The Lord Spoke: "One Last Thing"

 Numbers 31:1 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Avenge the people of Israel on the Midianites. Afterward you shall be gathered to your people.”

God had been speaking and saying a lot to Moses, having him lay out to the people of Israel all His instructions for how to live in the promised land.  The time of wandering in the wilderness was winding down. God said here there was one last thing.  Before we talk about that instruction, stop and think what the second half of verse 2 means to Moses.  "Afterward, you're a goner." This is Moses' last act in leading his people. One would hope things would go well. As his last act, Moses wanted this to be done right.  This instruction was a big one, as the Midianites had harassed the people of Israel, making them reroute their journey. They had been a thorn in their side. Now was the time to get rid of them, once and for all.  But the people did not fully obey. They kept the women - the very same Midianite women who helped lead them into idolatry. After correcting this error, the spoil of food and livestock became what Israel would use to set up their new homes in the promised land, where Moses would never go.