BibleWord.ai› Bible› Numbers› Chapter 31› Verse 16

Numbers 31:16

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Numbers 31:16 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against Jehovah in the matter of Peor, and so the plague was among the congregation of Jehovah.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against Jehovah in the matter of Peor, and so the plague was among the congregation of Jehovah.
Numbers 31:16 — American Standard Version

Context — Numbers 31

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
13And Moses, and Eleazar the priest, and all the princes of the congregation, went forth to meet them without the camp.
14And Moses was wroth with the officers of the host, the captains of thousands and the captains of hundreds, who came from the service of the war.
15And Moses said unto them, Have ye saved all the women alive?
16Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against Jehovah in the matter of Peor, and so the plague was among the congregation of Jehovah.
17Now therefore kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman that hath known man by lying with him.
18But all the women-children, that have not known man by lying with him, keep alive for yourselves.
19And encamp ye without the camp seven days: whosoever hath killed any person, and whosoever hath touched any slain, purify yourselves on the third day and on the seventh day, ye and your captives.
← Numbers 31:15Numbers 31:17 →
← Full Chapter 31 Numbers Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, etc.] Who advised the Midianites to send their women into the camp of Israel, and allure them to uncleanness, and so draw them into idolatry, which counsel they followed and it succeeded; for, by this means, they were brought to commit trespass against the Lord in the matter of Peor; by worshipping Baalpeor, the god of the Moabites and Midianites; whereby they transgressed the commandment of God, which forbid them having and worshipping any other gods besides him, and is a sin highly offensive to him, being greatly derogatory to his honour and glory: and there was a plague among the congregation of the Lord; for that…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Caused ... to commit trespass - More literally, “became to the children of Israel for a cause (or, incitement) of treachery to the Lord.” return to 'Top of Page'”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“these caused: Num 24:14, Num 25:1-3; Pro 23:27; Ecc 7:26; Pe2 2:15; Rev 2:14 in the matter: Num 25:18; Deu 4:3; Jos 22:17 and there: Num 25:9 Numbers 31:17”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read Numbers 31 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification