Numbers 31:3

And Moses spake unto the people, saying, Arm some of yourselves unto the war, and let them go against the Midianites, and avenge the LORD of Midian.

And Moses {H4872} spake {H1696} unto the people {H5971}, saying {H559}, Arm {H2502} some {H582} of yourselves unto the war {H6635}, and let them go against the Midianites {H4080}, and avenge {H5414}{H5360} the LORD {H3068} of Midian {H4080}.

Moshe said to the people, "Equip men from among yourselves for war. They are to go and fight Midyan, in order to carry out ADONAI's vengeance on Midyan.

So Moses told the people, “Arm some of your men for war, that they may go against the Midianites and execute the LORD’s vengeance on them.

And Moses spake unto the people, saying, Arm ye men from among you for the war, that they may go against Midian, to execute Jehovah’s vengeance on Midian.

Commentary

Numbers 31:3 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey, detailing Moses' command to prepare for war against the Midianites. This instruction was not an act of human aggression but a direct divine mandate, emphasizing God's righteous judgment against those who led His people astray.

Context of the Command

This verse directly follows the tragic events of Baal-peor, where the Midianites, in league with the Moabites, enticed Israelite men into idolatry and sexual immorality with their women. This transgression provoked God's wrath, resulting in a devastating plague that killed 24,000 Israelites. The command to "avenge the LORD of Midian" is therefore a divine response to this profound spiritual betrayal and a necessary act of cleansing and justice for the covenant community. It highlights the serious consequences of spiritual compromise and disobedience within Israel's history.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Justice and Retribution: The primary motivation for this war is not territorial expansion or personal vendetta, but God's righteous judgment against the Midianites for their role in corrupting Israel. It underscores God's active involvement in human affairs, especially when His holiness and covenant are violated.
  • Holy War (Cherem): This campaign is an example of a "holy war," commanded by God Himself. In such conflicts, Israel acted as an instrument of divine judgment against nations whose wickedness had reached a tipping point. It was a unique aspect of Israel's early history, distinct from modern warfare.
  • Obedience and Consequence: Moses' immediate instruction to "arm some of yourselves unto the war" demonstrates Israel's obedience to God's specific command, even when it involved difficult and violent actions. It serves as a reminder that disobedience carries severe consequences, both for those who transgress and sometimes for those who lead others into sin.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "avenge the LORD" uses the Hebrew verb naqam (נָקַם), which implies more than simple revenge. It often carries the meaning of vindication, retribution, or the execution of justice. Here, it signifies the restoration of God's honor and the righteous consequence for the Midianites' actions against His people and His holiness. It is God's justice being carried out through human agents, not human spite.

Practical Application

While believers today are not called to wage physical wars of vengeance, the principles embedded in this verse remain relevant. It reminds us that God is a God of justice who takes sin seriously. He will ultimately address all wickedness and rebellion, as seen in the final judgment. For us, this translates into a call for spiritual vigilance and purity, recognizing that engaging in spiritual idolatry or compromise has serious spiritual consequences. We are to "put on the whole armour of God" (Ephesians 6:11) to stand against the spiritual forces of evil, understanding that God's justice will prevail.

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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

  • Leviticus 26:25 (3 votes)

    And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall avenge the quarrel of [my] covenant: and when ye are gathered together within your cities, I will send the pestilence among you; and ye shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy.

  • Numbers 25:13 (2 votes)

    And he shall have it, and his seed after him, [even] the covenant of an everlasting priesthood; because he was zealous for his God, and made an atonement for the children of Israel.

  • Exodus 17:9 (2 votes)

    And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand.

  • Exodus 17:13 (2 votes)

    And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

  • Judges 5:23 (2 votes)

    Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the LORD, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty.

  • Judges 5:2 (2 votes)

    Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves.

  • Numbers 25:11 (2 votes)

    Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, hath turned my wrath away from the children of Israel, while he was zealous for my sake among them, that I consumed not the children of Israel in my jealousy.