1. God's judgment on the Midianites (1-18)

Just before Moses' death, God commanded him to carry out the Lord's vengeance on the Midianites. The Midianites (Moabites) had followed Balaam's advice. Their women seduced the Israelite men and led them to Baal worship. The seeds of Baal worship which they planted almost destroyed the spiritual life of the nation. God called Moses to be an instrument of his judgment. They killed Balaam and all those who had been involved in his evil plot. Those who corrupt the mind and heart are most evil.

2. After the battle (19-54)

The killing was not taken lightly. The soldiers had to purify themselves and all their plunder and captives before coming into the camp (19-24). The spoils of war were divided fairly between the soldiers who fought and the rest of the community (25-47). The commanders reported that none of their men were lost. They offered to the Lord all the gold articles which they had acquired (48-54).

Application: Lord, spiritual corruption destroys a people. Purify our land and turn our people back to you.
One Word: Spiritual corruption leads to death