Numbers 31:2

“Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites, etc.] For the injury they had done them, by sending their daughters among them, who enticed them to commit uncleanness with them, and then drew them into the worship of their idols, which brought the wrath of God upon them, and for which 24,000 persons were slain. Now, though the Moabites had a concern in this affair as well as the Midianites, yet they were spared; which some think was for the sake of Lot, from whom they descended; but why not the Midianites for the sake of Abraham, whose offspring they were by Keturah? Jarchi says, they were spared because of Ruth, who was to spring from them; and so she might, and yet vengeance be taken on…”

“The Midianites - The Moabites are not included. It would thus seem that it was the Midianites, and they only, who deliberately set themselves to work the corruption of Israel. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Avenge: Num 31:3, Num 25:17, Num 25:18; Deu 32:35; Jdg 16:24, Jdg 16:28-30; Psa 94:1-3; Isa 1:24; Nah 1:2; Luk 21:22; Rom 12:19, Rom 13:4; Th1 4:6; Heb 10:30; Rev 6:10; Rev 18:20, Rev 19:2 the Midianites: Num 25:6, Num 25:14-18; Gen 25:1-4; Exo 2:16 gathered: Num 27:13; Gen 15:15, Gen 25:8, Gen 25:17; Jdg 2:10; Act 13:36 Numbers 31:3”