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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Numbers 31:16 "Look, these women caused the sons of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to turn unfaithfully against the LORD at Peor, so that the plague struck the congregation of the LORD.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/31-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/04_Num_31_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 31:16 - Vengeance on Midian" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Look, these women caused the sons of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to turn unfaithfully against the LORD at Peor, so that the plague struck the congregation of the LORD." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/numbers/31-16.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/numbers/31-16.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/numbers/">Numbers</a> > <a href="/numbers/31.htm">Chapter 31</a> > Verse 16</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad16.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/numbers/31-15.htm" title="Numbers 31:15">◄</a> Numbers 31:16 <a href="/numbers/31-17.htm" title="Numbers 31:17">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/numbers/31.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/numbers/31.htm">New International Version</a> &#8220They were the ones who followed Balaam&#8217s advice and enticed the Israelites to be unfaithful to the LORD in the Peor incident, so that a plague struck the LORD&#8217s people. <a href="/nlt/numbers/31.htm">New Living Translation</a> “These are the very ones who followed Balaam’s advice and caused the people of Israel to rebel against the LORD at Mount Peor. They are the ones who caused the plague to strike the LORD’s people. <a href="/esv/numbers/31.htm">English Standard Version</a> Behold, these, on Balaam’s advice, caused the people of Israel to act treacherously against the LORD in the incident of Peor, and so the plague came among the congregation of the LORD. <a href="/bsb/numbers/31.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “Look, these women caused the sons of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to turn unfaithfully against the LORD at Peor, so that the plague struck the congregation of the LORD. <a href="/kjv/numbers/31.htm">King James Bible</a> Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD. <a href="/nkjv/numbers/31.htm">New King James Version</a> Look, these women caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to trespass against the LORD in the incident of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD. <a href="/nasb_/numbers/31.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Behold, they caused the sons of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to be unfaithful to the LORD in the matter of Peor, so that the plague took place among the congregation of the LORD! <a href="/nasb/numbers/31.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Behold, these caused the sons of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, so the plague was among the congregation of the LORD. <a href="/nasb77/numbers/31.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Behold, these caused the sons of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, so the plague was among the congregation of the LORD. <a href="/lsb/numbers/31.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Behold, these caused the sons of Israel, through the word of Balaam, to act unfaithfully against Yahweh in the matter of Peor, so the plague was among the congregation of Yahweh. <a href="/amp/numbers/31.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Look, these [are the women who] caused the Israelites, by the counsel of Balaam, to trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and so a plague came among the congregation of the LORD. <a href="/csb/numbers/31.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “Yet they are the ones who, at Balaam’s advice, incited the Israelites to unfaithfulness against the LORD in the Peor incident, so that the plague came against the LORD’s community. <a href="/hcsb/numbers/31.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Yet they are the ones who, at Balaam&#8217s advice, incited the Israelites to unfaithfulness against the LORD in the Peor incident, so that the plague came against the LORD&#8217s community. <a href="/asv/numbers/31.htm">American Standard Version</a> Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against Jehovah in the matter of Peor, and so the plague was among the congregation of Jehovah. <a href="/cev/numbers/31.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> They are the ones who followed Balaam's advice and invited our people to worship the god Baal Peor. That's why the LORD punished us by killing so many of our people. <a href="/erv/numbers/31.htm">English Revised Version</a> Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and so the plague was among the congregation of the LORD. <a href="/gwt/numbers/31.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "Remember, they were the ones who followed Balaam's advice and caused the Israelites to be unfaithful to the LORD in the incident that took place at Peor. The LORD's community experienced a plague at that time. <a href="/gnt/numbers/31.htm">Good News Translation</a> Remember that it was the women who followed Balaam's instructions and at Peor led the people to be unfaithful to the LORD. That was what brought the epidemic on the LORD's people. <a href="/isv/numbers/31.htm">International Standard Version</a> "Look! These women were the same ones who were counseled by Balaam to cause the Israelis to commit a grievous sin against the LORD at Peor. As a result, that plague infected the LORD's community. <a href="/msb/numbers/31.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?Look, these women caused the sons of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to turn unfaithfully against the LORD at Peor, so that the plague struck the congregation of the LORD. <a href="/net/numbers/31.htm">NET Bible</a> Look, these people through the counsel of Balaam caused the Israelites to act treacherously against the LORD in the matter of Peor--which resulted in the plague among the community of the LORD! <a href="/nheb/numbers/31.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Look, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and so the plague was among the congregation of the LORD. <a href="/wbt/numbers/31.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD, in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD. <a href="/web/numbers/31.htm">World English Bible</a> Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against Yahweh in the matter of Peor, and so the plague was among the congregation of Yahweh. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/numbers/31.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Behold, they have been to the sons of Israel, through the word of Balaam, to cause a trespass against YHWH in the matter of Peor, and the plague is in the congregation of YHWH. <a href="/ylt/numbers/31.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> lo, they -- they have been to the sons of Israel, through the word of Balaam, to cause a trespass against Jehovah in the matter of Peor, and the plague is in the company of Jehovah. <a href="/slt/numbers/31.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Behold, they were to the sons of Israel by the word of Balaam for separating treacherously against Jehovah, concerning the word of Peor; and there will be a smiting in the assembly of Jehovah.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/numbers/31.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Are not these they, that deceived the children of Israel by the counsel of Balaam, and made you transgress against the Lord by the sin of Phogor, for which also the people was punished? <a href="/cpdv/numbers/31.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Are not these the ones who deceived the sons of Israel at the suggestion of Balaam, and who caused you betray the Lord by the sin of Peor, because of which the people also were struck down? <a href="/nabre/numbers/31.htm">New American Bible</a> “These are the very ones who on Balaam’s advice were behind the Israelites’ unfaithfulness to the LORD in the affair at Peor, so that plague struck the LORD’s community. <a href="/nrsvce/numbers/31.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> These women here, on Balaam’s advice, made the Israelites act treacherously against the LORD in the affair of Peor, so that the plague came among the congregation of the LORD.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/numbers/31.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For it was they who caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague in the congregation of the LORD. <a href="/hpbt/numbers/31.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> For these were a subversion to the sons of Israel by the word of Balaam and they provoked and caused evil against LORD JEHOVAH in the matter of Peor, and it was a sudden plague in the assembly of LORD JEHOVAH.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/numbers/31.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to revolt so as to break faith with the LORD in the matter of Peor, and so the plague was among the congregation of the LORD. <a href="/sep/numbers/31.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> For they were the occasion to the children of Israel by the word of Balaam of their revolting and despising the word of the Lord, because of Phogor; and there was a plague in the congregation of the Lord. <a href="/parallel/numbers/31-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=9534" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/numbers/31.htm">Vengeance on Midian</a> …15“Have you spared all the women?” he asked them. 16<a href="/hebrew/2005.htm" title="2005: hên (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! A primitive particle; lo!; also if.">“Look,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2007.htm" title="2007: hên·nāh (Pro-3fp) -- They. Prolongation for hen; themselves.">these women</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hā·yū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">caused</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: liḇ·nê (Prep-l:: N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">the sons</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.">of Israel,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: biḏ·ḇar (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">through the counsel</a> <a href="/hebrew/1109.htm" title="1109: bil·‘ām (N-proper-ms) -- Probably from bal and am; not people, i.e. Foreigner; Bilam, a Mesopotamian prophet; also a place in Palestine.">of Balaam,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4560.htm" title="4560: lim·sār- (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To deliver up, offer. A primitive root; to sunder, i.e. set apart, or Apostatize.">to turn</a> <a href="/hebrew/4604.htm" title="4604: ma·‘al (N-ms) -- An unfaithful or treacherous act. From ma'al; treachery, i.e. Sin.">unfaithfully</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (Prep-b:: N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">against the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">at</a> <a href="/hebrew/6465.htm" title="6465: pə·‘ō·wr (N-proper-fs) -- From pa'ar; a gap; Peor, a mountain East of Jordan; also a deity worshipped there.">Peor,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: də·ḇar- (N-msc) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4046.htm" title="4046: ham·mag·gê·p̄āh (Art:: N-fs) -- A blow, slaughter, plague, pestilence. From nagaph; a pestilence; by analogy, defeat.">so that the plague</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wat·tə·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">struck</a> <a href="/hebrew/5712.htm" title="5712: ba·‘ă·ḏaṯ (Prep-b:: N-fsc) -- Congregation. Feminine of ed in the original sense of fixture; a stated assemblage.">the congregation</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of the LORD.</a> 17So now, kill all the boys, as well as every woman who has had relations with a man,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/revelation/2-14.htm">Revelation 2:14</a> 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. <a href="/numbers/25-1.htm">Numbers 25:1-3</a> While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with the daughters of Moab, / who also invited them to the sacrifices for their gods. And the people ate and bowed down to these gods. / So Israel joined in worshiping Baal of Peor, and the anger of the LORD burned against them. <a href="/deuteronomy/4-3.htm">Deuteronomy 4:3</a> Your eyes have seen what the LORD did at Baal-peor, for the LORD your God destroyed from among you all who followed Baal of Peor. <a href="/1_corinthians/10-8.htm">1 Corinthians 10:8</a> We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. <a href="/psalms/106-28.htm">Psalm 106:28-29</a> They yoked themselves to Baal of Peor and ate sacrifices offered to lifeless gods. / So they provoked the LORD to anger with their deeds, and a plague broke out among them. <a href="/joshua/22-17.htm">Joshua 22:17</a> Was not the sin of Peor enough for us, from which we have not cleansed ourselves to this day? It even brought a plague upon the congregation of the LORD. <a href="/2_peter/2-15.htm">2 Peter 2:15</a> They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. <a href="/hosea/9-10.htm">Hosea 9:10</a> I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness. I saw your fathers as the firstfruits of the fig tree in its first season. But they went to Baal-peor, and consecrated themselves to Shame; so they became as detestable as the thing they loved. <a href="/1_corinthians/6-18.htm">1 Corinthians 6:18</a> Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a man can commit is outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. <a href="/micah/6-5.htm">Micah 6:5</a> My people, remember what Balak king of Moab counseled and what Balaam son of Beor answered. Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal, so that you may acknowledge the righteousness of the LORD.’” <a href="/2_corinthians/6-14.htm">2 Corinthians 6:14-17</a> Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? / What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? / What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” ... <a href="/jude/1-11.htm">Jude 1:11</a> 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. <a href="/1_kings/11-1.htm">1 Kings 11:1-2</a> King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh—women of Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Sidon, as well as Hittite women. / These women were from the nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, for surely they will turn your hearts after their gods.” Yet Solomon clung to these women in love. <a href="/2_kings/17-7.htm">2 Kings 17:7-8</a> All this happened because the people of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. They had worshiped other gods / and walked in the customs of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites, as well as in the practices introduced by the kings of Israel. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-3.htm">2 Corinthians 11:3</a> I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.these cause<a href="/numbers/24-14.htm">Numbers 24:14</a> And now, behold, I go unto my people: come therefore, and I will advertise thee what this people shall do to thy people in the latter days.<a href="/numbers/25-1.htm">Numbers 25:1-3</a> And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab… <a href="/proverbs/23-27.htm">Proverbs 23:27</a> For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit.in the manner<a href="/numbers/25-18.htm">Numbers 25:18</a> For they vex you with their wiles, wherewith they have beguiled you in the matter of Peor, and in the matter of Cozbi, the daughter of a prince of Midian, their sister, which was slain in the day of the plague for Peor's sake.<a href="/deuteronomy/4-3.htm">Deuteronomy 4:3</a> Your eyes have seen what the LORD did because of Baalpeor: for all the men that followed Baalpeor, the LORD thy God hath destroyed them from among you.<a href="/joshua/22-17.htm">Joshua 22:17</a> Is the iniquity of Peor too little for us, from which we are not cleansed until this day, although there was a plague in the congregation of the LORD,and there<a href="/numbers/25-9.htm">Numbers 25:9</a> And those that died in the plague were twenty and four thousand.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/23-19.htm">Act</a> <a href="/exodus/18-19.htm">Advice</a> <a href="/numbers/31-13.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/numbers/31-8.htm">Balaam</a> <a href="/numbers/30-15.htm">Break</a> <a href="/numbers/28-7.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/numbers/27-22.htm">Caused</a> <a href="/numbers/31-12.htm">Children</a> <a href="/numbers/25-1.htm">Commit</a> <a href="/numbers/31-13.htm">Company</a> <a href="/numbers/31-13.htm">Congregation</a> <a href="/numbers/27-21.htm">Counsel</a> <a href="/numbers/26-1.htm">Disease</a> <a href="/numbers/31-12.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/numbers/31-9.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/numbers/26-5.htm">Israel's</a> <a href="/numbers/31-3.htm">Lord's</a> <a href="/numbers/25-18.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/numbers/14-23.htm">Means</a> <a href="/numbers/25-3.htm">Moved</a> <a href="/numbers/31-9.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/numbers/25-18.htm">Peor</a> <a href="/numbers/25-18.htm">Pe'or</a> <a href="/numbers/26-1.htm">Plague</a> <a href="/numbers/3-9.htm">Question</a> <a href="/hebrews/3-12.htm">Revolt</a> <a href="/numbers/29-38.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/numbers/24-10.htm">Struck</a> <a href="/exodus/21-8.htm">Treacherously</a> <a href="/numbers/18-9.htm">Trespass</a> <a href="/numbers/24-20.htm">Turning</a> <a href="/numbers/30-5.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/1-43.htm">Act</a> <a href="/judges/19-30.htm">Advice</a> <a href="/numbers/31-26.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-4.htm">Balaam</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-5.htm">Break</a> <a href="/numbers/32-5.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-36.htm">Caused</a> <a href="/numbers/31-18.htm">Children</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-18.htm">Commit</a> <a href="/numbers/31-26.htm">Company</a> <a href="/numbers/31-26.htm">Congregation</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-28.htm">Counsel</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-15.htm">Disease</a> <a href="/numbers/31-42.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/numbers/31-42.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/numbers/31-30.htm">Israel's</a> <a href="/numbers/31-29.htm">Lord's</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-23.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/29-24.htm">Means</a> <a href="/numbers/32-10.htm">Moved</a> <a href="/numbers/31-17.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/3-29.htm">Peor</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-3.htm">Pe'or</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/24-8.htm">Plague</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/13-9.htm">Question</a> <a href="/2_kings/8-22.htm">Revolt</a> <a href="/numbers/32-23.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/numbers/32-4.htm">Struck</a> <a href="/judges/9-23.htm">Treacherously</a> <a href="/joshua/7-1.htm">Trespass</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-27.htm">Turning</a> <a href="/numbers/35-30.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 31</div>1. <a href="/numbers/31-1.htm">The Midianites are spoiled, and Balaam slain</a> 13. <a href="/numbers/31-13.htm">Moses is angry with the officers, for saving the women alive</a> 19. <a href="/numbers/31-19.htm">How the soldiers, with their captives and spoil, are to be purified</a> 25. <a href="/numbers/31-25.htm">The proportion in which the prey is to be divided</a> 48. <a href="/numbers/31-48.htm">The voluntary offering unto the treasure of the Lord</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>Look, these women caused the sons of Israel This phrase refers to the Midianite women who played a significant role in leading the Israelites into sin. In the context of <a href="/numbers/25.htm">Numbers 25</a>, these women were part of a strategy to seduce the Israelites into idolatry and immorality. The use of "these women" highlights their direct involvement and culpability in the events that transpired. This incident underscores the recurring biblical theme of the dangers of intermingling with pagan cultures, which often led Israel away from their covenant with God.through the counsel of Balaam Balaam was a prophet who, despite being unable to curse Israel directly, advised Balak, the king of Moab, on how to weaken Israel by enticing them into sin. This counsel is detailed in <a href="/numbers/31-16.htm">Numbers 31:16</a> and is further elaborated in <a href="/revelation/2-14.htm">Revelation 2:14</a>, which mentions Balaam's teaching as a stumbling block to the Israelites. Balaam's actions serve as a warning against using spiritual gifts for personal gain and the consequences of leading others into sin.to turn unfaithfully against the LORD at Peor The location, Peor, is significant as it was a site where the Israelites engaged in idolatry and immorality with the Moabites, as recorded in <a href="/numbers/25.htm">Numbers 25</a>. This turning away from God is a recurring theme in Israel's history, illustrating the constant struggle between faithfulness to God and the temptation of surrounding pagan practices. The phrase "turn unfaithfully" indicates a breach of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, emphasizing the seriousness of their actions.so that the plague struck the congregation of the LORD The plague was a direct consequence of Israel's unfaithfulness, serving as divine judgment for their sins. This event is a reminder of the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin, particularly idolatry and immorality. The "congregation of the LORD" refers to the entire community of Israel, highlighting that the sin of some can have repercussions for the whole community. This incident foreshadows the need for a mediator, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who intercedes on behalf of humanity to reconcile them with God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/b/balaam.htm">Balaam</a> A non-Israelite prophet who, despite being used by God to bless Israel, advised the Moabites to lead Israel into sin. 2. <a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a> The chosen people of God, who were led astray into idolatry and immorality at Peor. 3. <a href="/topical/p/peor_incident.htm">Peor Incident</a> A significant event where the Israelites were seduced into worshiping Baal of Peor, leading to a divine plague. 4. <a href="/topical/m/moabites.htm">Moabites</a> The people who, under Balaam's counsel, enticed the Israelites into sin. 5. <a href="/topical/p/plague.htm">Plague</a> A divine punishment that struck the Israelites as a consequence of their unfaithfulness.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_compromise.htm">The Danger of Compromise</a> Balaam's advice led to a compromise of Israel's faith, showing how small concessions can lead to significant spiritual downfall. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_unfaithfulness.htm">The Consequences of Unfaithfulness</a> The plague that struck Israel serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_spiritual_vigilance.htm">The Importance of Spiritual Vigilance</a> Believers must remain vigilant against influences that lead them away from God, just as the Israelites were led astray. <a href="/topical/g/god's_call_to_holiness.htm">God's Call to Holiness</a> The incident at Peor underscores God's call for His people to live holy and separate lives, avoiding the enticements of the world. <a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_restoration.htm">Repentance and Restoration</a> Despite their failure, the Israelites were given opportunities to repent and be restored, illustrating God's mercy and grace.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_31.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 31</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_doctrine_of_balaam.htm">What is the Doctrine of Balaam?</a> <a href="/q/how_reconcile_numbers_31_7-18_with_compassion.htm">Numbers 31:7–18: How can the command to kill non-virgin women and boys be reconciled with claims of a compassionate God? </a> <a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_balaam's_differing_portrayals.htm">How should we address the seeming discrepancy between Balaam’s portrayal here in Numbers 24 and other biblical texts that condemn him (e.g., 2 Peter 2:15)?</a> <a href="/q/are_2_peter_2_15_and_numbers_22-24_inconsistent.htm">2 Peter 2:15 references Balaam; are there inconsistencies compared to his Old Testament narrative in Numbers 22–24? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/31.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 16. - To commit trespass. לִמְסָר־מַעַל See on verse 5. The word מסר seems to be used here much as the English word "levy" is used in such a phrase as "levying" war against a person. <a href="/commentaries/numbers/31-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>“Look, הֵ֣ן (hên) Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2005.htm">Strong's 2005: </a> Lo! behold! these women הֵ֜נָּה (hên·nāh) Pronoun - third person feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2007.htm">Strong's 2007: </a> Themselves {caused} the sons לִבְנֵ֤י (liḇ·nê) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of Israel, יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc through the counsel בִּדְבַ֣ר (biḏ·ḇar) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> A word, a matter, thing, a cause of Balaam, בִּלְעָ֔ם (bil·‘ām) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1109.htm">Strong's 1109: </a> Balaam -- a prophet to turn לִמְסָר־ (lim·sār-) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4560.htm">Strong's 4560: </a> To sunder, set apart, apostatize unfaithfully מַ֥עַל (ma·‘al) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4604.htm">Strong's 4604: </a> An unfaithful or treacherous act against the LORD בַּיהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel at עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against Peor, פְּע֑וֹר (pə·‘ō·wr) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6465.htm">Strong's 6465: </a> Peor -- a mountain in Moab, also a god worshiped there so that the plague הַמַּגֵּפָ֖ה (ham·mag·gê·p̄āh) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4046.htm">Strong's 4046: </a> A blow, slaughter, plague, pestilence struck הָי֨וּ (hā·yū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be the congregation בַּעֲדַ֥ת (ba·‘ă·ḏaṯ) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5712.htm">Strong's 5712: </a> A stated assemblage of the LORD. יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/31-16.htm">Numbers 31:16 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/numbers/31-16.htm">Numbers 31:16 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/numbers/31-16.htm">Numbers 31:16 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/numbers/31-16.htm">Numbers 31:16 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/numbers/31-16.htm">Numbers 31:16 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/31-16.htm">Numbers 31:16 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/31-16.htm">Numbers 31:16 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/31-16.htm">Numbers 31:16 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/31-16.htm">Numbers 31:16 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/numbers/31-16.htm">Numbers 31:16 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/numbers/31-16.htm">OT Law: Numbers 31:16 Behold these caused the children of Israel (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/31-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 31:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 31:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/31-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 31:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 31:17" /></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>