Numbers 25:14-18

Numbers 25:14-18

[14] Now the name  of the Israelite  that was slain,  with the Midianitish woman,  was Zimri,  the son  of Salu,  a prince  of a chief  house  among the Simeonites.  [15] And the name  of the Midianitish  woman  that was slain  was Cozbi,  the daughter  of Zur;  he was head  over a people,  and of a chief  house  in Midian.  [16] And the LORD  spake  unto Moses,  saying,  [17] Vex  the Midianites,  and smite  [18] For they vex  you with their wiles,  wherewith they have beguiled  you in the matter  of Peor,  and in the matter  of Cozbi,  the daughter  of a prince  of Midian,  their sister,  which was slain  in the day  of the plague  for Peor's  sake. 

What does Numbers 25:14-18 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

This incident, as the others in which Israel departed from God, shows the inveterate sinfulness of humans even when God blesses us greatly. It also demonstrates the holiness of God, the seriousness of sin in that it destroys fellowship with God, and the necessity of atonement by blood to restore sinners to fellowship with God.
"This chapter is a pivotal section in the theology of the Torah." [1]