 Previous Chapter |
 Return to Outline |
 Ask Questions |
 Next Chapter |
Chapter 25 records the sin into which the Israelites were led by the Medianites. The men were enticed by the Midianite women into adultery which ultimately led to idolatry by the Israelites. What Balak could not accomplish by Balaam, he accomplished by "lust" using the women of his country. In judgment, the Lord brought death upon 24,000 Israelite men.
In this chapter, the Lord demands vengeance upon the Medianites. An army is assembled, 1,000 men from each tribe. Phinehas, son of Eleazar, grandson of Aaron, led them into battle. Every Midianite man was killed. Every Midianite woman and child was captured. All their herds and flocks were taken. All the towns and cities were burned.
When Moses saw them returning with the Medianite women and children, he was very angry. These were the women that had led them into adultery so he commanded that all the women and male boys be killed. The virgin girls were allowed to live. The troops were commanded to remain outside the camp for 7 days to be purified for killing and touching dead bodies. Even their garments had to be purified. Anything that could stand heat was purified by fire. Anything that could not was purified by water.
The booty taken from the Medianites was divided between the soldiers and the people of Israel. One out of every 500, people, animals etc. were given to Eleazar as the Lord's share. The Levites received 2% of the peoples share.
Previous Chapter |
Return to Outline |
Ask Questions |
Next Chapter |