They killed the kings of Midian with the rest of their slain, Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba, the five kings of Midian. And they also killed Balaam the son of Beor with the sword.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse is careful to list the five kings slain alongside the others, implying their deaths weren't in the main battle but perhaps after. Then, Balaam is singled out, "also... slain with the sword," highlighting that his end was a specific act of justice, separate from the general military victory.
They killed the kings of Midian with the rest of their slain, Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba, the five kings of Midian. And they also killed Balaam the son of Beor with the sword.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is part of a military campaign commissioned by God to punish the Midianites for their role in leading the Israelites into idolatry and sexual sin. Following the successful battle where all the Midianite males were killed, the text explicitly lists the leaders who were executed, including Balaam, the prophet who had previously tried to curse Israel. The surrounding verses detail the capture of women and children, the burning of cities, and the bringing of spoils back to the Israelite camp, leading to Moses' righteous anger over the sparing of the women.
Balaam's life ended not in a peaceful death, but by the sword. Why was this so significant?
Balaam, the prophet-for-hire, is here shown meeting a violent end at the hands of the Israelites.
A Prophet's Downfall
This isn't just any death; it's a judgment. Balaam had been hired by the Midianite kings (and Moabites) to curse Israel. When he couldn't do that, he devised a wicked plan: to entice Israel into sin through sexual immorality and idolatry with Midianite women. This led to a plague that decimated Israel. Now, Balaam is found among the defeated Midianite leaders, facing the sword of the very people he tried to destroy.
The Wages of Sin
His end starkly contrasts with his earlier wish: 'Let me die the death of the righteous' (Numbers 23:10). Instead, he died the death of the wicked, caught in the act of promoting the sin he had instigated. His life, though gifted with prophecy, was ultimately lost because he 'loved the wages of unrighteousness' (2 Peter 2:15). His death here serves as a potent reminder that even great spiritual insight can be corrupted by greed and malice, leading to utter destruction.
Five kings are named, their fates sealed. What does this specific mention tell us about God's justice?
The text doesn't just say 'the kings were killed'; it names them. This specificity highlights that no leader, no matter their title or power, is beyond God's notice or judgment.
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Targeted Judgment
These five kings, along with Balaam, were the architects of the scheme that brought plague and sin upon Israel. They weren't just anonymous enemies; they were the ringleaders. Naming them emphasizes that God's judgment is personal and directed at those who actively lead others astray and persecute His people.
Vindicating His People
This act of executing the leaders, including Balaam, was a fulfillment of God's justice. It was a demonstration that He protects His covenant people and will bring righteous judgment upon those who plot their destruction. It shows God’s active role in avenging His people and upholding His promises, even through the actions of human armies.
Understand the original words
Bileam · Hebrew Proper Noun
A divination specialist from Pethor hired to curse Israel. He is characterized in Scripture as a false prophet who sought financial gain and ultimately led Israel into sin, serving as a warning against spiritual compromise.
chereb · Hebrew Noun
The primary weapon for close-quarters combat, often symbolizing judgment, authority, or the instrument by which God's justice is executed against His enemies.
This military action was a direct response to the Midianites' treacherous plot to corrupt Israel through idolatry and immorality, a plot orchestrated by Balaam himself. Their defeat and the death of Balaam highlight God's judgment on those who seek to harm His people.
c. 1400 BC
Israelites Wander in Wilderness
Following their exodus from Egypt, the Israelites spent 40 years wandering in the desert, a period marked by divine guidance and discipline.
c. 1380 BC
Conquest of Sihon and Og
The Israelites defeated the Amorite kings Sihon and Og east of the Jordan River, claiming their lands and further asserting God's promises.
c. 1380 BC
Midianites' Wicked Conspiracy
The Midianites, allied with Moab, plotted against Israel, inviting them to idolatrous feasts and enticing them into sexual immorality, leading to a plague.
c. 1380 BC
Phinehas' Zeal and Judgment
Phinehas executed Zimri and Cozbi for their public sin, an act that appeased God's wrath and halted the plague upon Israel.
c. 1375 BC— this verse
Divine Command for Vengeance
The Lord commanded Moses to enact vengeance upon the Midianites for their deception and the subsequent plague they caused among the Israelites.
c. 1375 BC
Israelite Victory and Balaam's Death
The Israelites waged war against the Midianites, slaying their five kings and Balaam the son of Beor, who had advised them against Israel.
This passage directly condemns Balaam for loving the wages of wrongdoing, highlighting the moral corruption that led to his demise, aligning with his execution in Numbers 31.
Jude 1:11This verse speaks of those who have 'gone the way of Cain' and are 'rushing into error for profit,' which strongly echoes Balaam's trajectory of seeking personal gain at the expense of God's people.
Micah 6:5This passage directly references the events involving Balaam and the kings of Moab and Midian, showing how God remembers this deceitful plot and calls His people to remember it as well.
Joshua 13:21-22This verse recalls the same five princes of Midian and Balaam, emphasizing that they were killed along with the Midianites, reinforcing the judgment against them.
Revelation 2:14This verse in Revelation speaks of the 'teaching of Balaam' being among the church, referring to the same deceptive tactics Balaam employed to lead Israel astray, connecting his actions to ongoing spiritual danger.
calvinNumbers 31:1-54: "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
And they slew the kings of Midian, besides the rest of them that were slain; namely, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hut, and Reba, five kings of Midian: Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword.
Reges quoque Madian occiderunt cum occisis eorum, Evi et Recem, et Sur, et Hur, et Reba, quinque reges Madian: et Balaam filium Beor occiderunt gladio.
And the children of Israel took all the women of Midian captives, and the…
gillNumbers 31:8: "And they slew the kings of Midian, beside the rest of them that were slain; namely, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, five kings of Midian: Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword."
And they slew the kings of Midian, beside the rest of them that were slain,.... 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 t…
The verse is careful to list the five kings slain alongside the others, implying their deaths weren't in the main battle but perhaps after. Then, Balaam is singled out, "also... slain with the sword," highlighting that his end was a specific act of justice, separate from the general military victory.
This verse is part of a military campaign commissioned by God to punish the Midianites for their role in leading the Israelites into idolatry and sexual sin. Following the successful battle where all the Midianite males were killed, the text explicitly lists the leaders who were executed, including Balaam, the prophet who had previously tried to curse Israel. The surrounding verses detail the capture of women and children, the burning of cities, and the bringing of spoils back to the Israelite camp, leading to Moses' righteous anger over the sparing of the women.
This verse is part of a military campaign commissioned by God to punish the Midianites for their role in leading the Israelites into idolatry and sexual sin. Following the successful battle where all the Midianite males were killed, the text explicitly lists the leaders who were executed, including Balaam, the prophet who had previously tried to curse Israel. The surrounding verses detail the capture of women and children, the burning of cities, and the bringing of spoils back to the Israelite camp, leading to Moses' righteous anger over the sparing of the women.
"They killed the kings of Midian with the rest of their slain, Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba, the five kings of Midian. And they also killed Balaam the son of Beor with the sword." — The verse is careful to list the five kings slain alongside the others, implying their deaths weren't in the main battle but perhaps after. Then, Balaam is singled out, "also... slain with the swor…
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Last reviewed October 2026