Numbers 31
Dear RTB’ers,
Holy war. We saw a lot of holy war last year when we read Joshua, as the Israelites were claiming the Promised Land. Today’s holy war is different from what we read earlier: The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Avenge the people of Israel on the Midianites…” (vv. 1-2a). This war is the Lord’s revenge on behalf of His people because of Midian’s having led them astray in their Baal worship at Peor, Numbers 25:1-9, which we read just a few days ago. It’s heartening to see the Lord looking out for His people in this way, to keep them from further sins of idolatry. It’s also a reminder to us of the apostle Paul’s warning, Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19) We are not to avenge ourselves when we are wrongly treated. Pray for the person or people or situation where we were mistreated, forgive them if you are able, and leave it up to God to deal with them. Yes, difficult.
By the way, this is not the end of the Midianites. We will see them soon in the book of Judges, after we read Mark and Deuteronomy.
Blessings!
See also: February 18 (2023) / Numbers 30-31