Defeating The Midianites (31:1-54)
Neal Pollard
How many of the men who participated in the battle against Midian will be in Joshua’s army is unclear, but these wanderers are enlisted to conquer the people who dragged them into sin earlier (see 25:1ff). He is foreshadowing a lesson that will be important during the conquest, a lesson Israel will disobey and fail to learn to their own hurt and difficulty: “Purge the evil influence of the world around you from among you.” Notice what is found in this chapter.
THE SUCCESSFUL WAR (1-8). They killed every Midianite male, the five kings, and Balaam (remember him?). The Lord spoke (1) and the army, comprised of a thousand from each tribe (5), warred (7) and killed (8) the Midianites.
THE SPOILS (9-12). They captured women, children, livestock and goods. Though they destroyed their cities (10), they brought the aforementioned back to the leadership, the congregation, and the camp.
THE REBUKE (13-16). Moses is angry with the warriors for sparing the women who caused Israel to sin in the matter of Peor through Balaam’s counsel. While women would customarily be part of the “spoil,” these women were known agents of immorality.
THE REMEDY (17-24). The command is specific. Kill every male child, kill every woman not a virgin, keep virgins for themselves, purify themselves (warriors), purify by fire everything that can withstand fire, wash clothes, and be clean after seven days. The High Priest passes these commands of the Lord along to them (21).
THE TAX (25-54). The total tribute was divided between the warriors and the congregation, a portion given to Eleazer as an offering to God. It is fitting for a people who have become enriched in battle, a battle which the Lord enabled to happen. Their gift should have been prompted by gratitude.
God is seeking to teach the Israelites (and us) some valuable lessons.
1. Sin cannot go unpunished (the Midianites’ influence had been a spiritual detriment)
2. Instructions must be followed (Israel is rebuked for arbitrarily choosing to spare women and children)
3. Giving to God comes first, before using and spending for self
4. Those who do the work (warriors) should be rewarded accordingly
5. You reap what you sow (Midian and Balaam)
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