Numbers 31 - Holy Conflict

After the devastation that Balaam initiated through his recommendation that the Midianite women prostitute themselves among the nation of Israel and cause them to compromise their faith for momentary pleasures, God commands Moses to defend His name and re-establish His rule over His people. Moses is also alerted that his position of leadership has come to an end and he will soon pass into eternity. God has the nation of Israel attack Midian, kill its 5 kings and Balaam as well. The plunder would be distributed according to God's direction. 

This was an opportunity for Israel to reject the Midianites and their ways and demonstrate that they would honor God. Yet, even with the military victory over the nation, they allowed women and children to be captured as POWs. This had the potential for the poison of passion to re-enter the camp and turn men from their worship of God.   The boys would likely grow and avenge the death of their fathers and so keep the nation in a tenuous situation. These women and boys were to be killed to prevent the spread of contamination. 

The plunder of battle was distributed among the tribes and the fighting men and hence the nation of Israel began to accumulate wealth of the nations for themselves. 

We as Christians must be careful in entering into conflict. We should engage an enemy only at the Lord's command and under His power. The Israelites would not have won the battle without the Lord's help. But there is a battle that every Christian should undertake. Where there is any sin, idol, or temptation we should remove it from our lives we should remove it so that we don't succumb to our sinful desires that rage within us. Each of us is vulnerable, and so we must be in guard to remove threats before they gain control over us. It is one we are commanded by God. Romans 8:13 (KJV)

"For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live."  We can only do this in the power of God's Spirit given to us. 

The plunder from this battle that we wage will the the glorious inheritance we have been promised as the bride of Christ. Our treasure is not found here; but our inheritance is rich indeed. 

Pray that God will reveal those contaminants in your life that must be destroyed so that your witness and your service is not hindered. 

May God richly bless you as you seek Him and as you serve Him.