Numbers 25:17

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Vex the Midianites, and smite them:

Complete Jewish Bible:

"Treat the Midyanim as enemies and attack them;

Berean Standard Bible:

“Attack the Midianites and strike them dead.

American Standard Version:

Vex the Midianites, and smite them;

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Vex^{H6887} the Midianites^{H4084}, and smite^{H5221} them:

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Numbers 25:17

1. **Themes:**
- **Divine Retribution:** The command to "vex the Midianites, and smite them" reflects the theme of divine retribution, where God directs the Israelites to punish the Midianites for their role in enticing the Israelites into idolatry and immorality (as seen in the preceding verses of Numbers 25).
- **Holiness of God's People:** This verse underscores the importance of maintaining the holiness of God's people. The harsh directive is meant to purge corruption and ensure the Israelites' fidelity to God.
- **Obedience to God's Commands:** The Israelites are expected to obey God's commands without question, demonstrating their faith and trust in His judgment and leadership.

2. **Historical Context:**
- **Time Period:** The event occurs during the Israelites' wandering in the wilderness, after their exodus from Egypt and before their entry into the Promised Land.
- **Preceding Events:** In Numbers 25, the Israelites are depicted as engaging in the worship of the Moabite god Baal of Peor and indulging in sexual immorality with Moabite women. This leads to a plague among the Israelites as punishment from God.
- **Midianite Involvement:** The Midianites, along with the Moabites, are implicated in leading the Israelites astray. The Midianite woman Cozbi, in particular, is singled out for her role in the apostasy (Numbers 25:15-18).
- **Military Action:** The command to attack the Midianites is part of a broader narrative where God instructs the Israelites to take military action against various nations that oppose them or lead them into sin.

In summary, Numbers 25:17 is a directive from God to the Israelites to punish the Midianites for their role in the religious and moral corruption of the Israelite community. It reflects themes of divine justice, the importance of maintaining a holy community, and the necessity of obedience to God's commands, set against the backdrop of the Israelites' journey towards the Promised Land and their interactions with neighboring peoples.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H6887
   There are 56 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: צָרַר
   Transliteration: tsârar
   Pronunciation: tsaw-rar'
   Description: a primitive root; to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive; adversary, (be in) afflict(-ion), beseige, bind (up), (be in, bring) distress, enemy, narrower, oppress, pangs, shut up, be in a strait (trouble), vex.
   
2. Strong's Number: H4084
   There are 7 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מִדְיָנִי
   Transliteration: Midyânîy
   Pronunciation: mid-yaw-nee'
   Description: patronymical or patrial from מִדְיָן; a Midjanite or descendant (native) of Midjan; Midianite. Compare מְדָנִי.
   
3. Strong's Number: H5221
   There are 460 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נָכָה
   Transliteration: nâkâh
   Pronunciation: naw-kaw'
   Description: a primitive root; to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively); beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound.