Numbers 31:9

The Israelites captured the Midianite women and their children, and they plundered all their herds, flocks, and goods.

Study Bible

The Israelites captured
This phrase indicates a decisive military action taken by the Israelites. The Hebrew root for "captured" is "lakad," which means to seize or take. This action was commanded by God as part of His judgment against the Midianites for leading Israel into idolatry and immorality (Numbers 25). Historically, this reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of taking captives during warfare, which was common in the context of divine retribution and justice.

the Midianite women and children
The mention of "women and children" highlights the completeness of the capture. In the Hebrew context, "women" (nashim) and "children" (taph) signify the non-combatant population. This reflects the severity of the judgment against Midian, as they were responsible for seducing Israel into sin. Theologically, this serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of leading others into sin, emphasizing the need for holiness and obedience to God.

and took all their herds, flocks, and goods as plunder
The phrase "took all their herds, flocks, and goods" indicates the totality of the Israelites' victory. The Hebrew word for "plunder" is "shalal," which means spoil or booty. This was a common practice in ancient warfare, where the victors would take the possessions of the defeated as a sign of triumph. In a spiritual sense, this can be seen as God providing for His people through the resources of their enemies, demonstrating His sovereignty and provision. Theologically, it underscores the principle that God can turn what was meant for evil into good for His people, as seen throughout Scripture.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Israelites
The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were led by Moses during this period.

2. Midianites
A nomadic tribe descended from Midian, a son of Abraham by Keturah. They were often in conflict with Israel.

3. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness.

4. Plunder
The goods, livestock, and captives taken by the Israelites from the Midianites as a result of their victory in battle.

5. Battle against Midian
A divinely commanded conflict where the Israelites were instructed to execute God’s judgment on the Midianites for their role in leading Israel into sin.

Teaching Points

God’s Justice and Judgment
God’s command to take vengeance on the Midianites demonstrates His justice and the seriousness of leading His people into sin.

The Consequences of Sin
The capture of the Midianite women and children serves as a reminder of the far-reaching consequences of sin, affecting entire communities and future generations.

Obedience to Divine Commands
The Israelites’ actions reflect their obedience to God’s specific instructions, highlighting the importance of following God’s commands even when they are difficult.

The Role of Leadership
Moses’ leadership in executing God’s judgment underscores the responsibility of leaders to guide their people according to God’s will.

Spiritual Warfare
The physical battle against Midian can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual warfare, where believers must be vigilant against influences that lead them away from God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the historical relationship between the Israelites and Midianites influence the events of Numbers 31:9?

2. In what ways does the capture of the Midianite women and children reflect the broader theme of God’s justice in the Old Testament?

3. How can we apply the principle of obedience to God’s commands in our daily lives, especially when faced with difficult decisions?

4. What lessons can we learn from Moses’ leadership in this passage that can be applied to spiritual or community leadership today?

5. How does understanding the concept of spiritual warfare help us interpret the events of Numbers 31:9 and apply them to our spiritual lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 25:1-4
Provides background on the Midianites as descendants of Abraham, establishing their historical and familial connection to Israel.

Numbers 25:1-3
Describes the sin of Israel with the Moabite and Midianite women, which led to God’s command for vengeance against Midian.

Deuteronomy 20:10-18
Offers laws concerning warfare, including the treatment of captives and plunder, providing context for the actions in Numbers 31.

Judges 6:1-6
Illustrates the ongoing conflict between Israel and Midian, showing the cyclical nature of Israel’s disobedience and God’s deliverance.