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{{DOD-February}}
Midian was a son of [[Abraham]] by Keturah (Genesis 25:1-6). When [[Moses]] fled from [[Egypt]] forty years before the Exodus (Exodus 2:15-21), he helped the daughters of Jethro, the Priest of Midian, and married one of his daughters (Zipporah). Therefore, the Midianites were descendants of [[Moses]], as well as the Levites. Through the influence of Balaam the Midianite women and girls were able to seduce the men of [[Israel]]. Because of this, [[God]] commanded [[Moses]] to destroy the nation of Midian (Numbers 25:16-18). In Numbers 31 [[Moses]] now receives the order to execute this command.
The spiritual laws that [[God]] has given are just as absolute as natural laws. Galatians 6:7 tells us, "Be not deceived; [[God]] is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Also, Numbers 32:33 tells us, "Be sure your [[sin]] will find you out." If a man sows wheat, he reaps wheat; if he sows corn, he reaps corn. Spiritual laws are just as certain. In the righteous government of [[God]], [[sin]] always brings sorrow and suffering.
In chapter 32 we see the request and dispute of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh with [[Moses]], concerning the portioning of the land. The request was a selfish one, characterized by worldly convenience. The property they chose was outside the Promised Land and they, thereby, showed unbelief and a willingness to shun war. [[Moses]]' rebuke in verses 6-15 warned them of the fruits of unbelief at Kadesh-Barnea when the spies were sent out. Their compromise to join their brothers was accepted, and can be compared to Lot's selfish decision (Genesis 13:5-11). In the final arrangement (verses 25-42), the tribes of Reuben and Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh obtained the rich grazing lands of Transjordan. We will see later, in II Kings 15:29 and I Chronicles 5:25,26, that their choice resulted in unbelief and world conformity.
Chapter 33 gives the sum[[Mary]] of the journey from [[Egypt]]. The first and second stages are given in verses 1-17; the third and fourth stages in verses 18-49; and the directions to exterminate the Canaanites are given in verses 50-56. Notice particularly verses 55 and 56. [[God]] explains here the results of disobedience concerning His instructions to exterminate the Canaanites. Again we are reminded that [[God]] demands complete obedience to His Word; partial obedience will bring [[judgment]] and chastisement to offenders.