Old Testament
Numbers 25:15
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The Midianite woman who was killed was Cozbi, the daughter of Zur; he was the leader over a people and of a chief house in Midian.
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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.
What Numbers 25:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we learn about Cozbi, a Midianite woman who was killed due to her involvement in leading the Israelites into sin. Her father, Zur, was a prominent leader among the Midianites, indicating that Cozbi came from a significant family. This event highlights the consequences of idolatry and immorality that plagued the Israelites during their journey. The act of killing Cozbi was part of a larger effort to purify the community and restore their covenant relationship with God. The Israelites were warned against intermarrying with foreign nations, as it often led them away from their faith. Cozbi's death serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for accountability within the community. It emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful to God and the dangers of compromising one's beliefs for the sake of relationships with those who do not share the same values.
How to apply Numbers 25:15 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine our relationships and influences. Are we compromising our values for the sake of acceptance? It reminds us to prioritize our faith and maintain moral integrity, avoiding connections that lead us away from our beliefs.
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At a Glance — the Book of Numbers
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 25:15 mean?
Numbers 25:15 refers to Cozbi, a Midianite woman who was killed for leading the Israelites into sin. Her father, Zur, was a leader among the Midianites, highlighting her significant background and the seriousness of the consequences for idolatry and immorality.
What is the significance of Cozbi in Numbers 25:15?
Cozbi represents the dangers of intermarriage and the influence of foreign practices on the Israelites. Her death serves as a warning about the consequences of straying from faith and the importance of community accountability.
What does the phrase 'head over a people' mean in Numbers 25:15?
The phrase 'head over a people' indicates that Zur, Cozbi's father, was a prominent leader in Midian. This suggests that Cozbi came from a powerful family, which adds to the gravity of her actions and their impact on the Israelite community.
How does Numbers 25:15 relate to accountability in the community?
Numbers 25:15 highlights the importance of accountability within the Israelite community by showing the severe consequences of sin. Cozbi's death was part of a larger effort to purify the community and restore their relationship with God.
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