Numbers 31:1-24 – War
The Midianites land was not designed to be given to Israel, nor would Israel have meddled with them if they had not sent their women among them to draw them to fornication and idolatry. God will have the Midianites punished. God will have us count those our worst enemies that draw us to sin. There is a day coming when vengeance will be taken on those that have introduced errors and corruption into the church, and the devil that deceives men will be cast into the lake of fire. This is the final task God gives Moses, that he who has so deeply resented the evil of the Midianites might have the satisfaction of seeing it avenged. God said, Avenge Israel; Moses says, Avenge the Lord; for the interests of God and Israel are united, and the cause of both is one and the same. And if God, in what he does, shows himself jealous for the honour of Israel, surely Israel, in what they do, ought to show themselves jealous for the glory of God.
God gives Israel a great victory. When they return they are met with great respect. Moses himself walks out of the camp to congratulate them on their victory. Public successes should be publicly acknowledged, to the glory of God. But they are also severely rebuked for saving the women alive. They are those that caused the children of Israel to commit sin; and therefore it is just that they should die, and it is dangerous to let them live. The people must purify themselves, for they have shed blood. They must also purify what they have taken, the captives and all the goods. These things have been used by Midianites, and, having now come into the possession of Israelites, they should be sanctified to the service of that holy nation and the honour of their holy God. To us now every thing is sanctified by the word and prayer, if we are sanctified by the Spirit.
Question
- What does God command Moses to do?
- Why is Moses angry with the Israelites?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks for God’s holiness.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.