Numbers 31:2

Translations

Modern

“Take vengeance on the Midianites for the Israelites. After that, you will be gathered to your people.”

Traditional

Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people.

Literal

“Avenge the vengeance of the sons of Israel against the Midianite; afterward you shall be gathered to your people.”

Latin

Ulciscere prius filios Israël de Madianitis, et sic colligeris ad populum tuum.

Original

Hebrew

English

“Take vengeance on the Midianites for the Israelites. After that, you will be gathered to your people.”

Notes

Numbers 31:1–2

The Lord instructed Moses to lead Israel in a war against the Midianites. The Midianites had joined the Moabites in influencing the Hebrews to worship idols (chapter 25). The Midianites were a tribal people living in the dry regions south and east of Palestine and east of the Jordan River. They were among the "people of the east" (Judges 6:3, 33; 7:12). They lived in camps or settlements and were famous for their desert transportation skills (compare Genesis 37:28, 36; Isaiah 60:6).

They descended from Abraham and had been friendly to Moses (Genesis 25:1–2; Exodus 2:15–3:1; compare Numbers 10:29). Yet, the elders of Midian joined Balak in hiring Balaam to curse Israel (22:4, 7). Israel's presence threatened the peoples of Transjordan (the area east of the Jordan River).

Theme notes and profiles

Moses

Related verses

Numbers 27:13
After you have seen it, you too will be gathered to your people, as your brother Aaron was;
Numbers 25:14–18
The name of the Israelite who was slain with the Midianite woman was Zimri son of Salu, the leader of a Simeonite family.
Revelation 6:10
And they cried out in a loud voice, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge those who dwell upon the earth and avenge our blood?”
Judges 2:10
After that whole generation had also been gathered to their fathers, another generation rose up who did not know the LORD or the works that He had done for Israel.
Judges 16:28–30
Then Samson called out to the LORD: “O Lord GOD, please remember me. Strengthen me, O God, just once more, so that with one vengeful blow I may pay back the Philistines for my two eyes.”
Genesis 15:15
You, however, will go to your fathers in peace and be buried at a ripe old age.
1 Thessalonians 4:6
…and no one should ever violate or exploit his brother in this regard, because the Lord will avenge all such acts, as we have already told you and solemnly warned you.
Romans 12:19
Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”
Numbers 31:3
So Moses told the people, “Arm some of your men for war, that they may go against the Midianites and execute the LORD’s vengeance on them.
Hebrews 10:30
For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge His people.”
Psalm 94:1–3
O LORD, God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, shine forth.
Luke 21:22
For these are the days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written.

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Places

Midian: A nation descended from Abraham; oppressed Israel in the time of the judges

Glossary

Deuteronomy, Book of Midian, Midianite Numbers, Book of

Topics

Journey of Israel Through The Desert: Return to the Plains of Moab: Midianites Destroyed and Balaam Slain Midianites with the Moabites: Punished for Seducing Israel Moses: Death and Burial of The Theocracy: or Immediate Government by God: Consisted in His: Proclaiming War War: God: Frequently Ordered

Numbers 31:2

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