Numbers 31:15

15 “Why have you let all the women live?” he demanded.

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

14 But Moses was furious with all the generals and captains who had returned from the battle.

15 “Why have you let all the women live?” he demanded.

16 “These are the very ones who followed Balaam’s advice and caused the people of Israel to rebel against the LORD at Mount Peor. They are the ones who caused the plague to strike the LORD ’s people.

17 So kill all the boys and all the women who have had intercourse with a man.