Numbers 31:8

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.

And they slew {H2026} the kings {H4428} of Midian {H4080}, beside {H5921} the rest of them that were slain {H2491}; namely, Evi {H189}, and Rekem {H7552}, and Zur {H6698}, and Hur {H2354}, and Reba {H7254}, five {H2568} kings {H4428} of Midian {H4080}: Balaam {H1109} also the son {H1121} of Beor {H1160} they slew {H2026} with the sword {H2719}.

They killed the kings of Midyan along with the others who were slain - Evi, Rekem, Tzur, Hur and Reva, the five kings of Midyan. They also killed Bil'am the son of B'or with the sword.

Among the slain were Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba—the five kings of Midian. They also killed Balaam son of Beor with the sword.

And they slew the kings of Midian with the rest of their slain: Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, the five kings of Midian: Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword.

Commentary

Numbers 31:8 records a pivotal moment in Israel's punitive war against the Midianites, detailing the execution of their five kings and, significantly, the prophet Balaam. This verse highlights the decisive nature of God's judgment against those who actively opposed His people and sought to corrupt them.

Context of the Midianite War

This military campaign was not merely for territorial expansion but was a direct command from God, serving as divine retribution for the Midianites' role in tempting Israel to sin at Baal-peor. As described in Numbers chapter 25, Midianite women enticed Israelite men into sexual immorality and idolatry, leading to a devastating plague that killed 24,000 Israelites. The war was commanded by God to avenge this treachery (Numbers 31:2).

Key Figures Slain: The Kings of Midian

The verse specifically names the five kings of Midian: Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba. These were not minor chieftains but rulers of the various Midianite tribes, indicating a complete and decisive victory for Israel. Their execution symbolized the eradication of the leadership responsible for the spiritual and moral corruption of God's chosen people. The mention of Zur is particularly notable as his daughter, Cozbi, was slain alongside an Israelite prince in the act of immorality, which brought the plague to a halt (Numbers 25:15).

The Fate of Balaam, Son of Beor

Perhaps the most striking detail in this verse is the death of Balaam the son of Beor. Balaam was a Mesopotamian prophet who, despite being divinely prevented from cursing Israel directly (Numbers 23-24), later advised Balak, king of Moab, on how to cause Israel to stumble. This "counsel of Balaam" (Numbers 31:16) involved using Midianite women to lure the Israelites into idolatry and immorality, a strategy that led to the Peor incident. His presence among the slain Midianite leaders confirms his culpability and the ultimate consequence of his covetousness and willingness to compromise divine truth for personal gain, a theme echoed in 2 Peter 2:15 and Jude 1:11, and his "doctrine" condemned in Revelation 2:14.

Key Themes and Significance

  • Divine Justice: This verse underscores God's unwavering justice against those who actively seek to corrupt His people and oppose His will. The judgment is swift and comprehensive.
  • Consequences of Sin: It serves as a powerful reminder that sin, especially that which leads others astray, carries severe consequences, not only for the perpetrators but also for those who counsel it.
  • Spiritual Warfare: The defeat of the Midianite kings and Balaam illustrates the spiritual dimension of Israel's battles, where enemies are not just physical but also spiritual forces that seek to undermine faith and obedience.

Practical Application

For believers today, Numbers 31:8 offers a sober reflection on the dangers of compromise and the gravity of leading others into sin. It highlights God's righteous judgment against those who promote false teachings or practices that draw people away from Him. We are reminded of the need for spiritual discernment to identify and reject corrupting influences, much like Israel was commanded to deal decisively with those who led them astray. The ultimate defeat of Midian and Balaam serves as an assurance of God's protection for His people and His ultimate triumph over all forms of evil and deception.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Joshua 13:21

    And all the cities of the plain, and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, which reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses smote with the princes of Midian, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, [which were] dukes of Sihon, dwelling in the country.

  • Joshua 13:22

    Balaam also the son of Beor, the soothsayer, did the children of Israel slay with the sword among them that were slain by them.

  • Numbers 25:15

    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.

  • Revelation 2:14

    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.

  • Jude 1:11

    Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

  • 1 Timothy 6:9

    But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and [into] many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

  • 1 Timothy 6:10

    For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
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