Numbers 31:8

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Numbers 31:8 records the decisive execution of the five kings of Midian—Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba—alongside Balaam, the son of Beor, by the Israelite forces. This pivotal moment signifies the comprehensive nature of God's judgment against those who actively conspired to corrupt His covenant people, Israel, through idolatry and immorality, thus bringing an end to the instigators of the Baal-peor apostasy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 31:8 is situated within the narrative of Israel's punitive war against the Midianites, as commanded by God. This command, detailed in [Numbers 31:1-2](/numbers/31-1 "Numbers 31:1-2 - God Commands Vengeance on Midian"), serves as divine retribution for the Midianites' role in tempting Israel to sin at Baal-peor, an event vividly described in [Numbers 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - The Sin at Baal-Peor"). The preceding chapters in Numbers chronicle Israel's journey through the wilderness, their encounters with various peoples, and their preparations to enter the Promised Land. This specific military campaign, culminating in the thorough defeat and execution of Midianite leadership and Balaam, marks a critical step in purifying the camp of Israel and removing external threats before their inheritance. It also sets the stage for the division of spoils and the subsequent tribal allocations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Midianites were a nomadic or semi-nomadic people, descendants of Abraham through Keturah ([Genesis 25:2](/genesis/25-2 "Genesis 25:2 - Abraham's Descendants Through Keturah")). While some Midianites, like Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, had positive interactions with Israel, this particular conflict arose from a direct act of hostility and spiritual warfare. In the ancient Near East, the execution of enemy kings was a common practice signifying total victory, the eradication of a threat, and the complete subjugation of a people. The specific naming of the kings underscores the thoroughness of the Israelite victory and the divine mandate behind it. Balaam, a Mesopotamian diviner, was not a Midianite by birth but was present among them and directly implicated in their scheme, highlighting the pervasive nature of the spiritual threat to Israel.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several major themes within the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Justice** and the severe consequences of rebellion against God, particularly when it involves leading His people astray. The war against Midian was not for territorial gain but for vengeance as commanded by God ([Numbers 31:2](/numbers/31-2 "Numbers 31:2 - God's Command for Vengeance")). Secondly, it emphasizes the theme of **Spiritual Purity and Vigilance**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to protecting His covenant people from corrupting influences, both physical and spiritual. The death of Balaam, in particular, illustrates the judgment against those who use spiritual gifts for personal gain and lead others into apostasy, a theme echoed in [Numbers 31:16](/numbers/31-16 "Numbers 31:16 - Balaam's Counsel Revealed"). Finally, it reinforces the concept of **God's Sovereignty** in defending His people and fulfilling His promises, even through military action.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Slew (Hebrew, _harag'_):** This verb denotes a decisive act of killing, often in battle or as an execution. In the context of Numbers 31:8, it emphasizes that the deaths of the Midianite kings and Balaam were not accidental casualties but deliberate, targeted eliminations. This highlights the intentionality of the divine judgment being executed through Israel, ensuring the complete removal of those responsible for the spiritual corruption at Baal-peor.
* **Kings (Hebrew, _melek'_):** Referring to the five named rulers, this term signifies the highest political and military authority within the Midianite confederation. Their execution indicates a complete decapitation of Midianite leadership, symbolizing the utter defeat of their organized opposition and the eradication of the primary instigators of the plot against Israel. It underscores the thoroughness of the judgment and the magnitude of Israel's victory.
* **Balaam (Hebrew, _Bil'am'_):** This name, possibly meaning "devourer" or "foreigner," belongs to the Mesopotamian prophet who, despite being divinely constrained from cursing Israel, later advised Balak on how to cause Israel to stumble through seduction and idolatry ([Numbers 31:16](/numbers/31-16 "Numbers 31:16 - Balaam's Counsel Revealed")). His inclusion among the slain Midianite leaders confirms his culpability and the ultimate consequence of his covetousness and willingness to compromise divine truth for personal gain. His death by the sword of Israel serves as a stark testament to God's justice against those who actively seek to corrupt His people, even if they possess prophetic insight.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they slew the kings of Midian, beside the rest of them that were slain;":** This initial clause establishes the primary targets of the Israelite offensive: the Midianite kings. It distinguishes them from the general populace or soldiers killed in battle, indicating a specific, targeted execution of leadership. This highlights the strategic and punitive nature of the campaign, focusing on the architects of the anti-Israel plot.
* **"[namely], Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, five kings of Midian:":** This provides a precise and exhaustive list of the five royal figures. The enumeration underscores the thoroughness of the judgment and confirms that the entire Midianite royal leadership was eradicated. The mention of Zur is particularly significant, as his daughter Cozbi was the Midianite woman slain with an Israelite man during the Baal-peor incident, which brought the plague to a halt ([Numbers 25:15](/numbers/25-15 "Numbers 25:15 - Cozbi, Daughter of Zur")). This detail directly links the judgment to the specific acts of apostasy.
* **"Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword.":** This climactic statement reveals the fate of Balaam. His death "with the sword" signifies a violent, decisive end, linking his demise directly to the military judgment against Midian. His presence among the slain leaders confirms his deep involvement in the Midianite scheme to corrupt Israel, despite his earlier prophetic pronouncements. This underscores that his counsel, not just his initial curses, led to his ultimate demise, fulfilling the principle that those who lead others astray will face severe consequences.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 31:8 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Enumeration** is prominent, with the explicit naming of the five Midianite kings (Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba). This precise listing emphasizes the thoroughness of the Israelite victory and the complete eradication of Midianite leadership, leaving no doubt about the extent of the judgment. **Juxtaposition** is also evident in the verse's structure, placing the Midianite kings alongside Balaam. This highlights Balaam's deep complicity with the Midianites and his shared fate, underscoring that spiritual corruption (Balaam's counsel) and political leadership (the kings) were equally targets of divine wrath. Furthermore, there is an element of **Dramatic Irony** or **Poetic Justice** in Balaam's death. The prophet who was divinely prevented from cursing Israel directly ultimately dies by the sword of Israel, a stark reversal of his malicious intentions and a powerful testament to God's ultimate control over those who oppose His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 31:8 stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering justice and His active defense of His covenant people. The execution of the Midianite kings and Balaam underscores that God does not tolerate spiritual compromise or the deliberate leading of His people into sin. This event serves as a stark reminder that while God is merciful, He is also righteous in judgment, especially against those who seek to undermine His covenant relationship with Israel. The thoroughness of the judgment reflects the gravity of the Midianites' and Balaam's actions, which led to a devastating plague among the Israelites. It demonstrates that God takes seriously the spiritual integrity of His community and will remove obstacles and corrupting influences that threaten it. This act of divine vengeance is not arbitrary but a just response to severe apostasy and spiritual warfare.

* [Numbers 25:17-18](/numbers/25-17 "God's Command to Harass Midian")
* [Numbers 31:16](/numbers/31-16 "Balaam's Counsel Revealed")
* [Revelation 2:14](/revelation/2-14 "The Doctrine of Balaam")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 31:8 provides a sobering reflection for believers today on the profound dangers of spiritual compromise and the gravity of leading others astray. The decisive judgment against the Midianite kings and Balaam serves as a powerful reminder that God is holy and will not tolerate practices or teachings that draw His people into idolatry, immorality, or spiritual infidelity. We are called to cultivate spiritual discernment, identifying and rejecting corrupting influences—whether they come from external pressures or from within the community—that seek to undermine our faith and obedience. This passage challenges us to consider the seriousness of our own counsel and influence on others, recognizing that those who promote false teachings or compromise truth will ultimately face divine accountability. Furthermore, it offers assurance of God's active protection for His people, reminding us that He is sovereign over all forces of evil and deception, and He will ultimately triumph over every adversary that seeks to harm His church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this passage challenge our understanding of God's justice and His righteous response to sin, particularly when it involves leading others astray?**
* **In what ways might the "counsel of Balaam"—which led Israel into compromise and sin—manifest in our lives or in the church today, tempting believers to compromise their faith or purity?**
* **What lessons can we draw from the decisive action taken against Midian and Balaam regarding the importance of spiritual purity, discernment, and vigilance in our personal lives and within the community of faith?**

### FAQ
**Why was Balaam, who blessed Israel, slain by them?**

Answer: Despite being divinely prevented from cursing Israel directly and even pronouncing blessings upon them ([Numbers 23-24](/numbers/23 "Numbers 23 - Balaam's First Prophecy")), Balaam later advised Balak, king of Moab, on how to cause Israel to stumble. This "counsel of Balaam" ([Numbers 31:16](/numbers/31-16 "Numbers 31:16 - Balaam's Counsel Revealed")) involved using Midianite women to entice Israelite men into sexual immorality and idolatry, leading to the devastating Baal-peor incident ([Numbers 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - The Sin at Baal-Peor")) and a plague that killed 24,000 Israelites. His death among the Midianite leaders was divine judgment for his active role in corrupting God's people, demonstrating that even those with prophetic gifts are accountable for their actions and counsel that leads others to sin.

**What was the significance of slaying the five kings?**

Answer: The execution of the five Midianite kings (Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba) was highly significant. It symbolized the complete dismantling of Midianite political and military leadership, ensuring that the source of the spiritual corruption that led to the Baal-peor incident was utterly removed. This was not merely a military victory but a fulfillment of God's explicit command for vengeance against those who had actively conspired to lead Israel into apostasy ([Numbers 31:2](/numbers/31-2 "Numbers 31:2 - God's Command for Vengeance")). The specificity of naming them underscores the thoroughness of the judgment and the divine intention to eliminate the architects of the plot against God's covenant people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The decisive judgment enacted in Numbers 31:8, particularly the slaying of Balaam and the Midianite kings, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate triumph of Jesus Christ over sin, spiritual deception, and the forces that seek to corrupt God's people. Balaam, who sought to profit from leading God's people astray through false counsel, stands in stark contrast to Christ, the true Prophet who always speaks God's truth and leads His people in righteousness and purity ([Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - A Prophet Like Moses")). While the Israelites executed physical judgment with the sword, Christ's victory is spiritual and cosmic; He disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them by the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The judgment against the Midianite kings, who represented an organized opposition to God's people, points forward to Christ's ultimate defeat of all spiritual enemies, including Satan and his kingdom, ensuring that no "counsel of Balaam" can ultimately prevail against His church ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Christ Destroys the Works of the Devil")). This passage, therefore, serves as a powerful reminder that God is just and will ultimately bring all forms of evil and rebellion to an end, culminating in Christ's final judgment and the establishment of His eternal kingdom where righteousness dwells ([Revelation 19:11-21](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-21 - The Rider on the White Horse") and [Revelation 20:10](/revelation/20-10 "Revelation 20:10 - The Devil Thrown into the Lake of Fire")).

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.

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.