Numbers 25:14 - Now the name of the man of Israel that was slain, who was slain with the Midianite woman, was Zimri, the son of Salu, a prince of a fathers’ house among the Simeonites.
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What does "Numbers 25:14" mean?
Numbers 25:14 provides specific details about a particular man involved in an incident of illicit relations with a Midianite woman. Let's break it down:
"Now the name of the man of Israel that was slain...": This introduces the identity of an Israelite man who was killed. He was killed because of his actions, as the context of Numbers 25 makes clear.
"...who was slain with the Midianite woman...": This specifies that the man was killed along with a Midianite woman. The act of killing them together highlights the perceived gravity and scandalous nature of their relationship in the eyes of those who carried out the act (Phinehas, in the following verses).
"...was Zimri, the son of Salu...": This identifies the man's name (Zimri) and his father's name (Salu). Genealogical information was often provided to establish a person's lineage and tribal affiliation.
"...a prince of a fathers’ house among the Simeonites.": This is crucial. It tells us that Zimri was not just any Israelite; he was a prominent figure. "A prince" implies a position of leadership, influence, or at least high social standing within his family and the tribe of Simeon. "Of a fathers' house" further emphasizes his status within the tribal structure. The Simeonites were one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Significance:
Emphasis on Status: The verse highlights that this sin was committed not by a common person, but by a leader. This made his actions all the more scandalous and impactful, suggesting that if even a leader could fall into such sin, it could corrupt the entire community.
Challenging Authority: Some interpretations suggest that Zimri's actions were a deliberate act of defiance against Moses' authority and the laws of God. By publicly consorting with a Midianite woman, he was challenging the established social and religious norms.
Context of Apostasy: This verse is part of a larger narrative (Numbers 25) where the Israelites are engaging in sexual immorality and idolatry with the Moabite and Midianite women. This was seen as a serious threat to their covenant relationship with God and the purity of their community. Zimri's action was the culminating offense that warranted immediate divine retribution.
In essence, Numbers 25:14 underscores the severity of the sin by specifying that the perpetrator was a leader who should have known better and who was responsible for upholding the moral standards of the community. His public and brazen act of defiance demanded a strong response to prevent further corruption and maintain the integrity of the Israelite people before God.
Numbers 25:14 - Now the name of the man of Israel that was slain, who was slain with the Midianite woman, was Zimri, the son of Salu, a prince of a fathers’ house among the Simeonites.
What does "Numbers 25:14" mean?
Numbers 25:14 provides specific details about a particular man involved in an incident of illicit relations with a Midianite woman. Let's break it down:
"Now the name of the man of Israel that was slain...": This introduces the identity of an Israelite man who was killed. He was killed because of his actions, as the context of Numbers 25 makes clear.
"...who was slain with the Midianite woman...": This specifies that the man was killed along with a Midianite woman. The act of killing them together highlights the perceived gravity and scandalous nature of their relationship in the eyes of those who carried out the act (Phinehas, in the following verses).
"...was Zimri, the son of Salu...": This identifies the man's name (Zimri) and his father's name (Salu). Genealogical information was often provided to establish a person's lineage and tribal affiliation.
"...a prince of a fathers’ house among the Simeonites.": This is crucial. It tells us that Zimri was not just any Israelite; he was a prominent figure. "A prince" implies a position of leadership, influence, or at least high social standing within his family and the tribe of Simeon. "Of a fathers' house" further emphasizes his status within the tribal structure. The Simeonites were one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Significance:
Emphasis on Status: The verse highlights that this sin was committed not by a common person, but by a leader. This made his actions all the more scandalous and impactful, suggesting that if even a leader could fall into such sin, it could corrupt the entire community.
Challenging Authority: Some interpretations suggest that Zimri's actions were a deliberate act of defiance against Moses' authority and the laws of God. By publicly consorting with a Midianite woman, he was challenging the established social and religious norms.
Context of Apostasy: This verse is part of a larger narrative (Numbers 25) where the Israelites are engaging in sexual immorality and idolatry with the Moabite and Midianite women. This was seen as a serious threat to their covenant relationship with God and the purity of their community. Zimri's action was the culminating offense that warranted immediate divine retribution.
In essence, Numbers 25:14 underscores the severity of the sin by specifying that the perpetrator was a leader who should have known better and who was responsible for upholding the moral standards of the community. His public and brazen act of defiance demanded a strong response to prevent further corruption and maintain the integrity of the Israelite people before God.