Life oscillates between discussing and doing. There is a time for words and a time for action.
After three chapters of talk, the conversation takes a sharp turn: “The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: ‘Take vengeance on the Midianites’” (Num 31:1-2). This is Moses’ last action before heading up Nebo to die. Anyone reading this chapter in the 21st century will have some serious thoughts. One example: “They warred against the Midianites…and they killed all the males…And…took the women of Midian captive, with their little ones” (vv 7, 9). Then, to complicate things further, “Moses said to them: ‘Have you kept all the women alive? Look, these women caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to trespass against the Lord…Now therefore, kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman who has known a man intimately. But keep alive for yourselves all the young girls who have not known a man intimately’” (vv 15-18). I’m glad I didn’t live in those days, but some things should be noted. First, this was “vengeance” (v 2) on Midian in their war against God—a divine execution. Balaam (who died in this battle, v 8), was hired to manipulate the gods against Israel. Second, it was a focused engagement, not against Moab in general but against Midian, the perpetrators. As to keeping the young virgins to marry, it is common practice for marauding armies to rape the women, leaving them to their own resources. God would have none of that! In this way they would act responsibly. Moses’ command to kill certain women grates against our values, but, as Moses points out, these were the “secret agents,” in on the plan. Interestingly, the last great battle to destroy Israel will take place in these very mountains. Here Yeshua ha-Mashiach will come to rescue His remnant. What a day that will be!