Numbers 25:15

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the name {H8034} of the Midianitish {H4084} woman {H802} that was slain {H5221} was Cozbi {H3579}, the daughter {H1323} of Zur {H6698}; he was head {H7218} over a people {H523}, and of a chief {H1} house {H1004} in Midian {H4080}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The name of the woman from Midyan who was killed was Kozbi the daughter of Tzur, and he was head of the people in one of the clans of Midyan.

Berean Standard Bible

And the name of the slain Midianite woman was Cozbi, the daughter of Zur, a tribal chief of a Midianite family.

American Standard Version

And the name of the Midianitish woman that was slain was Cozbi, the daughter of Zur; he was head of the people of a fathers’ house in Midian.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 25:15 precisely identifies Cozbi as the Midianitish woman slain by Phinehas alongside Zimri, an Israelite leader, during the plague at Baal-peor. The verse highlights her prominent status as "the daughter of Zur," who was himself a "head over a people, and of a chief house in Midian." This detail underscores the audacious nature of the sin, involving individuals of significant standing, and emphasizes the gravity of the divine judgment that followed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the grim narrative of [Numbers chapter 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - The Sin at Baal-Peor"), which recounts Israel's catastrophic engagement in sexual immorality and idolatry with Moabite and Midianite women at Baal-peor. The widespread sin provoked God's wrath, leading to a severe plague that claimed 24,000 lives ([Numbers 25:9](/numbers/25-9 "Numbers 25:9 - The Plague")). The specific incident involving Zimri and Cozbi, detailed in [Numbers 25:6-8](/numbers/25-6 "Numbers 25:6-8 - Zimri and Cozbi's Brazen Act"), was a particularly audacious act of defiance, occurring publicly before the eyes of the weeping congregation and Moses. Numbers 25:15 serves as the concluding identification of the Midianite woman, reinforcing the severity of the transgression and setting the stage for God's subsequent command to harass the Midianites in [Numbers 25:16-18](/numbers/25-16 "Numbers 25:16-18 - God's Command Against Midian").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [Numbers chapter 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - The Sin at Baal-Peor") occur as Israel is encamped on the plains of Moab, on the cusp of entering the Promised Land. This period was fraught with challenges, including exposure to the polytheistic and often sexually explicit fertility cults of the surrounding Canaanite, Moabite, and Midianite peoples, such as the worship of Baal-peor. Intermarriage and syncretism posed significant threats to Israel's covenant fidelity. The Midianites were a prominent nomadic and semi-nomadic people, often involved in trade, but also frequently in conflict with Israel. Zur's designation as "head over a people, and of a chief house" indicates his status as a tribal chief or even a king among the Midianites, highlighting Cozbi's royal or aristocratic lineage. This elevated status made their public transgression all the more scandalous and a direct affront to the holiness of God and the moral order of Israel.

* **Key Themes:** The identification of Cozbi and her father Zur contributes significantly to several key themes within [Numbers](/numbers "The Book of Numbers - Wilderness Wanderings"):
* **Divine Holiness and Judgment:** The verse underscores God's uncompromising response to unfaithfulness and idolatry. The high status of Cozbi and Zur did not exempt them from divine judgment, emphasizing God's impartiality and the severity of sin, particularly when it involves leading God's people astray.
* **The Insidious Nature of Foreign Influence:** Cozbi's Midianite origin reinforces the theme of the dangers of spiritual and moral compromise through foreign enticements. The narrative highlights how external influences, often through sexual immorality, can lead to idolatry and provoke divine wrath, as seen in the plague that afflicted Israel ([Numbers 25:9](/numbers/25-9 "Numbers 25:9 - The Plague")).
* **Zeal for God's Covenant:** Phinehas's zealous act, which Numbers 25:15 implicitly references by identifying Cozbi as "the Midianitish woman that was slain," demonstrates the importance of upholding God's holiness and the covenant. His action secured a [covenant of peace](/numbers/25-12 "Numbers 25:12 - God's Covenant with Phinehas") for his lineage, illustrating divine approval for righteous indignation against sin.
* **Midianite Culpability and Future Conflict:** The specific mention of Cozbi's Midianite origin and Zur's leadership reinforces the role of the Midianites in leading Israel astray, which later forms the basis for God's command to [avenge Israel against Midian](/numbers/31-2 "Numbers 31:2 - God's Command to Avenge Midian") in [Numbers chapter 31](/numbers/31 "Numbers 31 - Vengeance on Midian"). Indeed, Zur is explicitly named among the five Midianite kings slain in that subsequent conflict ([Numbers 31:8](/numbers/31-8 "Numbers 31:8 - The Slaying of Midianite Kings")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cozbi (Hebrew, _Kozbī'_):** The name Cozbi (כָּזְבִּי) is believed by some scholars to be related to the Hebrew root _kazab_ (כָּזַב), meaning "to lie" or "to deceive." If this etymology is accurate, it adds a layer of poignant **irony** to her role in the narrative, as she was instrumental in the deception and moral downfall of Israelite men. Her name would then subtly underscore the insidious and deceptive nature of the sin at Baal-peor.
* **Zur (Hebrew, _Tsur_):** The name Zur (צוּר) means "rock" or "fortress." This name is fitting for a leader or chief, conveying a sense of strength, stability, and authority. However, the narrative demonstrates that even a "rock" like Zur and his "chief house" were vulnerable to divine judgment when their actions led to the corruption of God's people.
* **Midianitish (Hebrew, _Midyanit_):** This adjective explicitly identifies Cozbi's ethnic and national origin. The Midianites were a distinct people group, often associated with trade and, at times, hostility towards Israel. Her foreign identity is crucial, as it highlights the danger of syncretism and the specific role of foreign women in leading Israel into idolatry and immorality, a recurring warning throughout the Old Testament.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the name of the Midianitish woman that was slain [was] Cozbi":** This clause directly identifies the female perpetrator of the public sin with Zimri. The phrase "that was slain" immediately connects her identity to the swift and decisive divine judgment executed through Phinehas. Her designation as "Midianitish" highlights her foreign origin, emphasizing the external source of the temptation and corruption that afflicted Israel.
* **"the daughter of Zur":** This detail establishes Cozbi's lineage and, crucially, her high social standing. She was not an ordinary woman but one connected to a powerful family, which further amplifies the audacity of her public transgression and the significance of her execution. It indicates that the sin was not merely a private matter but involved prominent figures.
* **"he [was] head over a people, [and] of a chief house in Midian":** This final clause provides explicit confirmation of Zur's exalted status. He was a leader, a tribal chief, or even a king ("head over a people"), belonging to a preeminent family ("a chief house") within Midian. This information underscores the extent of the Midianite influence and the brazenness of Cozbi's actions, as she, a woman of such high standing, engaged in public immorality, thereby challenging Israel's covenant purity and provoking God's wrath.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 25:15 employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. The precise identification of Cozbi and Zur, particularly their high status, serves as a form of **Juxtaposition**, sharply contrasting their worldly prominence with their ignominious deaths and the divine judgment they incurred. This highlights God's impartiality and the universality of His moral law. There is also a subtle **Foreshadowing** at play; by naming Zur as a chief, the text anticipates the later command in [Numbers 25:16-18](/numbers/25-16 "Numbers 25:16-18 - God's Command Against Midian") and the subsequent military campaign against Midian in [Numbers chapter 31](/numbers/31 "Numbers 31 - Vengeance on Midian"), where Zur is indeed among the five Midianite kings slain. As noted in the linguistic analysis, if Cozbi's name is derived from a root meaning "to lie" or "deceive," her name itself functions as a form of **Irony**, given her role in leading Israel astray. The inclusion of these specific details elevates the narrative from a mere historical report to a profound theological statement about sin, judgment, and the consequences of spiritual compromise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 25:15, by identifying Cozbi and her prominent lineage, powerfully reinforces the Old Testament's emphasis on God's absolute holiness and the severe consequences of spiritual and moral compromise. The incident at Baal-peor, culminating in the execution of Cozbi and Zimri, serves as a stark warning against syncretism—the blending of true worship with pagan practices—and the insidious nature of temptation, particularly sexual immorality and idolatry. God's judgment is impartial; no social status, wealth, or power can exempt individuals from the consequences of defying His covenant. This narrative underscores the necessity for God's people to maintain purity and separation from the corrupting influences of the surrounding world, a theme that resonates throughout biblical history.

* [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Warnings Against Intermarriage"): "Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son. For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly."
* [1 Corinthians 10:8](/1_corinthians/10-8 "1 Corinthians 10:8 - Paul's Warning Against Immorality"): "Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand." (Paul's New Testament reference to this very event, warning against similar sins).
* [Revelation 2:14](/revelation/2-14 "Revelation 2:14 - The Doctrine of Balaam"): "But 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."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed identification of Cozbi and her father Zur in Numbers 25:15 offers profound lessons for believers today. It serves as a potent reminder that spiritual compromise, especially when it involves sexual immorality and idolatry, is not a minor transgression but a grave offense against a holy God. The high status of Cozbi and Zur did not provide them with immunity from divine judgment; indeed, their prominence amplified the audacity of their sin and the severity of God's response. This teaches us that God's standards apply equally to all, regardless of social standing, wealth, or influence. For contemporary believers, this passage highlights the insidious nature of temptation that seeks to draw us away from exclusive devotion to God. It calls us to vigilant self-examination, guarding our hearts and minds against cultural pressures that normalize sin or dilute spiritual purity. Just as Phinehas acted with zeal for God's holiness, we are called to cultivate a similar passion for righteousness, not in self-righteous judgment of others, but in a commitment to personal holiness and the purity of the church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Cozbi's high status underscore the impartiality of God's judgment and what does this imply for leaders in the church today?**
* **What contemporary "Baal-peor" temptations, whether subtle or overt, challenge the purity and exclusive devotion of the church in your context?**
* **In what ways can believers cultivate a godly zeal for truth and holiness, as exemplified by Phinehas, without falling into self-righteousness or legalism?**

### FAQ
**Why is Cozbi's identity and lineage so specifically mentioned in Numbers 25:15?**

Answer: Cozbi's identity and lineage are specifically mentioned for several crucial reasons. Firstly, it highlights the audacious nature of the sin; this was not a clandestine affair but a public act involving individuals of significant standing, both an Israelite leader (Zimri) and a Midianite princess. Secondly, it underscores the severity and impartiality of God's judgment, demonstrating that high social status or royal lineage offers no exemption from the consequences of defying His holy commands. Thirdly, by identifying her as the "daughter of Zur," a "head over a people, and of a chief house in Midian," the text establishes the Midianites' prominent role in leading Israel astray, thereby setting the stage for God's subsequent command to [avenge Israel against Midian](/numbers/31-2 "Numbers 31:2 - God's Command to Avenge Midian") in [Numbers chapter 31](/numbers/31 "Numbers 31 - Vengeance on Midian"), where Zur is indeed among the slain Midianite kings.

**What was the "sin at Baal-peor" and how does Cozbi fit into it?**

Answer: The "sin at Baal-peor" refers to the widespread apostasy of the Israelites on the plains of Moab, as detailed in [Numbers chapter 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - The Sin at Baal-Peor"). Israelite men engaged in sexual immorality with Moabite and Midianite women and participated in their idolatrous worship of Baal-peor. This provoked God's fierce anger, resulting in a devastating plague. Cozbi, as a prominent Midianite woman, fits into this narrative as the female partner of Zimri, an Israelite chieftain. Their public act of immorality, brazenly committed "in the sight of Moses, and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel," ([Numbers 25:6](/numbers/25-6 "Numbers 25:6 - Zimri and Cozbi's Brazen Act")) symbolized the depth of Israel's rebellion and directly triggered Phinehas's zealous intervention, which stopped the plague.

**What is the significance of Phinehas's action in this context?**

Answer: Phinehas's action in executing Zimri and Cozbi ([Numbers 25:7-8](/numbers/25-7 "Numbers 25:7-8 - Phinehas's Zealous Act")) is profoundly significant because it demonstrated an uncompromising zeal for God's holiness and the purity of the covenant community. At a moment when the entire congregation was weeping in repentance, Zimri and Cozbi's public defiance was an open affront to God. Phinehas's swift and decisive act of judgment directly intervened to stop the plague that was consuming Israel. As a result, God commended Phinehas, granting him a [covenant of peace](/numbers/25-12 "Numbers 25:12 - God's Covenant with Phinehas") and an everlasting priesthood for his descendants ([Numbers 25:13](/numbers/25-13 "Numbers 25:13 - God's Covenant with Phinehas")). His actions underscore that true repentance and the upholding of God's commands are essential for averting divine wrath and maintaining a right relationship with the Holy God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 25:15, with its stark portrayal of sin, judgment, and the need for zealous intervention, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. The brazen sin of Cozbi and Zimri, leading to a plague and necessitating a violent act to atone and turn away God's wrath, foreshadows the far greater problem of humanity's sin and the ultimate solution provided by God. While Phinehas's zeal temporarily averted judgment for Israel through a bloody act, Christ, the true and perfect High Priest, offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bearing the full weight of divine wrath on the cross ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love in Christ's Death")). Unlike Zur, the "rock" who could not protect his house from judgment, Christ is the [spiritual Rock](/1_corinthians/10-4 "1 Corinthians 10:4 - Christ as the Spiritual Rock") from whom true life flows, providing an unshakeable foundation and eternal security for all who believe. The call for Israel's purity in Numbers is now fulfilled in the New Covenant, where believers are called to be a [holy temple for the Lord](/ephesians/2-21 "Ephesians 2:21 - Building into a Holy Temple") and a [pure bride for Christ](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25 - Christ Loves the Church"), empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit to [flee sexual immorality](/1_corinthians/6-18 "1 Corinthians 6:18 - Flee Sexual Immorality") and [live in purity](/1_peter/1-15 "1 Peter 1:15 - Be Holy in All Your Conduct"). The judgment on sin at Baal-peor, though severe, points forward to the perfect and complete atonement found only in Christ, who delivers us from the dominion of sin and calls us to a life of true holiness and devotion.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.