Numbers 31:8

“And they slew the kings of Midian, beside the rest of them that were slain, etc.] Besides the males of the common people, they slew their kings, who were petty kings or princes, perhaps under the king of Moab, or had reassumed their titles and government after the death of Sihon the king of the Amorites, who, in his time, were called dukes of Sihon, (<061321>Joshua 13:21), namely, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, five kings of Midian; the Targum of Jonathan says of Zur, this is Balak, which is not probable; it is more likely, what Aben Ezra observes, that he was the father of Cosbi, whom Phinehas slew, (<042515>Numbers 25:15). Balaam also, the son of Beor, they slew with the…”

“the kings of Midian--so called, because each was possessed of absolute power within his own city or district; called also dukes or princes of Sihon (Jos 13:21), having been probably subject to that Amorite ruler, as it is not uncommon in the East to find a number of governors or pachas tributary to one great king. Zur--father of Cozbi (Num 25:15). Balaam also . . . they slew with the sword--This unprincipled man, on his dismissal from Balak, set out for his home in Mesopotamia (Num 24:25). But, either diverging from his way to tamper with the Midianites, he remained among them without proceeding farther, to incite them against Israel and to watch the effects of his wicked counsel; or,…”

“And they slew ... were slain ... - Render: And the kings of Midian they put to death, beside those that fell in the battle; namely, etc. From which it would seem that beside these five, put to death after the battle, there were other Midianite kings who perished fighting. The five chieftains here mentioned were vassals of Sihon the Amorite Joshua 13:21. return to 'Top of Page'”

“31:8 Balaam son of Beor deserved to die because his counsel “caused the people of Israel to rebel against the Lord at Mount Peor” (31:16). Balaam was punished for his villainous deeds (cp. 2 Pet 2:15; Jude 1:11).”

“the kings: Num 22:4; Jos 13:21, Jos 13:22 Zur: Num 25:15, Num 25:18 Balaam: Num 22:10, Num 24:25; Jos 13:22; Psa 9:16, Psa 10:2; Ti1 6:9, Ti1 6:10; Pe2 2:15; Jde 1:11; Rev 2:14, Rev 19:20 Numbers 31:9”