Numbers 31:17-18 is a passage from the Old Testament of the Bible, specifically from the Book of Numbers, which recounts events during the Israelites’ journey to the Promised Land. Here are the verses in the New International Version (NIV):
Numbers 31:17-18:
17 “Now kill all the boys and kill every woman who has slept with a man,
18 but save for yourselves every girl who has never slept with a man.”
Context and Meaning:
Historical Context: This passage is part of a narrative concerning the Israelites’ conflict with the Midianites, who had led them into sin and idolatry. The command to carry out these actions comes after a battle in which the Israelites are instructed to take vengeance against the Midianites for leading them into sin.
Cultural Context: The commands reflect the historical practices and warfare norms of the time, where total annihilation of the enemy was not uncommon. However, this is a challenging and often troubling part of the biblical text, as it raises moral and ethical questions regarding violence and divine command.
Interpretation:
- Judgment Against Idolatry: The passage is often interpreted as a form of divine judgment against the Midianites for their role in leading the Israelites away from worshiping God.
Preservation of the Innocent: The instruction to spare the young women who had not been with a man can be seen as a way to preserve life and potentially integrate these women into Israelite society, albeit in a context that reflects the customs and norms of that ancient time.
Theological Reflection: This passage has been the subject of much theological debate and inquiry, particularly concerning the nature of God, divine justice, and the ethics of warfare. Many modern readers struggle with the implications of such texts and seek to understand them within the broader narrative of scripture, which ultimately emphasizes love, justice, and redemption.
Modern Implications: Today, this passage is often examined in discussions about how to interpret difficult texts in the Bible, the nature of God’s commands, and the historical context of ancient practices compared to modern understandings of morality and ethics.
In summary, Numbers 31:17-18 is a complex passage that reflects a specific historical and cultural context, and it raises significant questions about morality, divine justice, and the interpretation of scripture that continue to be relevant in theological discussions today.