Cozbi’s death shows the severity with which God views idolatry, calling His people to unwavering devotion.
In the midst of a tragic episode where Israel had fallen into idolatry and immorality with Moab and Midian, the passage brings our attention to a specific individual who was part of this wrongdoing. It says, “And the name of the Midianite woman who was killed was Cozbi the daughter of Zur, who was head of the people of a father’s household in Midian” (v.15). By specifically naming Cozbi the daughter of Zur (v.15) and identifying her as a Midianite, the text provides a tangible link to the collective guilt of Midian’s people, who enticed Israel into sin. Cozbi’s presence among the Israelites highlights the severity of the moral breach committed, underscoring the gravity of the corruption spreading throughout the camp.
Zur (v.15) is named as the head of the people of a father’s household in Midian, indicating his position of leadership and influence. The region of Midian historically encompassed areas east of the Gulf of Aqaba and part of the northwestern Arabian Peninsula. Dating back to early biblical times (around the second millennium BC), the Midianites appear frequently in Israel’s story—for example, Moses found refuge among them in Exodus 2. Zur’s involvement in the events surrounding Cozbi’s role suggests that tension between Midian and Israel ran deep, ultimately culminating in judgment from God because the Midianites led many Israelites away from their covenant obligations.
This verse emphasizes the personal and social dimensions of sin, demonstrating that rebellion against God often intersects with familial and communal relationships. When Cozbi participates in a forbidden act—flaunting idolatrous practices and immorality—she symbolizes how the direct influence of a leader’s household can sway an entire community’s allegiance away from the LORD. The connection to the New Testament teaching on the corrupting influence of sin (Hebrews 3:13) further illustrates that intolerance of wrongdoing is paramount for preserving holiness among the people of God.
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Numbers 25:15 meaning
In the midst of a tragic episode where Israel had fallen into idolatry and immorality with Moab and Midian, the passage brings our attention to a specific individual who was part of this wrongdoing. It says, “And the name of the Midianite woman who was killed was Cozbi the daughter of Zur, who was head of the people of a father’s household in Midian” (v.15). By specifically naming Cozbi the daughter of Zur (v.15) and identifying her as a Midianite, the text provides a tangible link to the collective guilt of Midian’s people, who enticed Israel into sin. Cozbi’s presence among the Israelites highlights the severity of the moral breach committed, underscoring the gravity of the corruption spreading throughout the camp.
Zur (v.15) is named as the head of the people of a father’s household in Midian, indicating his position of leadership and influence. The region of Midian historically encompassed areas east of the Gulf of Aqaba and part of the northwestern Arabian Peninsula. Dating back to early biblical times (around the second millennium BC), the Midianites appear frequently in Israel’s story—for example, Moses found refuge among them in Exodus 2. Zur’s involvement in the events surrounding Cozbi’s role suggests that tension between Midian and Israel ran deep, ultimately culminating in judgment from God because the Midianites led many Israelites away from their covenant obligations.
This verse emphasizes the personal and social dimensions of sin, demonstrating that rebellion against God often intersects with familial and communal relationships. When Cozbi participates in a forbidden act—flaunting idolatrous practices and immorality—she symbolizes how the direct influence of a leader’s household can sway an entire community’s allegiance away from the LORD. The connection to the New Testament teaching on the corrupting influence of sin (Hebrews 3:13) further illustrates that intolerance of wrongdoing is paramount for preserving holiness among the people of God.