45: The Midianite War: The Lord’s vengeance (Num 31:1 - 24)

The Lord spoke to Moses: “Exact vengeance for the Israelites from the Midianites.”

πŸ‘‰ Read Numbers 31:1-24

Whose vengeance was the battle? (two)

 

They killed every Midianite male, their kings, and (             ). They took (         ) their goods as plunder and brought them to the camp. Moses and all the leaders went out to meet them (               ) of the camp.

 

What made Moses get angry? (15- 16)

 

What do you think has made them unclean through the battle? (19)

 

Answers and meditations

Israel’s vengeance, the Lord’s vengeance

Any harm against His people will be counted as an attack on the Lord. Be careful not to accuse brothers and sisters in the Lord.

Note that this war was initiated by the Lord, Phinehas son of Eleazar the priest carried the holy articles and went out with them.

 

Balaam, all, outside

There are seven ‘all’ in verses 9 – 11. The Bible emphasizes that they were busy taking ALL plunders while performing the Lord’s war.


It was because they kept the women involved in seducing Israel to sin alive.

They didn’t know the seriousness of their sin of idolatry, which was seduced by adultery.

They made this holy war a raid of a mob full of greed and lust. We should be careful not to indulge in worldly pleasure while doing God's ministry.

 

Dead bodies made them unclean.

Though they did the Lord’s war, they became unclean and needed to stay outside the camp for seven days. We could be contaminated by the uncleanness of the world, even when we do the Lord's works. Then, we need to take a time of rest and restoration.

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