Numbers 31:17

Arabic Bible ERV 2009

وَالآنَ، اقتُلُوا كُلَّ طِفلٍ ذَكَرٍ وَكُلَّ امْرأةٍ عاشَرَتْ رَجُلاً.

What Does This Mean?

This verse from Numbers 31:17 instructs that every male child and woman who has had sexual relations should be killed. It is part of a command given to the Israelites as they confront the Midianites.

Explained for Children

Imagine a very old story where a group of people had to follow some very strict rules. In this part of the story, they were told to do some very sad things to other people. It’s a part of the story that’s hard to understand because it shows the harsh realities of ancient battles.

Historical Background

Numbers was written by Moses around 1400 BC. The text is part of the Torah, which is a central religious text for Judaism and an important part of the Old Testament in Christianity. This verse is in the context of the Israelites' military campaign against the Midianites, reflecting the cultural norms and religious practices of the time.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, this verse can be a reminder of the importance of questioning and re-evaluating ancient texts in light of contemporary values and ethics. It encourages us to seek peace and justice in our communities rather than violence.

Topics

• war
• ethics
• judgment
• ancient history
• military
• morality

Related Verses

• Deuteronomy 20:10-14
• Joshua 6:21
• Judges 21:10-12
• Ezekiel 23:25
• Matthew 5:38-42

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was this command given to the Israelites?

The command reflects the harsh realities of ancient warfare and the beliefs of the time, where such actions were seen as necessary to fulfill religious and military obligations.

How should modern readers interpret this verse?

Modern readers often interpret this verse with critical reflection, emphasizing the evolution of ethical norms and seeking to apply principles of justice and compassion.

What are the ethical challenges in this verse?

The verse presents significant ethical challenges, especially regarding the morality of violence towards non-combatants, which is a topic of ongoing theological and ethical debate.

Are there any other verses that talk about similar situations?

Yes, other Old Testament passages, such as Deuteronomy 20:10-14, also discuss similar military contexts and actions, highlighting the cultural norms of that era.