Numbers 31:18
But all the women children, that have not known a man by lying with him, keep alive for yourselves.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern warfare typically enslaved defeated populations without age or gender distinction. Mosaic law provided unusual protections: female captives couldn't be sold, had mourning time for family, and if married then divorced, went free (Deuteronomy 21:10-14). These provisions treated captives humanely compared to surrounding cultures' practices. The 32,000 virgin captives (verse 35) were divided according to verses 25-47: half to warriors, half to congregation, with portions for Levites and the Lord's tribute. Many likely married into Israel, bringing ethnic diversity—similar to mixed multitude from Egypt (Exodus 12:38).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's distinction between guilty offenders and innocent bystanders in judgment give you confidence in His perfect justice?
- What does the incorporation of foreign captives into Israel teach about the gospel's power to redeem and adopt former enemies?
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Analysis & Commentary
All the women children, that have not known a man...keep alive for yourselves—the Hebrew na'arah (young women/virgins) specifies those who hadn't participated in Baal-Peor's sexual immorality. This mercy within judgment demonstrates God's discrimination: punishment falls on actual offenders, not innocent parties. The phrase 'keep alive' (Hebrew chayah) means preserve life, with these captives becoming servants integrated into Israelite households under Mosaic law's protections (Exodus 21:7-11, Deuteronomy 21:10-14).
This preservation illustrates redemptive grace: women who could have inherited their mothers' idolatry instead entered covenant community, potentially converting to Yahweh worship—anticipating Rahab, Ruth, and other Gentile women grafted into Messiah's lineage. The principle: God judges specific sins while extending mercy to those not complicit, offering outsiders gracious adoption into His people (Ephesians 2:11-13).