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.

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}.

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.

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

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

Numbers 25:15 (KJV) identifies Cozbi, the Midianitish woman who was executed by Phinehas, along with Zimri, for their brazen act of immorality within the Israelite camp. The verse specifically notes her high status as "the daughter of Zur," who was "head over a people, and of a chief house in Midian." This detail underscores the gravity of the sin and the prominent standing of those involved.

Context

This verse is part of the grim narrative in Numbers chapter 25, which describes Israel's catastrophic engagement in sexual immorality and idolatry with the Moabite and Midianite women at Baal-peor. This widespread sin provoked God's wrath, leading to a severe plague that claimed 24,000 lives (Numbers 25:9). The specific incident involving Zimri and Cozbi, detailed in Numbers 25:6-8, was a particularly audacious act of defiance, occurring publicly before the eyes of the weeping congregation.

Key Themes

  • Brazen Sin and High Status: The identification of Cozbi as the daughter of Zur, a prominent Midianite leader, highlights the audacity and public nature of the sin. It wasn't merely a private transgression but an act involving individuals of significant standing, escalating the offense and making the divine judgment all the more pronounced.
  • Divine Judgment and Zeal: This verse, following the swift execution by Phinehas, underscores God's uncompromising response to unfaithfulness and idolatry. Phinehas's zealous act secured a covenant of peace for his lineage, demonstrating divine approval for upholding God's holiness.
  • Midianite Culpability: The specific mention of Cozbi's Midianite origin reinforces the role of the Midianites in leading Israel astray, which later forms the basis for God's command to avenge Israel against Midian (see Numbers 31:8, where Zur is among the slain Midianite kings).

Linguistic Insights

The name Cozbi (Hebrew: כָּזְבִּי, Kozbī) may derive from a root meaning "to lie" or "deceive," which ironically fits her role in the deception of Israel. Her father, Zur (Hebrew: צוּר, Tsur), means "rock" or "fortress," a name befitting a chief or leader, further emphasizing his position of authority within Midian.

Practical Application

Numbers 25:15 serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of spiritual compromise and the insidious nature of temptation. The high status of the offenders did not exempt them from judgment, illustrating that God's standards apply to all. For believers today, it highlights the importance of maintaining purity in conduct and guarding against influences that would lead to spiritual unfaithfulness or idolatry, as warned in the New Testament.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 31:8 (5 votes)

    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.

  • Joshua 13:21 (4 votes)

    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.

  • Numbers 25:18 (2 votes)

    For they vex you with their wiles, wherewith they have beguiled you in the matter of Peor, and in the matter of Cozbi, the daughter of a prince of Midian, their sister, which was slain in the day of the plague for Peor's sake.