Numbers 31:15

15 Moshe said to them, Have you saved all the women alive?

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 Moshe, and El`azar the Kohen, and all the princes of the congregation, went forth to meet them outside of the camp.

14 Moshe was angry with the officers of the host, the captains of thousands and the captains of hundreds, who came from the service of the war.

15 Moshe said to them, Have you saved all the women alive?

16 Behold, these caused the children of Yisra'el, through the counsel of Bil`am, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Pe`or, and so the plague was among the congregation of the LORD.

17 Now therefore kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman who has known man by lying with him.