King James Version
What Does Numbers 31:10 Mean?
“And they burnt all their cities wherein they dwelt, and all their goodly castles, with fire.”
Numbers 31:10 · KJV
Context
8
And they slew the kings of Midian, beside the rest of them that were slain; namely, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, five kings of Midian: Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword.
9
And the children of Israel took all the women of Midian captives, and their little ones, and took the spoil of all their cattle, and all their flocks, and all their goods.
10
And they burnt all their cities wherein they dwelt, and all their goodly castles, with fire.
11
And they took all the spoil, and all the prey, both of men and of beasts.
12
And they brought the captives, and the prey, and the spoil, unto Moses, and Eleazar the priest, and unto the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the camp at the plains of Moab, which are by Jordan near Jericho.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThey burnt all their cities wherein they dwelt, and all their goodly castles, with fire—the Hebrew sarap (burnt) indicates complete destruction, while tirah (castles/encampments) suggests both permanent settlements and nomadic fortifications. This total destruction went beyond mere military victory to cultural obliteration, ensuring Midian could not regroup or continue their seductive influence over Israel.
The burning of cities parallels Israel's later conquest of Canaan, where God commanded destruction of idolatrous centers (Deuteronomy 7:5, 12:3). Fire purified the land from idolatry's pollution—the same fires that would burn Canaanite high places now consumed Midianite worship centers. This foreshadows ultimate judgment when God will purify creation with fire (2 Peter 3:10-12), burning away all that corrupts His people.
The burning of cities parallels Israel's later conquest of Canaan, where God commanded destruction of idolatrous centers (Deuteronomy 7:5, 12:3). Fire purified the land from idolatry's pollution—the same fires that would burn Canaanite high places now consumed Midianite worship centers. This foreshadows ultimate judgment when God will purify creation with fire (2 Peter 3:10-12), burning away all that corrupts His people.
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Historical & Cultural Context
Midianite settlements in this period combined permanent towns with mobile encampments, reflecting their semi-nomadic lifestyle. Archaeological evidence shows Bronze Age settlements in Transjordan matching this description. The burning prevented Midian from rebuilding quickly and removed places where Baal worship occurred. This military tactic—destroying enemy infrastructure—was common in ancient Near Eastern warfare, but Israel's theological motivation (removing idolatry's sources) distinguished their campaigns from purely political conquest.
Reflection Questions
- What 'strongholds' in your life—habits, environments, or thought patterns—need complete destruction rather than gradual reform?
- How does God's command to destroy sin's infrastructure challenge modern tolerance of 'manageable' compromise?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 9 wordsוְאֵ֤ת1 of 9
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל2 of 9
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עָֽרֵיהֶם֙3 of 9
“all their cities”
H5892a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
בְּמ֣וֹשְׁבֹתָ֔ם4 of 9
“wherein they dwelt”
H4186a seat; figuratively, a site; abstractly, a session; by extension an abode (the place or the time); by implication, population
וְאֵ֖ת5 of 9
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל6 of 9
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Numbers 31:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Numbers 31:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge