Book of Numbers - Chapter 31 - Verse 7

In this verse from the book of Numbers, we see the Israelites waging war against the Midianites at the command of the Lord through Moses. The Israelites were instructed to carry out this attack as a response to the Midianites' deceitful actions and their attempt to lead the Israelites astray from their faith. The command to kill all the males in the Midianite community was a common practice during ancient warfare, as it was believed that by eliminating the male population, the enemy's ability to fight and reproduce would be severely diminished, ultimately weakening their strength and power. This act of war was seen as necessary for the Israelites to protect themselves and their faith from those who sought to harm them. It is important to remember that the context in which these events took place was vastly different from our modern standards of morality and warfare, and should be understood within the historical and religious framework of the time.

One theological interpretation of the verse 'And they warred against the Midianites, as the LORD commanded Moses; and they slew all the males.' is that it reflects the Old Testament concept of holy war. In this context, the Israelites are carrying out the command of the Lord to engage in warfare against the Midianites. This act of war is not seen as simply an act of aggression, but rather as a divinely sanctioned conflict. The Lord's command to destroy all the males can be understood as a form of divine judgment against the Midianites for their opposition to God's people. This interpretation highlights the belief in a God who is actively involved in the affairs of His people and who uses warfare as a means of carrying out His purposes.

Word studies of key terms in this verse, such as 'warred' and 'slain', can provide further insight into the actions of the Israelites. The Hebrew word for 'warred' can also be translated as 'fought', indicating a violent confrontation between the two groups. The word for 'slew' carries the connotation of a deliberate and decisive act of killing. By examining these specific words, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the intensity and severity of the conflict between the Israelites and the Midianites.