Joshua 13:22

Authorized King James Version

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Balaam also the son of Beor, the soothsayer, did the children of Israel slay with the sword among them that were slain by them.

Original Language Analysis

וְאֶת H853
וְאֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 1 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בִּלְעָ֥ם Balaam H1109
בִּלְעָ֥ם Balaam
Strong's: H1109
Word #: 2 of 11
bilam, a place in palestine
בְנֵֽי also the son H1121
בְנֵֽי also the son
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 3 of 11
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בְּע֖וֹר of Beor H1160
בְּע֖וֹר of Beor
Strong's: H1160
Word #: 4 of 11
beor, the name of the father of an edomitish king; also of that of balaam
הַקּוֹסֵ֑ם the soothsayer H7080
הַקּוֹסֵ֑ם the soothsayer
Strong's: H7080
Word #: 5 of 11
properly, to distribute, i.e., determine by lot or magical scroll; by implication, to divine
הָֽרְג֧וּ slay H2026
הָֽרְג֧וּ slay
Strong's: H2026
Word #: 6 of 11
to smite with deadly intent
בְנֵֽי also the son H1121
בְנֵֽי also the son
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 7 of 11
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל of Israel H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל of Israel
Strong's: H3478
Word #: 8 of 11
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
בַּחֶ֖רֶב with the sword H2719
בַּחֶ֖רֶב with the sword
Strong's: H2719
Word #: 9 of 11
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
אֶל among them H413
אֶל among them
Strong's: H413
Word #: 10 of 11
near, with or among; often in general, to
חַלְלֵיהֶֽם׃ that were slain H2491
חַלְלֵיהֶֽם׃ that were slain
Strong's: H2491
Word #: 11 of 11
pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted

Analysis & Commentary

With the princes of Midian, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba—These five Midianite princes (נְשִׂיאֵי מִדְיָן, nesi'ei Midyan) were vassals or allies of Sihon. Their names are preserved in Scripture as historical record and theological testimony: Evi (אֱוִי), Rekem (רֶקֶם), Zur (צוּר), Hur (חוּר), and Reba (רֶבַע). Numbers 31:8 records their deaths during Israel's war against Midian, revenge for the Baal-peor seduction (Numbers 25).

Which were dukes of Sihon, dwelling in the country—The Hebrew nesikei Sichon (נְסִיכֵי סִיחוֹן, "dukes/princes of Sihon") indicates feudal-like relationships where local rulers governed under Sihon's authority. Their defeat dismantled not just one king but an entire political network. This illustrates that spiritual warfare targets not isolated sins but systems of rebellion. The collapse of these five princes with their overlord demonstrates that God's judgment on wicked leadership cascades through entire power structures.

Historical Context

The Midianites were nomadic descendants of Abraham through Keturah (Genesis 25:1-2), inhabiting regions from the Sinai Peninsula to Transjordan. Their alliance with Moab against Israel (Numbers 22-25) combined Balaam's curse attempt with sexual-religious seduction at Baal-peor. The five princes likely governed city-states within Sihon's kingdom, a common Ancient Near Eastern political structure where regional rulers paid tribute to a dominant king.

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