Numbers 31:2
Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people.
Original Language Analysis
בְּנֵ֣י
the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 10
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
4 of 10
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
מֵאֵ֖ת
H853
מֵאֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמִּדְיָנִ֑ים
of the Midianites
H4084
הַמִּדְיָנִ֑ים
of the Midianites
Strong's:
H4084
Word #:
6 of 10
a midjanite or descendant (native) of midjan
אַחַ֖ר
afterward
H310
אַחַ֖ר
afterward
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
Cross References
Numbers 27:13And when thou hast seen it, thou also shalt be gathered unto thy people, as Aaron thy brother was gathered.Revelation 6:10And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?Judges 2:10And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.
Historical Context
The Midianites, related to Israel through Abraham and Keturah (Gen 25:1-2), should have been allies. However, Balaam advised them to seduce Israel into Baal worship through intermarriage and immorality (Num 31:16, Rev 2:14). This resulted in a plague killing 24,000 Israelites. The judgment came 38 years into wilderness wanderings, as Israel prepared to enter Canaan. Moses' involvement ensured continuity - the same leader who saw God's judgment on Egypt now executed it on Israel's seducers.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance showing love to unbelievers while maintaining holy separation from worldly values?
- Are there 'Midianites' in your life - influences that seem harmless but are leading you toward spiritual compromise?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God commands Moses to 'avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites' for their role in the Baal-Peor incident (Num 25). This divine judgment demonstrates God's holy hatred of sin and protection of His covenant people. The Hebrew 'naqam' (avenge) indicates righteous retribution, not personal revenge. Significantly, this is Moses' final military act before death - the leader who interceded for Israel numerous times must execute judgment on those who led Israel into idolatry and immorality. This foreshadows Christ who combines perfect mercy with perfect justice, saving His people while judging impenitent rebels (2 Thess 1:7-9).