Midian was a son of Abraham by Keturah (Genesis
25:1-6). When Moses fled from Egypt forty years before
the Exodus (Exodus 2:15-21), he helped the daughters of
Jethro, the Priest of Midian, and married one of his
daughters (Zipporah). Therefore, the Midianites were
descendants of Moses, as well as the Levites. Through
the influence of Balaam the Midianite women and girls
were able to seduce the men of Israel. Because of this,
God commanded Moses to destroy the nation of Midian
(Numbers 25:16-18). In Numbers 31 Moses now receives the
order to execute this command.
The spiritual laws that God has given are just
as absolute as natural laws. Galatians 6:7 tells us, “Be
not deceived; God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man
soweth, that shall he also reap.” Also, Numbers 32:33
tells us, “Be sure your sin will find you out.” If a man
sows wheat, he reaps wheat; if he sows corn, he reaps
corn. Spiritual laws are just as certain. In the
righteous government of God, sin always brings sorrow
and suffering.
In chapter 32 we see the request and dispute of
Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh with Moses, concerning the
portioning of the land. The request was a selfish one,
characterized by worldly convenience. The property they
chose was outside the Promised Land and they, thereby,
showed unbelief and a willingness to shun war. Moses’
rebuke in verses 6-15 warned them of the fruits of
unbelief at Kadesh-Barnea when the spies were sent out.
Their compromise to join their brothers was accepted,
and can be compared to Lot’s selfish decision (Genesis
13:5-11). In the final arrangement (verses 25-42), the
tribes of Reuben and Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh
obtained the rich grazing lands of Transjordan. We will
see later, in II Kings 15:29 and I Chronicles 5:25,26,
that their choice resulted in unbelief and world
conformity.
Chapter 33 gives the summary of the journey from
Egypt. The first and second stages are given in verses
1-17; the third and fourth stages in verses 18-49; and
the directions to exterminate the Canaanites are given
in verses 50-56. Notice particularly verses 55 and 56.
God explains here the results of disobedience concerning
His instructions to exterminate the Canaanites. Again we
are reminded that God demands complete obedience to His
Word; partial obedience will bring judgment and
chastisement to offenders.