Numbers 25:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Numbers 25:15
15 And 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.
Chapter Context
Numbers 25 is a mixed narrative and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, sacrifice, redemption. Written during Israel's wilderness period (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The wilderness journey occurred between Egypt's dominance and the Canaanite tribal systems.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-18: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Numbers and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Numbers 25:15
15 And 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.
Analysis
The identification of the Midianite woman—'Cozbi, the daughter of Zur; he was head over a people, and of a chief house in Midian'—shows this was not random fornication but a high-level alliance between Israelite and Midianite nobility. The Hebrew construction emphasizes her royal lineage. This political-sexual alliance sought to unite Israel with Midian through intermarriage, exactly what Balaam had counseled (31:16). The naming of both parties emphasizes that God knows individual sin—no sin is anonymous before Him. Both participants bore responsibility.
Historical Context
Zur was one of five Midianite kings killed in Israel's later vengeance (Numbers 31:8). His daughter's involvement in seducing Israel was part of systematic strategy to corrupt them. The incident at Baal Peor combined idolatry (worshiping Moabite gods), sexual immorality (ritual prostitution), and political alliance (tribal intermarriage). This three-fold corruption required severe judgment to prevent Israel's complete apostasy.
Reflection
- How do political expediency and sexual immorality often combine in covenant unfaithfulness?
- What does God's knowledge of individual participants teach about accountability?
- How should we respond to systematic strategies to corrupt God's people?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Numbers 31:8, Joshua 13:21