RAV KOOK ON PARSHAT MATOT PART 1

Translated by Rabbi Chanan Morrison Parshat Matot God commanded Moses to attack Midian in revenge for their devastating scheme against the Israelites. The Midianites had used their daughters to lure the Israelite men into worshipping the licentious idolatry of Peor, resulting in Divine anger and a terrible plague. The war against Midian was a remarkable success — not a single soldier fell. After the battle, the generals and captains approached Moses: "We wish to bring an offering to God. Every man who found a gold article — an anklet, bracelet, ring, earring, body ornament — to atone for our souls before God." (Num. 31:50) The officers had followed God's command, waging war against Midian. Why did they feel a need for atonement?