Njmbers 31:3
“Moses spoke to the people, saying, “Arm men from among you for the war, that they may go against Midian to execute the LORD’S vengeance on Midian.”
When the Old Testament is compared to the New Testament, God seems to be different. Jesus wouldn’t align Himself with the zealots who were attempting to wage war against Rome. Others see the theme of God’s love through Jesus as different from the Old Testament.
Jesus had a mission to die for our sins, to introduce a new relationship with people and to give three years of teaching. He was asked to do things that He declined. One was choosing sides in politics, another was to establish His reign at that time. There were plenty of times Jesus could have given God some good PR, but said no. He would heal people and say, tell no one. He was trying to meet individual needs, not to create a public following. The church would do that.
Now back to today’s passage. Why was The Lord seeking vengence against Midian? Earlier in the story of the exodus, the king of Midian was seeking to have Israel cursed by Balaam. When this didn’t work, Balaam advised the king of Midian that God would judge Israel if they worshipped idols and were with foreign women. So, he sent the daughter of Midian to corrupt them. It worked.
God was doing something unique with Israel. He was choosing a people and modeling a reconciled relationship to the world, for all time. Part of that was to abide by the rules that honored God’s nature. He is holy. Particular behavior is offensive to Him. He outlined it in the Ten Commandments. Fornication was one behavior in question. God also describes Himself as a jealous God. They are to solely worship Him. Like a marriage is monogamous, so also this new faith doesn’t allow idolatry or other gods.
The Lord was angry with and punished Israel for their sin. In today’s passage He is judging the party that led them into the offensive behavior. It seems harsh to us, because we are much further down the road with God’s progressive revelation. Much like we might discipline a young child more harshly for an act that we might just mention to a teenager. An older kid understands to stay out of the street. Younger children don’t understand that a car could maim them. So, He was demonstrating to His people and to the world how important holiness and integrity in worship are.
God is the same God. Regardless if it’s the Old or New Testament. Most think He is much more tolerant in the New Testament. He still feels strongly about many topics. His Old Testament example should not be lost on us. This shows us that His patience is even more amazing.
Lord, help us to integrate all the lessons that You teach us about Yourself. Thank You for Your great love.