Numbers 25:14

Hebrew Bible Modern 1977

ושם איש ישראל המכה אשר הכה את המדינית זמרי בן סלוא נשיא בית אב לשמעני:

What Does This Mean?

This verse tells us the name of the Israelite who was killed with a Midianite woman. His name was Zimri, and he was a powerful leader from the tribe of Simeon. The message highlights a significant event involving rebellion and divine judgment.

Explained for Children

Imagine if you were the leader of a big group of friends and you did something that made everyone upset. This verse talks about a leader named Zimri who did something that made God and the Israelites very angry, and he was punished for it.

Historical Background

Numbers was written by Moses around 1400 BC. The audience was the Israelites who were wandering in the desert. The cultural setting was one of rebellion and God's efforts to keep His people faithful.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, this verse can remind us of the consequences of following our desires at the expense of God's commands. For example, a leader in a church who chooses to ignore God's teachings might face significant consequences.

Topics

• leadership
• rebellion
• judgment
• consequences
• faithfulness
• obedience

Related Verses

• Joshua 22:13
• 1 Kings 16:21
• Numbers 31:16
• Revelation 2:14
• 1 Corinthians 10:8

Recommended Reading

Commentary Numbers Commentaries → Get This Bible Hebrew Bible Modern Study Bible →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this verse tell us about Zimri?

This verse tells us that Zimri was a significant leader from the tribe of Simeon who was involved in a rebellious act with a Midianite woman and was subsequently punished.

Why is Zimri's identity important?

Zimri's identity is crucial because it shows that the rebellion involved a high-ranking individual, which underscores the gravity of the situation and the severity of the divine response.

What can we learn from Zimri's fate?

We can learn that leaders who rebel against God’s commands face significant consequences. This teaches us about the importance of obedience and faithfulness, especially for those in leadership roles.

How does this relate to the larger narrative of Numbers?

This event is part of a larger narrative in Numbers about God’s efforts to maintain the faithfulness of His people and the consequences of disobedience, which ultimately shapes the Israelites' journey and identity.