King James Version

What Does Numbers 31:2 Mean?

Numbers 31:2 in the King James Version says “Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people.” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people.”

Numbers 31:2 · KJV

Context

1

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

2

Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people.

3

And Moses spake unto the people, saying, Arm some of yourselves unto the war, and let them go against the Midianites, and avenge the LORD of Midian.

4

Of every tribe a thousand , throughout all the tribes of Israel, shall ye send to the war. Of: Heb. A thousand of a tribe, a thousand of a tribe

Read Numbers 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God commands Moses to 'avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites' for their role in the Baal-Peor incident (Num 25). This divine judgment demonstrates God's holy hatred of sin and protection of His covenant people. The Hebrew 'naqam' (avenge) indicates righteous retribution, not personal revenge. Significantly, this is Moses' final military act before death - the leader who interceded for Israel numerous times must execute judgment on those who led Israel into idolatry and immorality. This foreshadows Christ who combines perfect mercy with perfect justice, saving His people while judging impenitent rebels (2 Thess 1:7-9).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Midianites, related to Israel through Abraham and Keturah (Gen 25:1-2), should have been allies. However, Balaam advised them to seduce Israel into Baal worship through intermarriage and immorality (Num 31:16, Rev 2:14). This resulted in a plague killing 24,000 Israelites. The judgment came 38 years into wilderness wanderings, as Israel prepared to enter Canaan. Moses' involvement ensured continuity - the same leader who saw God's judgment on Egypt now executed it on Israel's seducers.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you balance showing love to unbelievers while maintaining holy separation from worldly values?
  2. Are there 'Midianites' in your life - influences that seem harmless but are leading you toward spiritual compromise?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
נְקֹ֗ם1 of 10

“Avenge”

H5358

to grudge, i.e., avenge or punish

נִקְמַת֙2 of 10
H5360

avengement, whether the act of the passion

בְּנֵ֣י3 of 10

“the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל4 of 10

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

מֵאֵ֖ת5 of 10
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַמִּדְיָנִ֑ים6 of 10

“of the Midianites”

H4084

a midjanite or descendant (native) of midjan

אַחַ֖ר7 of 10

“afterward”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

תֵּֽאָסֵ֥ף8 of 10

“shalt thou be gathered”

H622

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

אֶל9 of 10
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עַמֶּֽיךָ׃10 of 10

“unto thy people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

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 31:2 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 31:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 27:13Revelation 6:10Numbers 25:14-18Judges 2:10Numbers 31:3Numbers 25:6

Test Your Knowledge

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