Numbers 31:15

15 "Why did you let all the women live?" he asked them.

Numbers 31:15 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 31:15

And Moses said unto them, have ye saved all the women alive?
] Which either had been reported to him, or he concluded, by seeing so many with them; and this question is put, not for information, but by way of reproof, and as chiding them for what they had done; for they might have received orders from him to put them to death, when he sent them out; and if so, there was the more reason to be angry with them; or he might conclude they would have done this of themselves, knowing what instruments of mischief these women had been to Israel.

Numbers 31:15 In-Context

13 Moses, the priest Eleazar, and all the leaders of the community went outside the camp to meet them.

14 Moses was angry with the officers of the army, the commanders of the companies and battalions, who were returning from battle.

15 "Why did you let all the women live?" he asked them.

16 "Remember, they were the ones who followed Balaam's advice and caused the Israelites to be unfaithful to the LORD in the incident that took place at Peor. The LORD's community experienced a plague at that time.

17 So kill all the Midianite boys and every Midianite woman who has gone to bed with a man.