war are divided according to the Lord's instructions. Half is given to the soldiers who fought in the battle, and the other half to the rest of the community. A portion of the soldiers' share is offered to the Lord as a tribute, while a portion of the community's share is given to the Levites (Numbers 31:25-30).

Significance

The destruction of the Midianites serves as a powerful reminder of God's justice and the consequences of leading His people into sin. It also highlights the importance of obedience to divine commands and the miraculous protection and provision that God extends to His chosen people. This event is a testament to the sovereignty of God in executing judgment and delivering His people from their enemies.Judges 7:16-22
And he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man's hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers.
Nave's Topical Index

Are the miracles in the Bible to be taken literally? | GotQuestions.org

How can we discern counterfeit miracles? | GotQuestions.org

What are the greatest miracles in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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