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After that, you will be gathered to your people.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/31.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“On behalf of the people of Israel, take revenge on the Midianites for leading them into idolatry. After that, you will die and join your ancestors.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/31.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“Avenge the people of Israel on the Midianites. Afterward you shall be gathered to your people.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/31.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Take vengeance on the Midianites for the Israelites. After that, you will be gathered to your people.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/31.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/31.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“Take vengeance on the Midianites for the children of Israel. Afterward you shall be gathered to your people.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/31.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Take vengeance on the Midianites for the sons of Israel; afterward you will be gathered to your people.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/31.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Take full vengeance for the sons of Israel on the Midianites; afterward you will be gathered to your people.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/31.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Take full vengeance for the sons of Israel on the Midianites; afterward you will be gathered to your people.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/31.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“Take full vengeance for the sons of Israel on the Midianites; afterward you will be gathered to your people.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/31.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Take vengeance for the Israelites on the Midianites; afterward you will be gathered to your people [in death].”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/31.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Execute vengeance for the Israelites against the Midianites. After that, you will be gathered to your people.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/31.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Execute vengeance for the Israelites against the Midianites. After that, you will be gathered to your people.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/31.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/31.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />"Before you die, make sure that the Midianites are punished for what they did to Israel." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/31.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/31.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"Get even with the Midianites for what they did to the Israelites. After that you will join your ancestors [in death]."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/31.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"Punish the Midianites for what they did to the people of Israel. After you have done that, you will die." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/31.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Be sure to exact vengeance on behalf of the Israelis from the Midianites, after which you'll be taken home to your people."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/31.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?Take vengeance on the Midianites for the Israelites. After that, you will be gathered to your people.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/31.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"Exact vengeance for the Israelites on the Midianites--after that you will be gathered to your people." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/31.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"Avenge the children of Israel for the Midianites. Afterward you shall be gathered to your people."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/31.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward shalt thou be gathered to thy people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/31.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“Avenge the children of Israel on the Midianites. Afterward you shall be gathered to your people.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/31.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />“Execute the vengeance of the sons of Israel against the Midianites—afterward you are gathered to your people.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/31.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'Execute the vengeance of the sons of Israel against the Midianites -- afterwards thou art gathered unto thy people.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/31.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Avenge the avenging of the sons of Israel of the Midianites: afterwards thou shalt be gathered to thy people.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/31.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Revenge first the children of Israel on the Madianites, and so thou shalt be gathered to thy people. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/31.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />“First, avenge the sons of Israel from the Midianites, and then you shall be gathered to your people.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/31.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Avenge the Israelites on the Midianites, and then you will be gathered to your people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/31.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />“Avenge the Israelites on the Midianites; afterward you shall be gathered to your people.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/31.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Avenge the children of Israel against the Midianites; afterward you shall be gathered to your people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/31.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />“Be avenged with the vengeance of the children of Israel from the Midianites and then you shall be gathered to your people.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/31.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites; afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/31.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Avenge the wrongs of the children of Israel on the Madianites, and afterwards thou shalt be added to thy people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/31-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=9423" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/numbers/31.htm">Vengeance on Midian</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>And the LORD said to Moses, <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5358.htm" title="5358: nə·qōm (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To avenge, take vengeance. A primitive root; to grudge, i.e. Avenge or punish.">“Take vengeance</a> <a href="/hebrew/5360.htm" title="5360: niq·maṯ (N-fsc) -- Vengeance. Feminine of naqam; avengement, whether the act of the passion."></a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: mê·’êṯ (Prep-m:: DirObjM) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc.">on</a> <a href="/hebrew/4084.htm" title="4084: ham·miḏ·yā·nîm (Art:: N-proper-mp) -- A desc. of Midian. Patronymical or patrial from Midyan; a Midjanite or descend. of Midjan.">the Midianites</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nê (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">for the Israelites.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity."></a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥar (Adv) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after.">After that,</a> <a href="/hebrew/622.htm" title="622: tê·’ā·sêp̄ (V-Nifal-Imperf-2ms) -- To gather, remove. A primitive root; to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e. Remove.">you will be gathered</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: ‘am·me·ḵā (N-mpc:: 2ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">your people.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>So Moses told the people, “Arm some of your men for war, that they may go against the Midianites and execute the LORD’s vengeance on them.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/17-14.htm">Exodus 17:14-16</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write this on a scroll as a reminder and recite it to Joshua, because I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” / And Moses built an altar and named it The LORD Is My Banner. / “Indeed,” he said, “a hand was lifted up toward the throne of the LORD. The LORD will war against Amalek from generation to generation.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/25-17.htm">Deuteronomy 25:17-19</a></span><br />Remember what the Amalekites did to you along your way from Egypt, / how they met you on your journey when you were tired and weary, and they attacked all your stragglers; they had no fear of God. / When the LORD your God gives you rest from the enemies around you in the land that He is giving you to possess as an inheritance, you are to blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven. Do not forget!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/15-2.htm">1 Samuel 15:2-3</a></span><br />This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘I witnessed what the Amalekites did to the Israelites when they opposed them on their way up from Egypt. / Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them. Do not spare them, but put to death men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/13-21.htm">Joshua 13:21-22</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/6-1.htm">Judges 6:1-10</a></span><br />Again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD; so He delivered them into the hand of Midian for seven years, / and the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel. Because of the Midianites, the Israelites prepared shelters for themselves in the mountains, caves, and strongholds. / Whenever the Israelites planted their crops, the Midianites, Amalekites, and other people of the east would come up and invade them, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/83-9.htm">Psalm 83:9-18</a></span><br />Do to them as You did to Midian, as to Sisera and Jabin at the River Kishon, / who perished at Endor and became like dung on the ground. / Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, and all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/63-1.htm">Isaiah 63:1-6</a></span><br />Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah with crimson-stained garments? Who is this robed in splendor, marching in the greatness of His strength? “It is I, proclaiming vindication, mighty to save.” / Why are Your clothes red, and Your garments like one who treads the winepress? / “I have trodden the winepress alone, and no one from the nations was with Me. I trampled them in My anger and trod them down in My fury; their blood spattered My garments, and all My clothes were stained. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/50-21.htm">Jeremiah 50:21-22</a></span><br />Go up against the land of Merathaim, and against the residents of Pekod. Kill them and devote them to destruction. Do all that I have commanded you,” declares the LORD. / “The noise of battle is in the land—the noise of great destruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/25-12.htm">Ezekiel 25:12-14</a></span><br />This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because Edom acted vengefully against the house of Judah, and in so doing incurred grievous guilt, / therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: I will stretch out My hand against Edom and cut off from it both man and beast. I will make it a wasteland, and from Teman to Dedan they will fall by the sword. / I will take My vengeance on Edom by the hand of My people Israel, and they will deal with Edom according to My anger and wrath. Then they will know My vengeance, declares the Lord GOD.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/obadiah/1-10.htm">Obadiah 1:10-14</a></span><br />Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame and cut off forever. / On the day you stood aloof while strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gate and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were just like one of them. / But you should not gloat in that day, your brother’s day of misfortune, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast proudly in the day of their distress. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-38.htm">Matthew 5:38-39</a></span><br />You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’ / But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/18-7.htm">Luke 18:7-8</a></span><br />Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He delay in helping them? / I tell you, He will promptly carry out justice on their behalf. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19</a></span><br />Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/10-3.htm">2 Corinthians 10:3-6</a></span><br />For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. / The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. / We demolish arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-10.htm">Ephesians 6:10-18</a></span><br />Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. / Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. / For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward shall you be gathered to your people.</p><p class="hdg">Avenge</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/31-3.htm">Numbers 31:3</a></b></br> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/25-17.htm">Numbers 25:17,18</a></b></br> Vex the Midianites, and smite them: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/32-35.htm">Deuteronomy 32:35</a></b></br> To me <i>belongeth</i> vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in <i>due</i> time: for the day of their calamity <i>is</i> at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.</p><p class="hdg">the Midianites</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/25-6.htm">Numbers 25:6,14-18</a></b></br> And, behold, one of the children of Israel came and brought unto his brethren a Midianitish woman in the sight of Moses, and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel, who <i>were</i> weeping <i>before</i> the door of the tabernacle of the congregation… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/25-1.htm">Genesis 25:1-4</a></b></br> Then again Abraham took a wife, and her name <i>was</i> Keturah… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/2-16.htm">Exodus 2:16</a></b></br> Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew <i>water</i>, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock.</p><p class="hdg">gathered</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/27-13.htm">Numbers 27:13</a></b></br> And when thou hast seen it, thou also shalt be gathered unto thy people, as Aaron thy brother was gathered.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/15-15.htm">Genesis 15:15</a></b></br> And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/25-8.htm">Genesis 25:8,17</a></b></br> Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full <i>of years</i>; and was gathered to his people… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/19-7.htm">Afterward</a> <a href="/numbers/19-7.htm">Afterwards</a> <a href="/numbers/30-1.htm">Children</a> <a href="/numbers/25-4.htm">Execute</a> <a href="/numbers/30-1.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/numbers/29-40.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/numbers/25-17.htm">Midianites</a> <a href="/numbers/25-17.htm">Mid'ianites</a> <a href="/numbers/27-13.htm">Peoples</a> <a href="/numbers/16-26.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/numbers/27-13.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-25.htm">Vengeance</a> <a href="/numbers/23-21.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/31-24.htm">Afterward</a> <a href="/numbers/31-24.htm">Afterwards</a> <a href="/numbers/31-9.htm">Children</a> <a href="/numbers/31-3.htm">Execute</a> <a href="/numbers/31-4.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/numbers/31-9.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/numbers/31-3.htm">Midianites</a> <a href="/judges/6-3.htm">Mid'ianites</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-25.htm">Peoples</a> <a href="/numbers/31-3.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/numbers/31-8.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/numbers/31-3.htm">Vengeance</a> <a href="/numbers/32-22.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 31</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/31-1.htm">The Midianites are spoiled, and Balaam slain</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/31-13.htm">Moses is angry with the officers, for saving the women alive</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/31-19.htm">How the soldiers, with their captives and spoil, are to be purified</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/31-25.htm">The proportion in which the prey is to be divided</a></span><br><span class="reftext">48. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/31-48.htm">The voluntary offering unto the treasure of the Lord</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/31.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/numbers/31.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Take vengeance on the Midianites for the Israelites.</b><br>This command from God to Moses is a direct order for retribution against the Midianites, who had led the Israelites into sin through the incident at Peor (Numbers 25). The Midianites, along with the Moabites, had seduced the Israelites into idolatry and immorality, which resulted in a plague that killed 24,000 Israelites. This act of vengeance is seen as divine justice rather than personal revenge, emphasizing God's holiness and the need to eradicate sin from among His people. The Midianites were descendants of Abraham through Keturah (<a href="/genesis/25.htm">Genesis 25:1-2</a>), making them distant relatives of the Israelites, yet their actions warranted this severe response. This event foreshadows the ultimate judgment against sin and can be seen as a type of Christ's victory over sin and evil. The concept of divine vengeance is echoed in the New Testament, where God is portrayed as the ultimate judge (<a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19</a>).<p><b>After that, you will be gathered to your people.</b><br>This phrase indicates that Moses' death is imminent, and it serves as a reminder of his mortality and the completion of his mission. "Gathered to your people" is a euphemism for death, suggesting a reunion with ancestors, which reflects the belief in an afterlife and continuity beyond death. Moses, who led the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness, is not permitted to enter the Promised Land due to his disobedience at Meribah (<a href="/numbers/20-12.htm">Numbers 20:12</a>). This statement underscores the theme of divine justice and the consequences of sin, even for a leader as great as Moses. It also highlights the transition of leadership to Joshua, who will lead the Israelites into Canaan. Moses' impending death can be seen as a type of Christ, who also completed His mission before His death, providing a way for His people to enter the ultimate Promised Land.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites, who is instructed by God to take vengeance on the Midianites. This command is part of his final acts before his death.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/m/midianites.htm">Midianites</a></b><br>A nomadic tribe that had led Israel into sin through the incident at Peor, where they seduced the Israelites into idolatry and immorality.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The chosen people of God, who are to execute God's judgment on the Midianites as a form of divine retribution.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god's_command.htm">God's Command</a></b><br>The directive given to Moses to enact vengeance, which signifies divine justice and the seriousness of sin.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/v/vengeance.htm">Vengeance</a></b><br>The act of retribution commanded by God, highlighting the theme of divine justice and the consequences of leading God's people into sin.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_justice.htm">Divine Justice</a></b><br>God's command to take vengeance on the Midianites underscores His justice and intolerance of sin. It serves as a reminder that sin has consequences and that God will ultimately judge unrighteousness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_commands.htm">Obedience to God's Commands</a></b><br>Moses' role in executing God's command highlights the importance of obedience, even when the task is difficult. Believers are called to trust and obey God's directives, knowing that His ways are just.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_seriousness_of_sin.htm">The Seriousness of Sin</a></b><br>The incident with the Midianites illustrates the destructive nature of sin and the importance of remaining faithful to God. It serves as a warning to avoid compromising with sin and idolatry.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_timing.htm">God's Sovereignty and Timing</a></b><br>The timing of the command, just before Moses' death, shows God's sovereignty in His plans and purposes. It encourages believers to trust in God's perfect timing in their own lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_31.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 31</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_galilee's_role_in_the_bible.htm">Why did God command killing Midianites, including children?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_god_order_killing_midianites.htm">Why did God command killing Midianites, including children?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_numbers_31's_warfare_approach_unique.htm">Numbers 31 compared to earlier laws in Exodus and Leviticus: Why does this narrative's approach to warfare seem inconsistent with other divine commandments?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_permit_biblical_genocides.htm">Why does God allow genocides to happen, including those commanded in the Bible (Numbers 31:17-18)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/31.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites.</span> The war was to be distinctly one of vengeance on the part of Israel. On the grave moral question which arises out of this war, and of the manner in which it was carried on, see the note at the end of the chapter. <span class="cmt_word">Afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people.</span> It is quite possible that Moses himself had been reluctant to order the expedition against Midian, either because it involved so much bloodshed, or, more probably, because he foresaw the difficulty which actually arose about the women of Midian. If so, he was here reminded that his place was to obey, and that his work on earth was not done so long as the Midianites remained unpunished. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/31-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">“Take vengeance</span><br /><span class="heb">נְקֹ֗ם</span> <span class="translit">(nə·qōm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5358.htm">Strong's 5358: </a> </span><span class="str2">To grudge, avenge, punish</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵאֵ֖ת</span> <span class="translit">(mê·’êṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Direct object marker<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> </span><span class="str2">Untranslatable mark of the accusative case</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Midianites</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמִּדְיָנִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(ham·miḏ·yā·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4084.htm">Strong's 4084: </a> </span><span class="str2">Midianite -- a descendant of Midian</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for the Israelites.</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּנֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(bə·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">After that,</span><br /><span class="heb">אַחַ֖ר</span> <span class="translit">(’a·ḥar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_310.htm">Strong's 310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The hind or following part</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you will be gathered</span><br /><span class="heb">תֵּאָסֵ֥ף</span> <span class="translit">(tê·’ā·sêp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_622.htm">Strong's 622: </a> </span><span class="str2">To gather for, any purpose, to receive, take away, remove</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your people.”</span><br /><span class="heb">עַמֶּֽיךָ׃</span> <span class="translit">(‘am·me·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/31-2.htm">Numbers 31:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/31-2.htm">Numbers 31:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/31-2.htm">Numbers 31:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/31-2.htm">Numbers 31:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/31-2.htm">Numbers 31:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/31-2.htm">Numbers 31:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/31-2.htm">Numbers 31:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/31-2.htm">Numbers 31:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/31-2.htm">Numbers 31:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/31-2.htm">Numbers 31:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/31-2.htm">OT Law: Numbers 31:2 Avenge the children of Israel (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/31-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 31:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 31:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/31-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 31:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 31:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>