1. Victory! But…
Numbers 31

2. Victory! But… BACKGROUND
Numbers is an account of the time between the Exodus and the entry into the Promised Land
The people of God are on the move, led by Him
They are encamped in Moabite territory
This chapter concerns the revenge of the Israelites upon the Moabites/Midianites and Balaam
It is the final significant battle before Moses dies and before they enter the Promised Land

3. Victory! But… PREPARING FOR BATTLE
A detailed plan for a small force of men
All of the tribes are included in the army except the Levites
Phinehas the priest goes with them using the silver trumpets from the Tabernacle
The Ark of the Covenant goes with them (symbolic of God’s presence)
God is with them

4. Victory! But… AN AMAZING VICTORY
Not one Israelite soldier is killed (v 49)
The entire Midianite army is killed
Baalam is killed
Five kings of Midian are killed
Every woman and child is captured
Huge quantities of animals and goods are seized

5. Victory! But…
BUT…
They had spared the women and children contrary to God’s command
The boys and women who were not virgins are put to death
Why?
The boys would have formed a nucleus of opposition in the future
The women had taken part in the seduction in chapter 25

6. UNCLEAN/PURIFICATION (19 – 24)
Victory! But…
UNCLEAN/PURIFICATION (19 – 24)
The soldiers were ceremonially unclean and needed cleansing
Moses and Eleazar had to go outside the camp to meet them
Their plunder also needed to be cleansed

7. Victory! But… LESSONS FOR TODAY The Christian life is a battle
God can aid us in the fight but we also have our responsibilities
Be ruthless with the enemy/sin – put it to death (Romans 8:13)
Be focused on the battle
God’s justice is absolute – sin MUST be dealt with
Remember that Jesus has won the ultimate victory for us – be thankful!