Numbers 31:10 - Divine justice against Midian's evil

Numbers 31:10 - במדבר 31:10

Hebrew Text

וְאֵת כָּל־עָרֵיהֶם בְּמוֹשְׁבֹתָם וְאֵת כָּל־טִירֹתָם שָׂרְפוּ בָּאֵשׁ׃

English Translation

And they burnt all the cities in which they dwelt, and all their encampments, with fire.

Transliteration

Ve'et kol-areihem bemoshevotam ve'et kol-tirotam sarfu ba'esh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֵ֤ת כׇּל־עָרֵיהֶם֙ בְּמ֣וֹשְׁבֹתָ֔ם וְאֵ֖ת כׇּל־טִֽירֹתָ֑ם שָׂרְפ֖וּ בָּאֵֽשׁ׃

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse appears in Bamidbar (Numbers) 31:10, describing the actions of Bnei Yisrael after their battle against Midian. The destruction of the Midianite cities and encampments was carried out in accordance with Hashem's command to Moshe (Bamidbar 31:2). Rashi explains that this was a punitive measure due to Midian's role in leading Bnei Yisrael astray through the incident of Ba'al Peor (Bamidbar 25:1-9).

Halachic and Moral Considerations

The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 6:4) discusses the laws of warfare, noting that when engaging in a milchemet mitzvah (obligatory war), such as the war against Midian, the destruction of enemy strongholds is permitted to prevent future harm. However, the Talmud (Sanhedrin 105b) emphasizes that such actions must be measured and purposeful, not wanton destruction.

Symbolism of Fire

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 22:4) comments on the use of fire, suggesting it symbolizes purification. Just as fire refines metal, the burning of Midian's dwellings served to eradicate the influence of their idolatry and immorality. The Sforno adds that this act ensured no remnants of their corrupt culture would remain to tempt Bnei Yisrael.

Lessons in Spiritual Warfare

  • Eradication of Evil Influence: The burning teaches the need to completely remove negative influences, as partial measures may allow corruption to persist (based on Ramban's commentary).
  • Divine Justice: The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) notes that this was a precise retribution—just as Midian used deception to ensnare Bnei Yisrael (through the daughters of Moav), their physical dwellings were obliterated.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 31:10 mean when it says the Israelites burned the cities and encampments?
A: This verse describes the aftermath of the battle against Midian, where the Israelites were commanded to take vengeance for the harm Midian caused (Numbers 31:2). Burning the cities and encampments was part of ensuring that no trace of Midian's influence or idolatry remained, as they had led Israel astray (Rashi on Numbers 31:2).
Q: Why did the Israelites burn the Midianite cities instead of keeping them?
A: According to Jewish tradition, the Israelites burned the Midianite cities to eliminate any remnants of idolatry and immoral practices that could spiritually harm the Jewish people (Rambam, Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 7:1). Additionally, the spoils were purified through fire (Numbers 31:22-23), showing the importance of removing impurity.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Numbers 31:10 about dealing with negative influences?
A: The Torah teaches that harmful influences—whether spiritual, moral, or physical—must be completely removed to prevent future damage (Talmud, Avodah Zarah 52b). Just as the Israelites burned Midianite encampments, we must distance ourselves from negative influences in our lives.
Q: Does this verse justify destroying property in war?
A: This was a specific commandment from Hashem for this battle against Midian (Numbers 31:2) and not a general rule for warfare. Jewish law (Halacha) regulates war ethics, including when destruction is permitted (Rambam, Hilchot Melachim 6:1-7). Normally, unnecessary destruction is prohibited (Deuteronomy 20:19-20).

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