“And thirty and two thousand persons in all, of women that had not known man by lying with him.”
Context: Numbers 31 records the account of the Israelites’ victory over the Midianites. The Lord had commanded Moses to take vengeance on the Midianites for seducing the Israelites into idolatry and sexual immorality. After defeating Midian, the Israelites plundered their cities and took captive their women, children, livestock, and spoils of war.
Understanding the historical context: The Midianites were a nomadic people living east of Israel. They had played a significant role in Israel’s history, both as allies and adversaries. In this instance, they had become adversaries by leading the Israelites into sin, causing God’s anger to be kindled against them.
The purpose of the conquest: The conquest of Midian was a part of God’s judgment against their wickedness and a means to protect the Israelites from further seduction into idolatry. It served as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of obedience to His commands.
The role of women in war: The verse mentions that there were “thirty and two thousand persons in all, of women that had not known man by lying with him.” These women were taken as captives in the war. It is important to note that this verse is not condoning or promoting any form of mistreatment or exploitation of women. The circumstances of war in ancient times often resulted in such outcomes, but God’s ultimate desire is always for justice, mercy, and respect for all individuals.
Significance of the phrase “had not known man by lying with him”: This phrase refers to the women who were virgins, having not engaged in sexual relations. The purpose of this distinction may have been to indicate that they were not married or previously defiled by adultery or sexual immorality.
Lessons for us today: While the specific circumstances of Numbers 31 may not directly apply to our lives today, there are some general principles we can draw from this passage. It reminds us of the importance of remaining faithful to God and the consequences that can result from turning away from Him. It also teaches us to be cautious about the influence of others and the impact it can have on our spiritual lives.
The overarching message: The story of Numbers 31 ultimately points to God’s justice and His desire for His people to live in obedience to Him. It highlights the importance of remaining faithful to God’s commandments and the consequences of choosing to follow other gods or engage in immoral behavior.
Remember, when studying the Bible, it is essential to consider the broader context, historical background, and the overall message of the passage. This will help in understanding the specific verses in light of the entire narrative and God’s character as revealed throughout Scripture.
