Numbers 31:15

"Have you spared all the women?" he asked them.

Study Bible

Have you spared
The phrase "Have you spared" in the context of this verse is a direct question posed by Moses to the Israelite soldiers. The Hebrew root for "spared" is "חָיָה" (chayah), which means to let live or to preserve life. This word choice is significant as it reflects a moment of moral and spiritual questioning. In the broader narrative, Moses is addressing the soldiers' failure to fully execute God's command regarding the Midianites. From a conservative Christian perspective, this highlights the importance of obedience to divine instructions and the consequences of partial obedience. It serves as a reminder of the seriousness with which God's commands should be taken, emphasizing the need for complete faithfulness in following God's will.

all the women
The phrase "all the women" refers to the Midianite women who were taken captive by the Israelites. Historically, the Midianites were a nomadic people often in conflict with Israel. The context here is crucial, as these women had previously led the Israelites into idolatry and immorality, as recorded earlier in Numbers 25. The Hebrew word for "women" is "נָשִׁים" (nashim), which simply means females or women. In this passage, the focus on the women underscores the spiritual and moral corruption they had introduced to the Israelites. From a conservative Christian viewpoint, this serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing influences that lead believers away from God. It stresses the importance of spiritual purity and the need to guard against anything that might compromise one's faith and obedience to God. This narrative also reflects the broader biblical theme of the struggle between following God's commands and the temptations of the world.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. In this passage, Moses is addressing the Israelite soldiers after their return from battle.

2. Israelite Soldiers
The men who went to battle against the Midianites as commanded by God. They are the recipients of Moses' question and rebuke.

3. Midianites
A nomadic people who were adversaries of Israel. The Midianites had previously led Israel into sin through the counsel of Balaam.

4. Women of Midian
Specifically, the women who were spared by the Israelite soldiers. These women had played a role in leading Israel into idolatry and immorality.

5. The Battle Against Midian
An event where God commanded Moses to take vengeance on the Midianites for their role in leading Israel into sin.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Sin
The passage highlights the gravity of sin and its consequences. The Midianite women had led Israel into sin, and Moses' question underscores the need for vigilance against influences that lead us away from God.

Obedience to God's Commands
The Israelites were given specific instructions regarding the Midianites. This teaches us the importance of complete obedience to God's commands, even when they are difficult to understand or execute.

The Role of Leadership
Moses' leadership is evident as he holds the soldiers accountable. This demonstrates the responsibility of leaders to guide and correct those under their care according to God's standards.

The Danger of Compromise
Sparing the women represented a compromise that could lead to future sin. This serves as a warning against allowing seemingly small compromises to take root in our lives.

God's Holiness and Justice
The command to take vengeance on the Midianites reflects God's holiness and justice. It reminds us that God is righteous and will not tolerate sin indefinitely.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does Moses' question in Numbers 31:15 reveal about the importance of following God's instructions fully?

2. How can we apply the lesson of avoiding compromise in our own lives, especially in areas where we are tempted to stray from God's commands?

3. In what ways does the leadership of Moses in this passage serve as a model for Christian leaders today?

4. How does the account of the Midianite women relate to the broader biblical theme of idolatry and its dangers?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a decision to obey God completely or compromise. What did you learn from that experience, and how can it inform your future choices?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 32
The incident of the golden calf, where the Israelites fell into idolatry, parallels the sin with the Midianites, highlighting the recurring struggle with idolatry.

1 Corinthians 10
Paul warns the Corinthians about the dangers of idolatry and immorality, using Israel's history as a cautionary example.

Deuteronomy 20
Provides laws concerning warfare, including the treatment of enemies, which can be contrasted with the specific command given in Numbers 31.