Numbers Chapter 31 · Verse 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
וַיִּקְצֹ֣ף
was wroth
H7107
וַיִּקְצֹ֣ף
was wroth
Strong's:
H7107
Word #:
1 of 12
to crack off, i.e., (figuratively) burst out in rage
עַ֖ל
H5921
עַ֖ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פְּקוּדֵ֣י
with the officers
H6485
פְּקוּדֵ֣י
with the officers
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
4 of 12
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
הֶחָ֑יִל
of the host
H2428
הֶחָ֑יִל
of the host
Strong's:
H2428
Word #:
5 of 12
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
הָֽאֲלָפִים֙
over thousands
H505
הָֽאֲלָפִים֙
over thousands
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
7 of 12
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
הַמֵּא֔וֹת
over hundreds
H3967
הַמֵּא֔וֹת
over hundreds
Strong's:
H3967
Word #:
9 of 12
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
הַבָּאִ֖ים
which came
H935
הַבָּאִ֖ים
which came
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
10 of 12
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
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?
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.