Num 31:8 | KingComments | STEP | All men are killed. That not all the people have been killed we see later, when Midian is again a formidable enemy of the people ( ). The five kings are heads of Midian tribes. In Numbers 25 Zur is called “head” ( ), and in Joshua 13 speaks of “chiefs” ( ). Also Balaam cannot escape judgment. His name is associated with that of the five kings. It seems that he was their advisor. He falls with the enemies of God’s people with whom he has joined. He has wished to die the death of the upright ( ), but he has continued to live in his wickedness. He did not want to join the people of the righteous. What he is separated from in his life, he is separated from in his death and will remain so forever. In His grace God gives His people a great victory with much spoil. He fights for His people, because His honor is involved. If we are dragged along by false influences, it also involves God’s honor.

‏ Numbers 31:8

The Battle and Its Outcome

All men are killed. That not all the people have been killed we see later, when Midian is again a formidable enemy of the people (Jdg 6:1-3). The five kings are heads of Midian tribes. In Numbers 25 Zur is called “head” (Num 25:15), and in Joshua 13 speaks of “chiefs” (Jos 13:21).

Also Balaam cannot escape judgment. His name is associated with that of the five kings. It seems that he was their advisor. He falls with the enemies of God’s people with whom he has joined. He has wished to die the death of the upright (Num 23:10), but he has continued to live in his wickedness. He did not want to join the people of the righteous. What he is separated from in his life, he is separated from in his death and will remain so forever.

In His grace God gives His people a great victory with much spoil. He fights for His people, because His honor is involved. If we are dragged along by false influences, it also involves God’s honor.