The name that is transliterated as “Midian” in English is translated in Libras (Brazilian Sign Language) with a sign that depicts Moses fleeing to Midian (see Exodus 2:15, combined with a sign for the region. (Source: Missão Kophós )
Harass the Midianites: Harass renders the same Hebrew verb translated harassed at the beginning of the next verse, where it is used in a non-military sense. Good News Translation renders it differently in each verse (“Attack” and “the evil they did”). If possible, however, it should be translated in the same way in both verses. This significant play on meanings might be preserved in English by beginning verses 17-18 with “17 Attack the Midianites and destroy them, 18 because they attacked you with deceit…” (similarly New Living Translation).
And smite them: In this context the Hebrew verb for smite (“strike” in New American Standard Bible) may be rendered “defeat” (New Revised Standard Version, Contemporary English Version, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh), “kill” (New International Version, Parole de Vie, Bijbel in Gewone Taal, De Nieuwe Bijbelvertaling), or “destroy” (Good News Translation). This command was carried out during the war with the Midianites in chapter 31. (Balaam is mentioned again in 31.8, 16, who was the apparent instigator of the idolatrous events reported in 25.1-3.)
For they have harassed you with their wiles, with which they beguiled you …: The Hebrew noun for wiles and the verb for beguiled come from the same root. This root is repeated for emphasis. Revised Standard Version does not keep the repetition, nor does New Revised Standard Version with “for they have harassed you by the trickery with which they deceived you….” A model that keeps it is “because they have harassed you by the deceit with which they deceived you….”
In the matter of Peor, and in the matter of Cozbi is literally “upon the word of Peor and upon the word of Cozbi.” God gives two reasons why the Israelites should destroy the Midianites (and Moabites). First, because they deceived the Israelites at Peor with the worship of false gods (see verses 1-3). Second, because of what Cozbi did. Good News Translation makes this clear by beginning verse 18 with “because of the evil they did to you when they deceived you at Peor, and because of Cozbi….”
The daughter of the prince of Midian, their sister: Prince renders the Hebrew word nasiʾ (see verse 14), so it is more accurately translated “chief” (Revised English Bible) or “chieftain” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh). The phrase their sister implies that God holds the Midianites responsible for her actions. She was “their kinswoman” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, Alter). De Nieuwe Bijbelvertaling translates “somebody from their own people.” In some languages even the phrase “their own sister” will help to make the implication clear. Good News Translation omits this whole phrase, but it should be kept. When the text gives the name and family of a woman, it is asserting that she is important, at least for social reasons, among her people (so NET Bible footnote).
Who was slain on the day of the plague on account of Peor describes Cozbi, not her father. For the plague that God caused because of the Israelites’ idolatry at Mount Peor, see verse 9. On account of Peor is literally “upon the word of Peor,” which is the second time this phrase occurs in verse 18, now at the very end. The repetition of this expression highlights the tragic event that was the occasion for this story.
Quoted with permission from de Regt, Lénart J. and Wendland, Ernst R. A Handbook on Numbers. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2016. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .
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