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: {c} Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword.(c) The false prophet who gave counsel how to cause the Israelites to offend their God. read more
VENGEANCE ON MIDIAN (vs.1-11) The Midianites had been guilty of seducing Israel, and God required that account to be settled. This was the last charge laid upon Moses before his death (v.2). His own father in law was a Midianite (Exodus 3:1), so that it was surely a traumatic responsibility for Moses to command Israel to take vengeance for the Lord on Midian. Yet there is no indication that he even hesitated. He had learned the word of the Lord is absolute and he would not at all question... read more
BALAAM ’S SCHEME We are not through with the “hireling” prophet. We find him referred to in three places in the New Testament. 2 Peter 2:15 speaks of his “way,” Jude 1:11 of his “error” and Revelation 2:14 of his “doctrine.” His way is that which characterizes all false teachers, viz: making a market of their gifts. His error lay in failing to see the principle of the vicarious atonement by which God can be just and yet the justifier of believing sinners (Romans 3:26 ). In other words, he... read more
The Reader will not forget to observe that Midian, and not Moab, was first the seat of war; though it is probable, from what we read before, of Midian and Moab acting in conjunction, to get Balaam, the pretended conjuror, to curse Israel, that both nations were in colleague. See Numbers 22:7 . read more
Reader! pause over the death of this wretched character, and remark the sure destruction of the ungodly. The man whose eyes he confessed were open, but whose heart never was influenced by grace. Devils are of this stamp. They cannot but believe, because they know who CHRIST is; but never love, and therefore tremble. James 2:19 . read more
Recem; by which name Petra, the capital of Arabia Petrea, is known. This petty king probably took his title from this city, over which he presided. (Calmet) --- All the five had been, perhaps, tributary to Sehon, Josue xiii. 21. (Haydock) --- Sur, the wretched parent of Cozbi, chap. xxv. 15. (Calmet) --- Balaam. Some think he was a native of Madian, though he had resided in Mesopotamia. He had either stopped in this country, or hearing of the calamities of the Hebrews, had returned to receive... read more
7-12 The Israelites slew the Kings of Midian. They slew Balaam. God's overruling providence brought him thither, and their just vengeance found him. Had he himself rightly believed what he had said of the happy state of Israel, he would not have thus herded with the enemies of Israel. The Midianites' wicked wiles were Balaam's projects: it was just that he should perish with them, Hosea 4:5. They took the women and children captives. They burnt their cities and castles, and returned to the... read more
The Overthrow of Midian v. 1. And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, v. 2. Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites, by undertaking a formal campaign of revenge against them, as commanded Numbers 26:16-Job :. Afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people, as had been revealed to him Numbers 27:13. v. 3. And Moses spake unto the people, saying, Arm some of yourselves unto the war, prepare everything for a campaign, mobilize an army, and let them go against the Midianites, and... read more
EIGHTH SECTIONThe new Separation from the Heathenism of Midian analogous to the earlier Separation from the Heathenism of Egypt. The war of Revenge against Midian as a prologue to the extermination of the Canaanites. The Midianitish spoil a parallel to the Egyptian.Numbers 31:1-541, And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 2Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people. 3And Moses spake unto the people, saying, Arm some of yourselves unto the... read more
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Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Numbers 31:1-54
7. The War Against the Midianites CHAPTER 31 1. The command to fight Midian (Numbers 31:1-6 ) 2. The war (Numbers 31:7-12 ) 3. The cleansing (Numbers 31:13-24 ) 4. The spoil taken (Numbers 31:25-47 ) 5. The oblation of the officers (Numbers 31:48-54 ) War is commanded next by the Lord. The Lord said to Moses, “Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites; afterward shalt thou be gathered to thy people.” This is, therefore, the last thing in the official life of Moses. This war... read more