Numbers 25:14

The name of the Israelite who was slain with the Midianite woman was Zimri son of Salu, the leader of a Simeonite family.

Study Bible

The name of the Israelite man
This phrase introduces us to the individual whose actions brought about a significant event in Israel's history. In Hebrew culture, names often carry deep meanings and reflect the character or destiny of a person. The identification of this man by name underscores the personal responsibility and the gravity of his actions.

who was killed
The Hebrew root for "killed" is "nakah," which can mean to strike, smite, or slay. This word indicates a decisive and violent action, reflecting the severity of the judgment executed upon Zimri. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and disobedience to God's commandments.

with the Midianite woman
The mention of the Midianite woman highlights the intermingling that was forbidden by God. The Midianites were descendants of Abraham through Keturah, but they were often in conflict with Israel. This union symbolizes a spiritual and cultural compromise that led Israel astray, emphasizing the importance of maintaining purity in worship and obedience to God.

was Zimri son of Salu
Zimri's name, meaning "my music" or "my praise," contrasts sharply with his actions, which brought dishonor rather than praise. His lineage, "son of Salu," places him within a familial and tribal context, showing that his actions had implications not just for himself but for his entire family and tribe.

a leader of a Simeonite family
As a leader, Zimri held a position of influence and responsibility. The tribe of Simeon was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, and leaders were expected to set an example of faithfulness to God. Zimri's failure as a leader serves as a cautionary tale about the impact of leadership and the importance of integrity and obedience to God's laws.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Zimri
An Israelite man, identified as the son of Salu and a leader of a Simeonite family. His actions in this passage are significant because they represent a breach of covenant faithfulness to God, as he openly defied God's commands by consorting with a Midianite woman.

2. Salu
The father of Zimri, indicating the familial and tribal connections that Zimri had within the tribe of Simeon. This highlights the gravity of Zimri's actions, as he was not just any Israelite but a leader.

3. Midianite Woman
Though not named in this verse, she is identified elsewhere as Cozbi, the daughter of a Midianite leader. Her involvement with Zimri symbolizes the temptation and sin that led Israel astray.

4. Simeonite Family
The tribe of Simeon, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Zimri's actions brought shame and judgment upon his tribe, illustrating the communal impact of individual sin.

5. Event of Judgment
This verse is part of a larger account where God’s judgment falls upon Israel due to their idolatry and immorality with the Moabite and Midianite women, leading to a plague that was only stopped by Phinehas's zealous act.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Leadership Failure
Leaders have a significant influence on their communities. Zimri's sin as a leader had severe repercussions for his tribe and the nation. We must pray for and support our leaders to uphold godly standards.

The Danger of Compromise
Zimri's relationship with the Midianite woman represents a compromise of faith and obedience. Believers must guard against compromising their values and faith for worldly pleasures or relationships.

The Importance of Zeal for God’s Holiness
Phinehas's response to the sin in Israel shows the importance of being zealous for God's holiness. We should be passionate about upholding God's standards in our lives and communities.

Communal Impact of Personal Sin
Zimri's sin affected the entire community, leading to a plague. Our personal sins can have broader implications, affecting our families, churches, and communities.

Repentance and Restoration
While this passage focuses on judgment, it also points to the need for repentance and the possibility of restoration. God desires His people to turn back to Him and be restored.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Zimri's position as a leader in the tribe of Simeon affect the interpretation of his actions in this passage?

2. In what ways can we see the dangers of compromise in our own lives, and how can we guard against them?

3. How does the account of Phinehas's zeal for God's holiness challenge us in our own spiritual walk?

4. What are some modern-day examples of how personal sin can impact a community, and how can we address these issues biblically?

5. How can we apply the principles of repentance and restoration in our lives when we recognize areas where we have fallen short?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:3-5
The first and second commandments warn against idolatry and having other gods, which is directly related to the sin of the Israelites in Numbers 25.

1 Corinthians 10:8
Paul references this event as a warning to the Corinthians about sexual immorality and idolatry, showing the timelessness of the lesson.

Psalm 106:28-31
This Psalm recounts Israel's sin at Peor and highlights Phinehas's righteous act, which stopped the plague, emphasizing the importance of zeal for God's holiness.