Numbers 31:1-12 / God Fights for Us
📖 Scripture
1 The Lord said to Moses,
2 “Take vengeance on the Midianites for the Israelites. After that, you will be gathered to your people.”
3 So Moses said to the people, “Arm some of your men to go to war against the Midianites so that they may carry out the Lord’s vengeance on them.
4 Send into battle a thousand men from each of the tribes of Israel.”
5 So twelve thousand men armed for battle, a thousand from each tribe, were supplied from the clans of Israel.
6 Moses sent them into battle, a thousand from each tribe, along with Phinehas son of Eleazar, the priest, who took with him articles from the sanctuary and the trumpets for signaling.
7 They fought against Midian, as the Lord commanded Moses, and killed every man.
8 Among their victims were Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur and Reba—the five kings of Midian. They also killed Balaam son of Beor with the sword.
9 The Israelites captured the Midianite women and children and took all the Midianite herds, flocks and goods as plunder.
10 They burned all the towns where the Midianites had settled, as well as all their camps.
11 They took all the plunder and spoils, including the people and animals,
12 and brought the captives, spoils and plunder to Moses and Eleazar the priest and the Israelite assembly at their camp on the plains of Moab, by the Jordan across from Jericho.
✅ Scripture Summary
✅ Memory verse
✅ Reflection
Justice Is at Hand (31:1–6)
Because God is just, the Midianites must face judgment for their corruption of Israel. At Balaam’s advice, the Midianites had seduced the Israelites into worshiping Baal, and now, they will face the consequences for their actions. Twelve thousand men of Israel go into battle joined by Phinehas the priest, showing that God is on their side. We are reminded that we love and serve a God of justice. When we see and experience unjust situations, we can trust that God will not let injustice prevail forever. Let us not lose heart when challenges come our way. Let us remember that the God of justice is with us, and He can never fail because He is all-powerful.
What injustices do you see around you? Ask God to intervene and bring His justice to the situation.
The Severity of Sin (31:7–12)
The Israelites completely destroy the five kings of Midian, Balaam, and all the men. At first glance, this may seem overly severe. Isn’t it the Israelites’ fault that they worshiped Baal? Shouldn’t Israel alone face judgment for their actions? Yet, this story reveals the severity of sin and the consequences of leading God’s people into idolatry. Even if Israel is at fault, God will still punish those who lead His covenant people into sin. This continues to apply today: we ourselves may fall into temptation and sin, but those who influence us to sin likewise face the consequences of their behavior. Let us recognize the severity of sin and fight heartily against it, ever pursuing holiness to become more like our God.
What is a sin that you are battling against? Confess it to God, and ask Him to help you fight against it.
“History will not lack a moral resolution. Perfect justice will come. But those in Christ do not need to fear it.”
– Sam Allberry
✅ Prayer
✅ Essay
God’s Undying Devotion
In Habakkuk 1:5–6, the Lord tells the prophet, “Look at the nations and watch—and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told. I am raising up the Babylonians, that ruthless and impetuous people.” Understandably, Habakkuk is flabbergasted. He knows that the people of Judah deserve judgment, just as Israel has already been conquered by Assyria. However, how could God use the utterly godless nation of Babylon to execute judgment?
Later, God reassures Habakkuk that He will judge Babylon as well. In this book, we catch a glimpse of the inner workings of the Lord. God must judge His people for their unfaithfulness, but this does not mean that the other nations will remain unpunished. While God permits the wicked nations to serve as agents of judgment, He does not approve of their actions. In fact, He is angry at them as well, and they will be judged for their injustices. The situation is complex, but the bird’s-eye view helps us understand God’s devotion and commitment to His covenant people.
We have the privilege of knowing that, thanks to Jesus’ death on the cross, the judgment we deserved has been fully paid for. We also know that, in the face of current, rampant injustice, we have the sure hope that one day Christ will return and make all things right. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author of our salvation for all of our past, present, and future.
Written by Bob Koo