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
This command came after Israel's military victory over the Midianites, who had previously led Israel into idolatry and immorality at Baal-Peor. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, such extreme measures were sometimes taken to prevent future military threats and to eliminate those who had been involved in leading Israel away from God. This reflects the harsh realities of ancient warfare and God's judgment on nations that opposed His covenant people.
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