Numbers 31:10 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

And they burnt all their cities wherein they dwelt, and all their goodly castles, with fire.

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

They burned down all the cities where the people lived, and all their beautiful fortresses, with fire.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

The writer is describing how the Israelites completely destroyed all the Midianite settlements and strongholds by burning them down.

📚 Historical Context

In the Book of Numbers, the Israelites were commanded by God through Moses to wage war against the Midianites as retribution for their role in enticing Israel into idolatry and immorality, which had provoked God's anger. After defeating the Midianite forces, the Israelites carried out the destruction of their settlements, including cities and strongholds, as part of this divine judgment. This event reflects the ancient practice of holy war in the Old Testament, where God directed the complete removal of threats to His people's faithfulness.

Explore Similar Verses

Jeremiah 51:30

Babylon's strongest warriors have completely given up fighting. They're just hiding in their fortresses now, all their strength is gone and they're too scared to even try. The city is burning, and every defense they had is completely destroyed.

Isaiah 64:11

Our holy and beautiful temple, where our ancestors worshiped and praised you, has been burned down with fire, and everything we treasured has been destroyed.

Isaiah 1:7

Your country lies in ruins, your cities have been burned down: foreigners are taking over your land right before your eyes, and it's completely devastated, like it was destroyed by enemies.

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