Chapter 137 of 1163

NUMBERS 31

The last battle Moses directed was against the Midianites who, at Balaam’s suggestion, had seduced Israel into both idolatry and immorality (chap. 25). Each tribe sent one thousand soldiers, and the high priest went before the army with the ark of the covenant. It was God’s battle, and He would give victory.

Balaam did not have long to enjoy whatever rewards Balak gave him because he was killed in the battle (v. 8). Alas, he did not “die the death of the righteous” (23:10)! As Mark wrote, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Mark 8:36).

Israel won the war but almost lost the victory, for the leaders brought some Midianite women into the camp along with the spoils. Incomplete obedience always leads to further temptation. (See 1 Sam. 15.) If we do not defeat the enemy, the enemy will defeat us.

They had fought a “holy war,” but the army was defiled in the slaying of the Midianites. They had to purify themselves and the spoils to be clean before God (chap. 19). Some of the spoils were cleansed by fire. The Lord wants clean soldiers as well as conquering soldiers.

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