And they slew the kings of Midian beside the rest of their slain: Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, five kings of Midian; Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword — the five Midianite kings are named, suggesting they were known adversaries, and their death is the political climax of the campaign. Balaam's death is striking: the foreign prophet who blessed Israel (23-24) is executed for his role in seducing Israel (31:16), showing that his later counsel proved destructive. The sword (rather than ritual execution) fits the battlefield context.

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