“And they warred against Midian, as the Lord commanded Moses, and killed every male. (Numbers 31:7)”
Numbers 31:7
Summary
In Numbers chapter 31, the Lord commands Moses to take vengeance on the Midianites for leading the Israelites into sin. Moses mobilizes the Israelite army, and they successfully defeat the Midianites, killing all the males and capturing the women and children. The chapter depicts the seriousness of sin and its consequences, particularly the consequences of idolatry and immorality. After the battle, Moses instructs the soldiers on purification rituals and the division of spoils, emphasizing God's holiness and the need for cleansing after warfare. The chapter concludes with an accounting of the spoils taken from the Midianites and the dedication of the first portion to the Lord, highlighting the importance of giving back to God from the bounty received from victory.