Numbers 25:15 - The name of the Midianite woman who was slain was Cozbi, the daughter of Zur. He was head of the people of a fathers’ house in Midian.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Numbers 25:15" mean?
Numbers 25:15 provides specific details about one of the individuals involved in the events of the chapter, which is significant for a few reasons:
Emphasis on the Significance of the Transgression: The text takes the time to identify Cozbi by name and lineage, highlighting that this wasn't just a random act of transgression. She was a woman of status and family. Her involvement, and the fact that she was publicly slain, underscores the seriousness of the sin of associating with the Midianites and engaging in illicit sexual activity and idolatry with them.
Zur's Role as a Leader: Identifying Zur as the "head of the people of a fathers' house in Midian" adds another layer to the narrative. He wasn't just a commoner; he was a leader. His daughter's actions likely reflected the broader practices and values within his clan or group. It suggests a level of endorsement or acceptance of the relationship with the Israelites, which was seen as a threat to the purity of the Israelite community.
Context of Divine Wrath: This verse is part of a larger narrative where the Israelites are engaging in sexual immorality and idolatry with the Midianites and Moabites. This disobedience incites divine anger and leads to a plague that kills thousands of Israelites. The killing of Cozbi and Zimri (an Israelite man involved with her) by Phinehas is presented as an act of zeal that turns away God's wrath.
In essence, verse 15 serves to:
Highlight the status and background of a key figure in the narrative.
Emphasize the serious nature of the transgression against God's commandments.
Provide a link to the leadership structures within the Midianite society that were influencing the Israelites.
Set the stage for understanding Phinehas' act as a response to the widespread sin that threatened the community.
Numbers 25:15 - The name of the Midianite woman who was slain was Cozbi, the daughter of Zur. He was head of the people of a fathers’ house in Midian.
What does "Numbers 25:15" mean?
Numbers 25:15 provides specific details about one of the individuals involved in the events of the chapter, which is significant for a few reasons:
Emphasis on the Significance of the Transgression: The text takes the time to identify Cozbi by name and lineage, highlighting that this wasn't just a random act of transgression. She was a woman of status and family. Her involvement, and the fact that she was publicly slain, underscores the seriousness of the sin of associating with the Midianites and engaging in illicit sexual activity and idolatry with them.
Zur's Role as a Leader: Identifying Zur as the "head of the people of a fathers' house in Midian" adds another layer to the narrative. He wasn't just a commoner; he was a leader. His daughter's actions likely reflected the broader practices and values within his clan or group. It suggests a level of endorsement or acceptance of the relationship with the Israelites, which was seen as a threat to the purity of the Israelite community.
Context of Divine Wrath: This verse is part of a larger narrative where the Israelites are engaging in sexual immorality and idolatry with the Midianites and Moabites. This disobedience incites divine anger and leads to a plague that kills thousands of Israelites. The killing of Cozbi and Zimri (an Israelite man involved with her) by Phinehas is presented as an act of zeal that turns away God's wrath.
In essence, verse 15 serves to:
Highlight the status and background of a key figure in the narrative.
Emphasize the serious nature of the transgression against God's commandments.
Provide a link to the leadership structures within the Midianite society that were influencing the Israelites.
Set the stage for understanding Phinehas' act as a response to the widespread sin that threatened the community.