“And they slew the kings of Midian, beside the rest of them that were slain; namely, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, five kings of Midian: Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword.” — Numbers 31:8 (KJV)
A King of Midian
Evi was one of the five sovereign kings or “dukes” of Midian during the time of the Exodus. His name (Hebrew: ’Eviy) is thought to derive from a root meaning “desire” or “dwelling.” While he ruled over a specific territory within the Midianite confederation, his legacy is tied to his alliance with Moab and his opposition to the nation of Israel.
The Conspiracy of Shittim
Evi’s downfall was rooted in the events at Shittim (Numbers 25). After the prophet Balaam found he could not curse Israel legally through prophecy, he counselled Evi and the other Midianite leaders to subvert Israel through spiritual and moral corruption.
By sending Midianite women into the camp of Israel to lead the people into idolatry (the worship of Baal-peor) and harlotry, Evi and his fellow kings successfully brought a plague upon the congregation of the Lord. This act of “spiritual warfare” was a calculated attempt to destroy Israel from within.
The Judgment of Midian
In response to this treachery, God commanded Moses to “vex the Midianites, and smite them.” Evi was one of the five primary targets of this divine execution.
The battle was unique in Israel’s history:
- The Army: Only 12,000 men (1,000 from each tribe) were sent.
- The Leadership: Phinehas the priest led the charge with the holy instruments and trumpets.
- The Result: Evi and the other four kings were slain, and their cities were burned. Notably, Balaam, the architect of the conspiracy, was also killed alongside Evi.
The Theological Significance
Evi represents the “Futile Resistance” of worldly powers against the purposes of God. His life and death illustrate several biblical principles:
- The Danger of Bad Counsel: Evi followed the advice of Balaam, seeking a short-term victory over Israel that ultimately led to his total destruction.
- National Responsibility: As a king, Evi’s choice to lead his people into a conspiracy against God’s people brought judgment upon his entire realm.
- The Certainty of Justice: Though the Midianites thought they had successfully corrupted Israel, the account of Evi proves that God holds the “kings of the earth” accountable for their attempts to derail His plan of redemption.
Summary
Evi was a king who chose the path of subversion over peace. He is remembered not for his administrative achievements or his “dwellings,” but as one of the five kings who fell under the sword of Phinehas during the restoration of Israel’s holiness. He stands as a historical warning that those who conspire against the King of Kings will eventually find their names listed among the fallen.