Numbers 31:14
And Moses was wroth with the officers of the host, with the captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, which came from the battle.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
The Midianite women's role in seducing Israel to Baal worship (chapter 25) motivated this harsh treatment. The command to execute them seems severe by modern standards but represented holy war judgment on those who had deliberately attacked Israel spiritually. This parallels the later command to utterly destroy Canaanites who would lead Israel into idolatry (Deuteronomy 7:1-5). Such passages must be understood in their Old Testament context of God's direct theocratic governance, not as templates for church practice.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you reconcile God's love and mercy with passages describing divine judgment on His enemies?
- What principles about spiritual warfare and resisting seduction apply today, even though the literal application differs?
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Analysis & Commentary
Moses' anger against the officers for sparing Midianite women reveals the seriousness of the seduction that had caused Israel's plague. These women had 'caused the children of Israel...to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor' (verse 16), making their preservation dangerous. Moses' rebuke demonstrates that mercy toward God's enemies can constitute disobedience when God has commanded judgment. This difficult passage teaches that sometimes love for God requires executing His judgments without sentimental compromise.