In Numbers chapter 31, the Lord commanded Moses to take vengeance upon the Midianites for the children of Israel. One thousand men were recruited, from each tribe of all the tribes of Israel to send to war. They warred against the Midianites, just as the Lord commanded, and they killed all the males. However, the army took the women of Midian captive with their little ones and took as spoil all their cattle, flocks, and goods. The women of Midian had previously caused the children of Israel to commit ritualistic fornication, so Moses’s anger was aroused. He told the returning army to remember the actions of those women and the threat they posed, and he commanded the leaders to kill them (along with the little males). Sometimes, people get upset when thinking about this but if any were guilty of sin, then they were being justly punished by God. If any were innocent, they were being spared of further heartaches that this world of sin brings. Either way, those immoral women would not be a snare to the men of Israel, nor would the little males be a future threat of rebelling against the army of the Lord. God is always merciful and just. Moses was in the right also, sternly taking the people’s spiritual threats seriously.  

12 Then they brought the captives, the booty, and the spoil to Moses, to Eleazar the priest, and to the congregation of the children of Israel, to the camp in the plains of Moab by the Jordan, across from Jericho.

13 And Moses, Eleazar the priest, and all the leaders of the congregation, went to meet them outside the camp.

14 But Moses was angry with the officers of the army, with the captains over thousands and captains over hundreds, who had come from the battle.

15 And Moses said to them: “Have you kept all the women alive?

16 Look, these women caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to trespass against the Lord in the incident of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the Lord.

17 Now therefore, kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman who has known a man intimately.

18 But keep alive for yourselves all the young girls who have not known a man intimately.

19 And as for you, remain outside the camp seven days; whoever has killed any person, and whoever has touched any slain, purify yourselves and your captives on the third day and on the seventh day.

20 Purify every garment, everything made of leather, everything woven of goats’ hair, and everything made of wood.”

~ Numbers 31:12-20

Holy God, You are worthy to be praised. Please grant me mercy, grace, and peace through Your Son, Jesus. The wicked have posed threats to Your people since ancient times. Their influence can be seen in the downfall of those who have called upon You, such as during the time leading up to the great flood. Even strong individuals like Samson and wise kings like Solomon were affected. Although Balaam was not able to directly curse the children of Israel, he advised Balak to send immoral women into the camp, causing them to stumble. This is why the book of Proverbs provides many warnings against immorality! I ask for Your help in taking my spiritual threats seriously, and to take whatever necessary steps, even if extreme, to remain pure (Matthew 6:27-30; 1 Corinthians 10:1-13). If I see others not taking their threats seriously, please grant me the wisdom and courage to lead them, like Moses. While we are not involved in physical warfare and violence, let us remove any stumbling blocks that hinder our spiritual growth and conviction of faith! In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.