Now therefore kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman that hath known man by lying with him.
Now therefore, kill every male child among the little ones, and kill every woman who has been intimate with a man.
This verse records Moses commanding the Israelites to kill male children and women who were not virgins among their Midianite captives.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Numbers, the Israelites were at war with the Midianites as directed by God, following the Midianites' involvement in leading the Israelites into idolatry and immorality at Baal Peor. After the battle, Moses instructed the soldiers to carry out these severe measures to eliminate potential threats and prevent further corruption among the people, reflecting the harsh realities of ancient warfare and divine judgment on nations that opposed God's covenant. This command was part of a broader narrative of purification and obedience in the wilderness journey toward the Promised Land.
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