Obedience, Consequences, and Commitment
Numbers 31–32 recount two significant events that shaped Israel’s journey toward the Promised Land: the war against Midian and the request of the tribes of Reuben and Gad to settle outside Canaan.
The final task God assigns to Moses, as recorded in Numbers 31, is to execute His judgment on the Midianites (v. 2). This was due to Midian’s role in leading Israel into idolatry and immorality at Baal of Peor, resulting in God’s wrath and the death of 24,000 Israelites. (25:16-18). The Lord said to Moses in Numbers 25:16, “Treat the Midianites as enemies and kill them." Accordingly, Moses appoints 1,000 men from each tribe, totaling 12,000 warriors, to go into battle (v. 4-5).
This war is not one of conquest but of God’s judgment on a people who had deliberately sought to corrupt His chosen nation. It is a Holy War, as indicated by the presence of Phinehas, the priest, alongside the 12,000 Israelite warriors. Phinehas, known for his zeal for God’s holiness, carries the sacred articles and trumpets, symbolizing that this war was God-ordained and spiritually significant (v. 6). Phinehas is the one who intervened in 25:7 and thereby halted the plague provoked by the worship of Baal. He goes as chaplain to the army because his father, the high priest, had to keep away from the pollution caused by death in battle. The outcome is to be the complete destruction of all living beings and the dedication of all material possessions to the Lord.
The Israelite army successfully defeats the Midianites, killing every male (v. 7). Among those killed were five Midianite kings and Balaam, the false prophet who obviously had returned from Pethor at some time to affiliate with the Midianites (v. 8). Balaam had once claimed to speak for God (Numbers 23-24), yet his greed and wickedness led him to oppose God’s people, sealing his fate (2 Peter 2:15). The towns and camps of Midian were also destroyed and their plunder retained for the Lord. However, the women and children were spared, as were the animals (v. 9-12). Their failure to completely eliminate the corrupting influence of Midian leads to a strong rebuke from Moses.
Because the Midianites had led Israel into Baal worship, God commanded their destruction (25:16–18). However, instead of fully obeying, the Israelites spared the women, possibly influenced by the allure of Midian’s sinful ways. This failure to fully confront sin foreshadows their future struggles—when they later enter the Promised Land, their complacency toward sin ultimately leads to their downfall. In contrast, Moses acts swiftly and decisively to address the issue. Likewise, when God reveals sin in our lives, we must respond without hesitation, removing it completely before it takes root.
When the soldiers return, Moses is angry because they have spared the Midianite women, the very ones who had led Israel into sin (v. 13-14). He rebukes them, saying, “Have you allowed all the women to live? They were the ones who followed Balaam’s advice and enticed the Israelites to be unfaithful to the Lord” (v. 15-16). To prevent further corruption, Moses commands that only the virgin girls be spared, while all other women and boys be put to death (v. 17-18). Though this seems harsh by modern standards, it was necessary to protect Israel from future moral and spiritual corruption.
God is just and will judge sin. Just as Israel was commanded to remove Midian’s corrupting influence, we are called to separate ourselves from anything that draws us away from God. Are there influences in your life—relationships, entertainment, or habits—that are leading you away from holiness? Ask God to reveal any compromises, take inventory of your influences, and remove anything that weakens your faith.
In the act of war against the Midianites, many Israelites had become ceremonially unclean, so they, their prisoners, and everything made of leather, goat hair, or wood had to be cleansed by the proper rituals. The soldiers and captives were to remain outside the camp for seven days and, on the third and seventh day, cleanse themselves and their belongings to remove any impurity from battle (v. 19-20). Eleazar gives strict purification instructions required by the law that the Lord gave Moses (v. 21). Anything that could survive fire (gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, lead) could be purified by fire and the water of cleansing. Those materials which could not withstand fire, however, were to be purified by the water only (v. 22-23). On the seventh day, they were to wash their clothes and return to camp (v. 24).
Again, we see that God calls His people to purity and gratitude. Just as Israel needed purification, we need to daily ask God to cleanse our hearts from sin. Are you regularly seeking spiritual cleansing through repentance and gratitude? Make time for confession and gratitude today. Set aside a moment to repent of any sin and to thank God for His protection and provision.
The plunder is then divided equally between the warriors and the rest of Israel, with a portion dedicated to the Lord and the Levites (v. 25-27). As an offering to the Lord, one out of every five hundred from the soldiers’ portion and one out of every fifty from the community’s portion is set aside for the Levites (v. 28-31, 41). The passage also provides a detailed account of how these portions were divided (vv. 32-47).
Moses told the Israelites to give a portion of the war spoils to God, and another portion was to go to the people who remained behind. Similarly, the money we earn is not ours alone. Everything we possess comes directly or indirectly from God and ultimately belongs to him. We should return a portion to him and also share a portion with those in need.
The chapter concludes with the warriors recognizing God’s protection in battle and voluntarily offering gold from the spoils as a thanksgiving offering. This act of gratitude came after a post-battle count revealed that not a single soldier was missing. The commanders of the troops were deeply thankful for this miraculous deliverance (vv. 48-54). Likewise, when we endure difficult times, we should be quick to acknowledge God’s protection and express our gratitude for His provision and deliverance.
Numbers 31 serves as a powerful reminder of God’s justice, holiness, and the importance of complete obedience. Israel’s victory over the Midianites was not just a military conquest but an act of divine judgment against those who had led them into sin. The careful distribution of the spoils and the purification rituals emphasized the necessity of honoring God in all aspects of life. This chapter challenges us to take sin seriously, to respond swiftly to God’s commands, and to recognize that everything we have ultimately belongs to Him.
Numbers 32 records another significant moment before Israel enters the Promised Land. The tribes of Reuben and Gad, blessed with large herds and flocks, saw the Transjordan as the perfect place to settle because of its rich pastureland, especially in Jazer and Gilead. Knowing the land was already conquered and ready for occupation, the leaders of these tribes asked Moses for permission to stay, as it best suited their needs (v. 1-5).
Their request sparks concern and tension, as Moses fears that their unwillingness to cross over will discourage the rest of Israel. Moses reacts strongly, comparing it to the failure of the previous generation at Kadesh Barnea, where Israel’s refusal to enter Canaan led to 40 years of wandering (v. 6-13). He warns them: “Why do you discourage the Israelites from crossing over into the land the Lord has given them?” (v. 7). Moses sees their request as a repeat of past rebellion, fearing that it will weaken the faith of the other tribes and bring God’s judgment again. He reminds them that God’s anger burned against their ancestors for refusing to trust Him, and warns that if they fail to follow through, they will bring disaster upon Israel again (v. 14-15).
Moses saw that one group’s reluctance could affect the whole nation just as it did before. Spiritual compromise can discourage others and have widespread consequences. We must be intentional in our faith, ensuring that our choices encourage and uplift others rather than weaken their trust in God. Are your actions strengthening others in faith or discouraging them?
In response to Moses’ rebuke, the leaders of Reuben and Gad clarify their intentions. They promise to build settlements for their families and livestock, but they will not rest until they have helped the other tribes conquer Canaan: “We will arm ourselves and go before the Israelites until we have brought them to their place” (v. 17). Moses accepts their offer but holds them accountable: “If you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the Lord; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out” (v. 23). This powerful statement emphasizes that breaking a commitment before God has consequences. Their agreement is made publicly before the leaders and the Lord, ensuring accountability.
We must not take our oaths lightly; obedience requires follow-through, and God holds us accountable to our commitments (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5). When we say we will follow God, serve Him, or support others, we must follow through. Are you keeping the commitments you have made to God and others? Reflect on any spiritual commitments you’ve made—whether in prayer, ministry, or personal devotion—and renew your dedication to keeping them.
Moses formally grants their request, assigning Joshua, Eleazar, and the tribal leaders to ensure that Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh fulfill their vow (v. 28-30). If they refuse, they will forfeit their inheritance and be required to settle in Canaan instead. The two-and-a-half tribes then began settling in Gilead, rebuilding cities such as Dibon, Ataroth, and Jazer (v. 34-42). However, their decision comes with a cost—by settling east of the Jordan, they are geographically and spiritually distanced from the rest of Israel. This later leads to conflict and misunderstanding (Joshua 22) and leaves them more vulnerable to enemy attacks (1 Chronicles 5:25-26).
Numbers 32 highlights the importance of commitment, responsibility, and unity among God’s people. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh initially appeared to seek their own interests, but they ultimately pledged to support their fellow Israelites in conquering the Promised Land. Their willingness to keep their promise reminds us that obedience to God includes honoring our commitments, even when the task is difficult or doesn’t directly benefit us. This chapter challenges us to be faithful in our responsibilities, to work for the good of others, and to trust that God’s plan is greater than our personal desires. True faithfulness is demonstrated not only in seeking blessings for ourselves but in ensuring that we help others receive theirs as well.
Numbers 31–32 emphasize both obedience to God and responsibility toward others. In Numbers 31, Israel carried out God’s judgment on the Midianites, reminding us of the seriousness of sin and the necessity of complete obedience. In Numbers 32, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh sought to settle east of the Jordan but remained committed to helping their fellow Israelites conquer the Promised Land. These chapters challenge us to trust God’s commands fully and remain faithful in our commitments. Just as these tribes followed through on their promises, we are called to serve with integrity, ensuring that we complete the work God has given us, not just for our benefit but for the good of others.
Comments