Numbers 25:17

"Attack the Midianites and strike them dead.

Study Bible

Attack the Midianites
The Hebrew word for "attack" is "צרור" (tzarar), which conveys the idea of binding or oppressing. This command from God to Moses is not merely a call to physical battle but a divine directive to confront and subdue the spiritual and moral corruption that the Midianites represented. Historically, the Midianites were a nomadic people who had led Israel into idolatry and immorality, as seen in the earlier verses of Numbers 25. This phrase underscores the necessity of addressing sin decisively and the importance of maintaining the purity of the covenant community. From a conservative Christian perspective, this can be seen as a call to spiritual vigilance and the need to confront sin in our lives with the same seriousness.

and strike them dead
The phrase "strike them dead" translates from the Hebrew "והכיתם" (vehikitem), which means to smite or kill. This severe command reflects the gravity of the situation Israel faced. The Midianites had not only led Israel into sin but had also become a stumbling block to their relationship with God. In the broader biblical narrative, this act of judgment serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the holiness of God. It highlights the seriousness with which God views idolatry and unfaithfulness. For the believer, it is a call to recognize the destructive power of sin and the importance of living a life set apart for God. This passage challenges us to consider the areas in our lives where we may need to take decisive action to remove influences that lead us away from God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Midianites
A nomadic tribe descended from Midian, a son of Abraham by Keturah. They were often in conflict with Israel and played a significant role in leading the Israelites into idolatry and immorality.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. At this time, they were journeying through the wilderness towards the Promised Land.

3. Moab
A neighboring nation to Israel, whose people, along with the Midianites, enticed the Israelites into sin.

4. Baal of Peor
A local deity worshiped by the Moabites and Midianites. The Israelites were seduced into worshiping this false god, leading to God's anger.

5. Phinehas
The grandson of Aaron, who zealously defended God's honor by executing an Israelite man and a Midianite woman engaged in idolatry and immorality, thus stopping a plague among the Israelites.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Idolatry and Immorality
The Israelites' sin with the Midianites serves as a warning against the dangers of idolatry and immorality. Believers must guard their hearts and remain faithful to God.

Zeal for God's Honor
Phinehas' actions demonstrate the importance of zeal for God's honor. Christians are called to stand firm in their faith and oppose sin in their lives and communities.

God's Justice and Mercy
While God commands justice against sin, His mercy is evident in the provision of atonement and forgiveness through repentance. Believers should seek God's mercy and extend it to others.

The Importance of Obedience
Obedience to God's commands is crucial for maintaining a right relationship with Him. The Israelites' failure to obey led to severe consequences, reminding us of the importance of following God's Word.

Bible Study Questions

1. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' failure to resist the temptations presented by the Midianites, and how can we apply these lessons to our lives today?

2. How does the account of Phinehas inspire us to act with zeal for God's honor in our own contexts?

3. In what ways does the command to attack the Midianites reflect God's justice, and how can we reconcile this with His nature as a loving and merciful God?

4. How can we identify and resist modern forms of idolatry and immorality that may lead us away from God?

5. What connections can we draw between the events in Numbers 25 and the New Testament teachings on holiness and purity? How can these connections guide our daily walk with Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 17:8-16
The Amalekites, like the Midianites, were enemies of Israel. God's command to remember and deal with these enemies is similar to His command regarding the Midianites.

Judges 6-8
The account of Gideon, who was called by God to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites, showing the ongoing conflict between Israel and Midian.

Psalm 106:28-31
This passage reflects on Israel's sin at Peor and highlights Phinehas' righteous act, which was credited to him as righteousness.