Num 31:7 They warred against Midian, as the LORD commanded Moses, and killed every male.
Num 31:8 They killed the kings of Midian with the rest of their slain, Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba, the five kings of Midian. And they also killed Balaam the son of Beor with the sword.
Num 31:9 And the people of Israel took captive the women of Midian and their little ones, and they took as plunder all their cattle, their flocks, and all their goods.
Num 31:10 All their cities in the places where they lived, and all their encampments, they burned with fire,
Num 31:11 and took all the spoil and all the plunder, both of man and of beast.
Num 31:12 Then they brought the captives and the plunder and the spoil to Moses, and to Eleazar the priest, and to the congregation of the people of Israel, at the camp on the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho.
There was this material difference between the wars of other nations and those of the Jews, that the former followed the bent of their own passions; whereas the Jews were only the ministers or executioners of divine justice, most evidently appointed to this work by God himself, as he manifested by a train of miracles wrought among and for them, such as had never been known on the earth before. So that no consequence can be deduced from their conduct in their wars, to warrant the like conduct in other people. (Benson)
It is a terrible thing to fall under the vengeance of God. Can you imagine the wrath God has stored up in this time of grace and mercy towards those who have not only rejected God but have also rejected and denied the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for their redemption? Through God’s grace, mercy, and love He has reached out to His creation with an offer of restitution, forgiveness, and salvation – to reject or deny His Son, Jesus Christ, is to say to God; “I don’t need you, I don’t believe in you, I will do as I please, I willfully reject and deny any need of your grace, mercy, and love”. And yet, God in all of His holiness, grace, mercy, and love, and not wanting any to perish and spend eternity in Hell, sent His Son to redeem all mankind if they would but, believe, trust, cling to, rely on, obey, and follow Jesus Christ for their salvation, redemption, forgiveness, and eternal life.
Judgment, wrath, and anger are reserved but a time is coming when these will be unleashed on mankind. No one will be able to stand against the power and might of God.
