Numbers 31:17 | DiscipleDeck

Bible Commentary

Numbers 31:17

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Canne, Browne, Blayney, Scott, and others · Public Domain

kill every male: The sword of war should spare women and children, as incapable of resisting; but the sword of justice knows no distinction, except that of guilty or not guilty, or more or less guilty. This was the execution of a righteous sentence upon a guilty nation, in which the women were the greatest criminals; and it may safely be said, that their lives were forfeited by their personal transgressions. With respect to the execution of the male infants, who cannot be supposed to have been guilty, God, the author and supporter of life, who has a right to dispose of it when and how he thinks proper, commanded it; and "shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?" Judges 21:11-12

him: Heb. a male

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Numbers 31 — OverviewNumbers 31 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleThis chapter belongs to "the book of the wars of the Lord," in which it is probable it was inserted. It is the history of a holy war, a war with Midian. Here is, I. A divine command for the war, ver. 1, 2. II.…Numbers 31 — OverviewNumbers 31 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgeNumbers 31:1, The Midianites are spoiled, and Balaam slain; Numbers 31:13, Moses is wroth with the officers, for saving the women alive; Numbers 31:19, How the soldiers, with their captives and spoil, are to be…Numbers 31 — OverviewNumbers 31 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThis chapter contains an order to make war upon Midian, which was accordingly done, Nu 31:1, but Moses was wroth, because they saved the women alive, who, through the counsel of Balaam, had been the cause of sin, and of…Numbers 31:13-24Numbers 31:13-24 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleWe have here the triumphant return of the army of Israel from the war with Midian, and here, I. They were met with great respect, v. 13. Moses himself, notwithstanding his age and gravity, walked out of the camp…Numbers 31:17Numbers 31:17 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleNow therefore kill every male among the little ones,.... Which they had taken and brought captives, Nu 31:9and kill every woman that hath known man by lying with him; who might be such, at least many of them, who had…

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