Numbers 31:17 Meaning
Now therefore kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman that hath known man by lying with him.
Context Explained
15And Moses said unto them, Have ye saved all the women alive?
16Behold, 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.
17Now therefore kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman that hath known man by lying with him.
18But all the women children, that have not known a man by lying with him, keep alive for yourselves.
19And do ye abide without the camp seven days: whosoever hath killed any person, and whosoever hath touched any slain, purify both yourselves and your captives on the third day, and on the seventh day.
Key Themes
Related Cross References
Matthew 5:21-22
Jesus teaches against murder and anger, contrasting the harsh judgment seen in this verse.
Romans 12:19
Paul emphasizes leaving vengeance to God, contrasting the violent commands in this verse.
Source: Numbers 31:17