Numbers 31:8
And they slew the kings of Midian, beside the rest of them that were slain; namely, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, five kings of Midian: Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword.
Original Language Analysis
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 25
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִדְיָ֑ן
of Midian
H4080
מִדְיָ֑ן
of Midian
Strong's:
H4080
Word #:
3 of 25
midjan, a son of abraham; also his country and (collectively) his descendants
עַל
beside
H5921
עַל
beside
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 25
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
חַלְלֵיהֶ֗ם
the rest of them that were slain
H2491
חַלְלֵיהֶ֗ם
the rest of them that were slain
Strong's:
H2491
Word #:
6 of 25
pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 25
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 25
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
רֶ֙קֶם֙
and Rekem
H7552
רֶ֙קֶם֙
and Rekem
Strong's:
H7552
Word #:
10 of 25
rekem, the name of a place in palestine, also of a midianite and an israelite
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 25
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 25
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 25
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִדְיָ֑ן
of Midian
H4080
מִדְיָ֑ן
of Midian
Strong's:
H4080
Word #:
19 of 25
midjan, a son of abraham; also his country and (collectively) his descendants
וְאֵת֙
H853
וְאֵת֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
20 of 25
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בֶּן
also the son
H1121
בֶּן
also the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
22 of 25
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בְּע֔וֹר
of Beor
H1160
בְּע֔וֹר
of Beor
Strong's:
H1160
Word #:
23 of 25
beor, the name of the father of an edomitish king; also of that of balaam
Cross References
Numbers 25:15And the name of the Midianitish woman that was slain was Cozbi, the daughter of Zur; he was head over a people, and of a chief house in Midian.Revelation 2:14But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.Jude 1:11Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.
Historical Context
Balaam, from Pethor in Mesopotamia, had genuine prophetic gifts yet lacked regenerate heart. His oracles of blessing on Israel (Num 23-24) include Messianic prophecy (24:17), yet he sought profit from his gifts. His presence with Midian's kings reveals he stayed nearby after failing to curse Israel, waiting for opportunities to profit from Israel's enemies. His death fulfilled his own ironic request: 'Let me die the death of the righteous' (23:10) - he didn't, dying among God's enemies.
Questions for Reflection
- Are there ways you're using God-given gifts for selfish gain rather than His glory?
- How does Balaam's example warn you about the danger of orthodox words without transformed heart?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Balaam's death among Midian's kings is tragically ironic - the prophet who couldn't curse Israel for money (Num 22-24) died with those he helped corrupt Israel through immoral counsel. Though God prevented his direct cursing, Balaam found indirect means to harm Israel by advising Midianite women to seduce Israelite men (Num 31:16, Rev 2:14). Peter calls him an example of loving 'wages of unrighteousness' (2 Pet 2:15), while Jude warns against 'error of Balaam' who went 'greedily after... reward' (Jude 11). His death demonstrates that apparent orthodoxy without genuine righteousness leads to destruction.