“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.”
Context and Background: The book of Numbers is part of the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament. It recounts the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land. In Numbers 31, the Israelites were preparing to enter the land of Canaan, and they were commanded by God to take vengeance on the Midianites. The Midianites had deceived the Israelites into engaging in idolatry and immorality, leading to a plague among the people.
The Conquest of Midian: In this verse, we see that the Israelites carried out God’s command by defeating the Midianites. They not only killed the warriors and soldiers but also the five kings of Midian: Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba. Additionally, they killed Balaam, a prophet who had attempted to curse the Israelites but was ultimately unable to do so.
Lessons and Themes:
- Obedience to God’s Commands: The Israelites followed God’s instructions to execute judgment upon the Midianites. This teaches us the importance of obeying God’s commands, even when they involve difficult or unpleasant tasks.
- God’s Justice: God is just and righteous, and He holds nations and individuals accountable for their actions. The Midianites were punished for leading the Israelites astray and participating in idolatry and immorality.
- Spiritual Warfare: The defeat of the Midianites highlights the reality of spiritual warfare. The Israelites were not only engaged in physical battle but also in a spiritual conflict against the forces of evil that sought to destroy them. Similarly, Christians today are engaged in a spiritual battle against the powers of darkness (Ephesians 6:12).
- Consequences of Sin: The Midianites suffered the consequences of their sin. Their actions had severe repercussions, and they faced the judgment of God. This reminds us that our actions have consequences, and we should strive to live in obedience to God’s will.
Application:
- Obedience to God: As believers, we should seek to obey God’s commands and follow His instructions, even when they may be difficult or challenging.
- Spiritual Warfare: Recognize that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. We should put on the armor of God and stand firm in faith.
- Consequences of Sin: Understand that sin has consequences, and we should strive to live in a way that is pleasing to God and aligned with His Word.
- Trust in God’s Justice: Rest in the assurance that God is just and righteous, and He will bring justice in His perfect timing. Trust that He will hold the wicked accountable and vindicate His people.
Remember, studying the Bible not only involves understanding the historical context and themes but also seeking personal application and guidance from the Holy Spirit.
