Daily Aliya for Matot, Shlishi (3rd Aliya)

Aliya Summary: Moshe is enraged that the Midianite females were spared. "They were the primary culprits; the ones who seduced the Israelites and brought about the plague which killed so many!" Moshe exclaimed. All the males and all women who possibly could have been involved in the campaign of seduction were killed. The soldiers are then instructed how to purify themselves from the ritual impurity they contracted from contact with corpses in the course of battle. They are also told how to kosher the food utensils which were among the spoils.

In addition to the main rebuke that Moshe gives Reuven and Gad, there is a more subtle rebuke on another issue. The tribes offer to build corrals for their flocks and homes for their children. Later, when Moshe gives them permission to establish themselves on the east bank, he tells tham to build homes for their children and accommodations for their animals. Your children go first, and only THEN your property.