War with the Midianites: 31:1–2 Chapter 31 alludes to the end of chapter 25 and some unfinished business for the people of Israel. There the Midianites were declared enemies for their part in leading Israel into idolatry and immorality at Peor. The current chapter begins with the divine command to Moses, Take vengeance on the Midianites for the Israelites. This act is the last military exercise for Moses, who will soon die. So the new generation’s first military action is Moses’ last. The new generation obeys the instruction from chapter 25. Chapter 31 displays a midrashic character as it comments on other texts and uses the Midianite war to articulate instructions relevant to the upcoming battles that will be part of entering the land. The preparation for military action described elsewhe…