Numbers 25:15

And the name of the slain Midianite woman was Cozbi, the daughter of Zur, a tribal chief of a Midianite family.

Study Bible

And the name of the Midianite woman
This phrase introduces us to a significant character in the narrative, emphasizing the importance of names in biblical texts. In Hebrew culture, names often carry deep meanings and reflect the character or destiny of a person. The mention of the Midianite woman highlights the intermingling of the Israelites with foreign nations, which was a recurring issue leading to idolatry and sin. The Midianites were descendants of Abraham through Keturah, and their interactions with Israel were often fraught with conflict and temptation.

who was put to death
This phrase underscores the severity of the situation and the drastic measures taken to address sin within the Israelite camp. The act of putting someone to death in this context was not merely punitive but served as a means of purging evil from among the people, as commanded in the Law of Moses. It reflects the holiness and justice of God, who requires His people to be set apart and free from idolatry and immorality.

was Cozbi
The name "Cozbi" is of particular interest, as it is derived from a root that can mean "deceiver" or "liar." This is fitting given the role she played in leading the Israelites into sin. Her name serves as a reminder of the deceptive allure of sin and the importance of remaining vigilant against influences that can lead believers astray.

daughter of Zur
Zur, meaning "rock" or "stone" in Hebrew, was a tribal chief, indicating Cozbi's high status and influence. This connection highlights the political and social dynamics at play, as alliances through marriage were common in ancient times to secure peace or power. However, such alliances often led to spiritual compromise, as seen in this narrative.

a tribal chief of a Midianite family
This phrase emphasizes the authority and influence of Cozbi's family within the Midianite community. The Midianites were a nomadic people with whom the Israelites had a complex relationship, marked by both kinship and enmity. The mention of her family's status serves to illustrate the broader conflict between Israel and the surrounding nations, which often involved spiritual warfare and the temptation to forsake the covenant with Yahweh.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Cozbi
A Midianite woman who was involved in leading the Israelites into idolatry and immorality. Her death was part of a divine judgment against the sin that had infiltrated the Israelite camp.

2. Zur
Cozbi's father, a tribal chief of a Midianite family. His position indicates the significant influence and potential political implications of Cozbi's actions.

3. Midian
A region and people often in conflict with Israel. The Midianites were descendants of Abraham through Keturah, and their interactions with Israel were frequently marked by hostility and temptation.

4. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who were led astray into sin through the influence of the Midianites, resulting in a severe plague as a consequence of their disobedience.

5. Phinehas
Although not mentioned in this specific verse, Phinehas played a crucial role in stopping the plague by taking decisive action against the sin in the camp, demonstrating zeal for God's holiness.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Compromise
Cozbi's involvement with the Israelites highlights the dangers of compromising with the surrounding culture, which can lead to spiritual downfall.

Leadership and Influence
Zur's position as a tribal chief reminds us of the significant influence leaders have, for good or ill, and the responsibility that comes with leadership.

Zeal for Holiness
Phinehas' actions demonstrate the importance of zeal for God's holiness and the need to address sin decisively within the community of believers.

Consequences of Sin
The events in Numbers 25 serve as a stark reminder of the serious consequences of sin and the need for repentance and obedience to God.

God's Faithfulness and Justice
Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God remains faithful to His covenant, executing justice while also providing a way for restoration.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Cozbi and the Israelites' sin at Peor illustrate the dangers of cultural compromise for believers today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our leadership and influence align with God's purposes, as opposed to leading others into sin?

3. How can we cultivate a zeal for holiness in our personal lives and within our church communities, similar to Phinehas?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced the consequences of sin. How did that experience shape your understanding of God's justice and mercy?

5. How can the warnings and lessons from Numbers 25 be applied to modern-day challenges faced by the church, particularly regarding idolatry and immorality?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 34:15-16
Warns against making covenants with the inhabitants of the land, which could lead to idolatry. This connects to the Israelites' sin in Numbers 25, where they were led astray by the Midianites.

Psalm 106:28-31
Reflects on Israel's sin at Peor and commends Phinehas for his righteous action, which stopped the plague and was credited to him as righteousness.

1 Corinthians 10:8
Paul references the events of Numbers 25 as a warning to the Corinthians against sexual immorality and idolatry, emphasizing the consequences of such actions.