Numbers 31:8
Numbers 31:8 in Multiple Translations
Among the slain were Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba—the five kings of Midian. They also killed Balaam son of Beor with the sword.
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.
And they slew the kings of Midian with the rest of their slain: Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, the five kings of Midian: Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword.
They put the kings of Midian to death with the rest, Evi and Reken and Zur and Hur and Reba, the five kings of Midian: and Balaam, the son of Beor, they put to death with the sword.
Among those killed were the five kings of Midian, Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba. They also killed Balaam, son of Beor, with the sword.
They slue also the Kings of Midian among them that were slaine: Eui and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur and Reba fiue kings of Midian, and they slue Balaam the sonne of Beor with the sworde:
and the kings of Midian they have slain, besides their pierced ones, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, five kings of Midian; and Balaam son of Beor, they have slain with the sword.
They killed the kings of Midian with the rest of their slain: Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba, the five kings of Midian. They also killed Balaam the son of Beor with the sword.
And they slew the kings of Midian, besides 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.
And their kings Evi, and Recem, and Sur, and Hur, and Rebe, five princes of the nation: Balaam also the son of Beer they killed with the sword.
Among those whom they killed were the five kings of the Midian people-group—Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba. They also killed with a sword Balaam, the son of Beor.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 31:8
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Numbers 31:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אֶת
מַלְכֵ֨י
מִדְיָ֜ן
הָרְג֣וּ
עַל
חַלְלֵי/הֶ֗ם
אֶת
אֱוִ֤י
וְ/אֶת
רֶ֨קֶם֙
וְ/אֶת
צ֤וּר
וְ/אֶת
חוּר֙
וְ/אֶת
רֶ֔בַע
חֲמֵ֖שֶׁת
מַלְכֵ֣י
מִדְיָ֑ן
וְ/אֵת֙
בִּלְעָ֣ם
בֶּן
בְּע֔וֹר
הָרְג֖וּ
בֶּ/חָֽרֶב
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
מַלְכֵ֨י
melek
H4428
King's
N-mp
מִדְיָ֜ן
Midyân
H4080
Midian
N-proper
הָרְג֣וּ
hârag
H2026
to kill
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
חַלְלֵי/הֶ֗ם
châlâl
H2491
slain
Adj | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֱוִ֤י
ʼĔvîy
H189
Evi
N-proper
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
רֶ֨קֶם֙
Reqem
H7552
Rakem
N-proper
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
צ֤וּר
Tsûwr
H6698
Zur
N-proper
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
חוּר֙
Chûwr
H2354
Hur
N-proper
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
רֶ֔בַע
Rebaʻ
H7254
Reba
N-proper
חֲמֵ֖שֶׁת
châmêsh
H2568
five
Adj
מַלְכֵ֣י
melek
H4428
King's
N-mp
מִדְיָ֑ן
Midyân
H4080
Midian
N-proper
וְ/אֵת֙
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
בִּלְעָ֣ם
Bilʻâm
H1109
Balaam
N-proper
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
בְּע֔וֹר
Bᵉʻôwr
H1160
Beor
N-proper
הָרְג֖וּ
hârag
H2026
to kill
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
בֶּ/חָֽרֶב
chereb
H2719
sword
Prep | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 31:8
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מַלְכֵ֨י
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-mp
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
מִדְיָ֜ן
Midyân
H4080
"Midian"
N-proper
Refers to Midian, a son of Abraham, his country, and descendants, known for being a tribe that lived in the desert north of the Arabian peninsula.
Definition: § Midian or Midianite = "strife" the tribe descended from Midian inhabitant of the territory of the tribe descended from Midian; located principally in the desert north of the Arabian peninsula; land to which Moses went when he fled from Pharaoh
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: Midian, Midianite. See also: Genesis 25:2; Judges 7:1; Psalms 83:10.
הָרְג֣וּ
hârag
H2026
"to kill"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To kill or slay with intent, as seen in the Bible when God instructs the Israelites to destroy certain nations. This word is used in various forms, including to murder or destroy. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) to kill, slay, murder, destroy, murderer, slayer, out of hand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kill, slay 1a2) to destroy, ruin 1b) (Niphal) to be killed 1c) (Pual) to be killed, be slain
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: destroy, out of hand, kill, murder(-er), put to (death), make (slaughter), slay(-er), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:8; 2 Kings 8:12; Psalms 10:8.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
חַלְלֵי/הֶ֗ם
châlâl
H2491
"slain"
Adj | Suff
This word describes something or someone that has been profaned or hurt, like in Numbers 35:33. It can also mean to be pierced or wounded, as in physically harmed.
Definition: : killed 1) slain, fatally wounded, pierced 1a) pierced, fatally wounded 1b) slain Also means: cha.lal (חָלָל ": wounded" H2491H)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: kill, profane, slain (man), [idiom] slew, (deadly) wounded. See also: Genesis 34:27; Isaiah 66:16; Psalms 69:27.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֱוִ֤י
ʼĔvîy
H189
"Evi"
N-proper
Evi was a leader of the Midianites, mentioned in Numbers 31:8. His name means 'my desire', and he lived during the time of the Israelites' wilderness journey. He was one of five chiefs
Definition: A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.31.8 § Evi = "my desire" one of five chiefs of Midian
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Evi. See also: Numbers 31:8; Joshua 13:21.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
רֶ֨קֶם֙
Reqem
H7552
"Rakem"
N-proper
The name of a person and a place in the Bible, including a man from the tribe of Manasseh, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 7:16. The name Rekem means 'variegation' or 'colorful'. The KJV simply translates it as 'Rekem'.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Manasseh living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.7.16; son of: Sheresh (H8329); brother of: Ulam (H0198) § Rekem = "variegation" a Manassite, son of Machir by Maachah his wife
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Rekem. See also: Numbers 31:8; 1 Chronicles 2:43; 1 Chronicles 7:16.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
צ֤וּר
Tsûwr
H6698
"Zur"
N-proper
Zur, a personal name meaning rock, given to a Midianite and an Israelite in 1 Chronicles 8:30 and Numbers 25:15.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.8.30; son of: Abiel (H0022) and Maacah (H4601N); brother of: Kish (H7027), Ner (H5369), Abdon (H5658J), Baal (H1168B), Nadab (H5070J), Gedor (H1446I), Ahio (H0283I), Zecher (H2144) and Mikloth (H4732) § Zur = "rock" 1) father of Cozbi and one of the 5 Midianite princes who were slain when Balaam fell 2) son of Jehiel, the father or leader of Gibeon
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Zur. See also: Numbers 25:15; Joshua 13:21; 1 Chronicles 9:36.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
חוּר֙
Chûwr
H2354
"Hur"
N-proper
Hur was a personal name given to several Israelites and one Midianite, including a chief assistant to Moses and Aaron, and a father of Rephaiah in the time of Nehemiah, as mentioned in Nehemiah 3:9 and other biblical passages.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.3.9; father of: Rephaiah (H7509J) § Hur = "hole" 1) a chief assistant to Moses and Aaron 2) grandfather of Bezaleel, the chief artificer of the tabernacle; possibly the same as 1 above 3) the 4th of the 5 kings of Midian who were slain with Balaam after Peor 4) father of Rephaiah in the time of Nehemiah 5) father of Ben-Hur who was commissariat officer for Solomon in Mount Ephraim
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: Hur. See also: Exodus 17:10; Joshua 13:21; Nehemiah 3:9.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
רֶ֔בַע
Rebaʻ
H7254
"Reba"
N-proper
Reba was a Midianite king who lived during the time of Moses and the Israelites. He was one of the five kings killed by the Israelites, as recorded in Numbers 31:8.
Definition: A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.31.8 § Reba = "four" one of the 5 kings of Midian slain by the Israelites when Balaam fell
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Reba. See also: Numbers 31:8; Joshua 13:21.
חֲמֵ֖שֶׁת
châmêsh
H2568
"five"
Adj
This Hebrew word simply means the number five. It is used throughout the Bible to describe quantities of five, such as five loaves of bread in Matthew 14:17. It can also mean a multiple of five.
Definition: 1) five 1a) five (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of five (with another number) 1c) fifth (ordinal number)
Usage: Occurs in 272 OT verses. KJV: fif(-teen), fifth, five ([idiom] apiece). See also: Genesis 5:6; Numbers 31:45; Ezra 2:66.
מַלְכֵ֣י
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-mp
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
מִדְיָ֑ן
Midyân
H4080
"Midian"
N-proper
Refers to Midian, a son of Abraham, his country, and descendants, known for being a tribe that lived in the desert north of the Arabian peninsula.
Definition: § Midian or Midianite = "strife" the tribe descended from Midian inhabitant of the territory of the tribe descended from Midian; located principally in the desert north of the Arabian peninsula; land to which Moses went when he fled from Pharaoh
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: Midian, Midianite. See also: Genesis 25:2; Judges 7:1; Psalms 83:10.
וְ/אֵת֙
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בִּלְעָ֣ם
Bilʻâm
H1109
"Balaam"
N-proper
Balaam was a prophet from Mesopotamia, also the name of a place in Palestine. He is known for trying to curse the Israelites in the book of Numbers.
Definition: A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.22.5; son of: Beor (H1160H) Also named: Balaam (Βαλαάμ "Balaam" G0903) § Balaam = "not of the people" the son of Beor, a man endowed with the gift of prophecy
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: Balaam, Bileam. See also: Numbers 22:5; Numbers 23:2; Micah 6:5.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
בְּע֔וֹר
Bᵉʻôwr
H1160
"Beor"
N-proper
Beor was a man in the Bible, the father of Balaam, a famous prophet, and also the father of Bela, an Edomite king. His name means 'burning' and he is mentioned in the book of Numbers. The KJV translates it as 'Beor'.
Definition: A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.22.5; father of: Balaam (H1109A) Also named: Bosor, Beōr (Βοσόρ, Βεώρ "Beor" G1007) § Beor = "burning" 1) father of Balaam 2) father of Bela, king of Edom
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Beor. See also: Genesis 36:32; Deuteronomy 23:5; Micah 6:5.
הָרְג֖וּ
hârag
H2026
"to kill"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To kill or slay with intent, as seen in the Bible when God instructs the Israelites to destroy certain nations. This word is used in various forms, including to murder or destroy. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) to kill, slay, murder, destroy, murderer, slayer, out of hand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kill, slay 1a2) to destroy, ruin 1b) (Niphal) to be killed 1c) (Pual) to be killed, be slain
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: destroy, out of hand, kill, murder(-er), put to (death), make (slaughter), slay(-er), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:8; 2 Kings 8:12; Psalms 10:8.
בֶּ/חָֽרֶב
chereb
H2719
"sword"
Prep | N-fs
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
Study Notes — Numbers 31:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 31:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 31:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 31:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 31:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 31:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 31:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 31:8
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 31:8
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 31:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 31:8
- Sermons on Numbers 31:8
Context — Vengeance on Midian
6And Moses sent the thousand from each tribe into battle, along with Phinehas son of Eleazar the priest, who took with him the vessels of the sanctuary and the trumpets for signaling.
7Then they waged war against Midian, as the LORD had commanded Moses, and they killed every male.
8Among the slain were Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba—the five kings of Midian. They also killed Balaam son of Beor with the sword.
9The Israelites captured the Midianite women and their children, and they plundered all their herds, flocks, and goods. 10Then they burned all the cities where the Midianites had lived, as well as all their encampments,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 13:21–22 | all the cities of the plateau and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon until Moses killed him and the chiefs of Midian (Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba), the princes of Sihon who lived in the land. The Israelites also killed the diviner Balaam son of Beor along with the others they put to the sword. |
| 2 | Numbers 25:15 | And the name of the slain Midianite woman was Cozbi, the daughter of Zur, a tribal chief of a Midianite family. |
| 3 | Revelation 2:14 | But I have a few things against you, because some of you hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block before the Israelites so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality. |
| 4 | Jude 1:11 | Woe to them! They have traveled the path of Cain; they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam; they have perished in Korah’s rebellion. |
| 5 | Numbers 22:10 | And Balaam said to God, “Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, sent me this message: |
| 6 | Psalms 9:16 | The LORD is known by the justice He brings; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands. Higgaion Selah |
| 7 | Revelation 19:20 | But the beast was captured along with the false prophet, who on its behalf had performed signs deceiving those who had the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. Both the beast and the false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. |
| 8 | Numbers 24:25 | Then Balaam arose and returned to his homeland, and Balak also went on his way. |
| 9 | 1 Timothy 6:9–10 | Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. |
| 10 | Psalms 10:2 | In pride the wicked pursue the needy; let them be caught in the schemes they devise. |
Numbers 31:8 Summary
In Numbers 31:8, we see God's judgment on the five kings of Midian and the prophet Balaam, who had led the Israelites into sin. This event shows us that God is serious about sin and will judge those who lead others astray, as seen in Deuteronomy 23:3-6. The killing of these leaders serves as a reminder of the importance of following God's commands and avoiding sin, as emphasized in Psalm 119:1-8 and Proverbs 10:27. By studying this verse, we can learn to fear God and turn away from sin, trusting in His mercy and forgiveness, as seen in 1 John 1:9.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the five kings of Midian killed in Numbers 31:8?
The five kings of Midian were killed as part of God's judgment on the Midianites for their role in leading the Israelites into sin, as seen in Numbers 25:1-9 and 31:16. This event was a fulfillment of God's command to Moses in Numbers 31:2.
Who was Balaam and why was he killed in Numbers 31:8?
Balaam was a prophet who had been hired by the Moabite king Balak to curse the Israelites, but God intervened and caused Balaam to bless the Israelites instead, as seen in Numbers 22-24. However, Balaam later advised the Midianites on how to lead the Israelites into sin, and his actions ultimately led to his death as part of God's judgment on the Midianites, as referenced in Numbers 31:16 and Revelation 2:14.
What is the significance of the names of the five kings of Midian in Numbers 31:8?
The names of the five kings of Midian, Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba, are not extensively explained in the Bible, but their mention in Numbers 31:8 serves to emphasize the completeness of God's judgment on the Midianites, as seen in Numbers 31:7-11. The focus is on God's action and the fulfillment of His commands, rather than on the individual characteristics of the kings.
How does the killing of the five kings of Midian and Balaam relate to the rest of the Bible?
The killing of the five kings of Midian and Balaam is part of the larger narrative of God's judgment on those who oppose Him and lead His people into sin, as seen in Deuteronomy 23:3-6 and Joshua 13:21-22. This event also foreshadows the ultimate judgment of God on all those who reject Him, as seen in Revelation 20:11-15.
Reflection Questions
- What does the killing of the five kings of Midian and Balaam reveal about God's character and His attitude towards sin?
- How can I apply the lesson of God's judgment on the Midianites to my own life and relationships?
- What role do leaders and influencers play in leading others into sin, and what are the consequences of such actions?
- How does the story of Balaam's death serve as a warning to those who would seek to lead God's people astray?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 31:8
And they slew the kings of Midian, beside the rest of them that were slain,.... Besides the males of the common people, they slew their kings, who were petty kings or princes, perhaps under the king
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 31:8
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 31:8
The kings, called dukes or princes of Sihon, , because they were subject to him while he lived, but upon his death they resumed their kingly power. Zur, the father of Cozbi, . Balaam also. Object. He was gone and returned to his own place, , which was Aram or Mesopotamia, . Answ. Either he did go thitherward, but in his journey made some stay in Midian, where he was overtaken by Divine vengeance; or understanding the success of his wicked counsel left with Balaam, in the sin and slaughter of the Israelites, he returned, partly to enjoy the reputation and reward of his counsel which he had lost before, and partly to employ his hellish arts against Israel, now they were, as he thought, forsaken by their God, and exposed to his malice. Here Balaam dies the death of the wicked, and not of the righteous, as he desired, .
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 31:8
Numbers 31:8 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.Ver. 8. And Zur.] The father of Cozbi, that noble harlot. Dignitas in indigno est ornamentum in luto. Sedes prima, et vita ima, is but golden rubbish, eminent infamy, noble dishonour. Balaam, also, the son of Beor.] Oh that God would cause the false prophets, and the unclean spirit (for whom they act, and by whom they are acted) to pass out of our land, according to his promise!
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 31:8
(8) And they slew the kings of Midian . . . —Those persons who are here described as kings appear to have been chiefs of the more powerful Midianitish tribes, just in the same way as Zur is represented in Numbers 25:15. They are described in Joshua 13:21 as “princes” or “chiefs,” and as “dukes” or “princes” of Sihon, by which expression it appears that they were his vassals. Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword.—The death of Balaam by the sword of the Israelites presents a strange and instructive contrast to the prayer which he uttered that he might die the death of the righteous (Numbers 23:10). Few of the ancient prophecies are more remarkable, as Bishop Wordsworth has observed, than those of Balaam for “spirituality of conception and sublimity of expression.” And if, as some think, we are to understand Micah 6:8 as containing the actual words which were addressed by Balaam to Balak, few men possessed a clearer perception of moral truth than that which is expressed in the words, “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? “And yet, notwithstanding the light which Balaam possessed, the sublimity of the prophecies which he uttered, and the purity of the motives by which he professed to be actuated, he “loved the wages of unrighteousness,” and gave himself up to do Satan’s bidding in “casting a stumbling-block before the children of Israel,” and miserably perished amongst the enemies of God and of His people. Bishop Wordsworth draws a striking and instructive contrast between Balaam and Moses, both of whom had visions of Christ and prophesied of Him, whilst one loved the wages of unrighteousness, and the other did all for God’s glory.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 31:8
Verse 8. Balaam - they slew with the sword.] This man had probably committed what St. John calls the sin unto death - a sin which God punishes with temporal death, while at the same time he extends mercy to the soul. See Clarke on Numbers 24:25.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 31:8
8. The five names of the kings may have been derived from an historical kernel of the story. They occur in the same order in Joshua 13:21; but there the tradition is different, since they are not only ‘princes of Midian’ but ‘chiefs of Sihon,’ who were slain in the battle against Sihon. There, as here, Balaam is mentioned in conjunction with them. Zur] is mentioned in Numbers 25:15 as the head of a Midianite family. Balaam also] See on Numbers 25:6.
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 31:8
And they slew ... were slain ... - Render: And the kings of Midian they put to death, beside those that fell in the battle; namely, etc.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 31:8
8. Slew the kings of Midian — “Our translators have not exhibited the distinction between the two Hebrew words here employed. Render thus: And the kings of Midian they put to death, besides those that fell in battle; namely, etc.
Sermons on Numbers 31:8
| Sermon | Description | |
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The Doom of the Double-Hearted. by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar warns against the fate of the double-hearted, exemplified by Balaam, who sought to serve both God and mammon, ultimately leading to his downfall. Balaam's life was m |
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A Sneak Attack (Part 3) by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of standing for Jesus and not giving in to temptation, even when others may mock or ridicule. The speaker encourages the audie |
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The Vow of the Nicolaitan Bride by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of going beyond personal convenience in order to fulfill God's plans for our lives. He quotes the scripture where Paul urges |
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The Church - God's Anointed Servant by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for believers to move beyond simply observing and rejoicing about the presence of God, and instead fully immerse themselves in His p |
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(The Foundation and the Building) Five Danger a Christian Worker Faces by Zac Poonen | In this video, Zach Poonen shares his concern about the inaccurate portrayal of Jesus Christ by many Christian workers, pastors, and churches. He emphasizes the importance of accur |
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Is the Bride of Christ Ready? by Don Courville | In the video, the preacher highlights the disturbing trend of false teachings and exploitation of vulnerable people in Africa. He describes how impoverished individuals in Africa a |
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The Apocalypse - Revelation 2 by Steve Gallagher | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the structure of the letters to the churches in the book of Revelation. He likens them to a form letter that can be customized for each congre |