The story of the Midianites in Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, chapter 47, really dives into that urgency. It's a fascinating, and at times, unsettling account of revenge and its consequences.

The scene opens with God speaking directly to Moses. Remember what the Midianites did? God asks, reminding Moses of the devastating loss of twenty-four thousand Israelites. That's a lot of people. God's instruction is clear: "Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites; afterwards shalt thou be gathered unto thy people" (Numbers 31:2). Basically, settle this score before you die, Moses.

So, what does Moses do? He gathers an army: a thousand men and a prince from each of the twelve tribes of Israel, making twelve thousand in total. And leading them? Phineas (or Pinchas), the very same who had shown zeal against immorality earlier. He carries the holy vestments and the trumpets of alarm, ready for battle. They march, capture the daughters of Midian, and bring them back to camp.

But here's where things get complicated. Moses confronts them, pointing out that these very women were the cause of the downfall of so many Israelites. "Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the Lord in the matter of Peor" (Numbers 31:16). Moses is furious. The text tells us, "And Moses was wroth with the officers of the host" (Numbers 31:14).

And here's a crucial moment. Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer points out that during his anger, the Ruach HaKodesh, the Holy Spirit, departed from him. Anger, it says, can destroy wisdom. How often do we act rashly, lose sight of the bigger picture, when we’re consumed by anger?

Then Eleazar steps in. Eleazar, the priest, overhears Moses. As we learn, “And Eleazar the priest said unto the men of war… This is the statute of the Law which the Lord hath commanded Moses” (Numbers 31:21). But here's the kicker: Eleazar subtly challenges Moses's authority, stating, "He commanded Moses and He did not command me." According to some commentators, this can be understood as a gentle correction, a reminder of the proper way to apply the law, especially in the heat of the moment.

What are we to make of all this? It’s a story of divine command, righteous anger, and the dangers of unchecked emotion. The Midianites needed to be held accountable, absolutely. But the narrative subtly suggests that revenge, even when divinely sanctioned, can be a slippery slope. It raises questions about the cost of vengeance, the importance of maintaining composure, and the potential for even the greatest leaders to falter when consumed by anger. Perhaps true justice isn't just about retribution, but also about ensuring that our actions are guided by wisdom and compassion, even in the face of profound wrongdoing.