251 And Israel abode in Shittim; and the people began to commit fornication with the daughters of Moab. 2 And they invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods; and the people ate, and bowed down to their gods. 3 And Israel joined himself to Baal-Peor; and the anger of Jehovah was kindled against Israel. 4 And Jehovah said to Moses, Take all the heads of the people, and hang them up to Jehovah before the sun, that the fierce anger of Jehovah may be turned away from Israel. 5 And Moses said to the judges of Israel, Slay every one his men that have joined themselves to Baal-Peor.
6 And behold, a man of the children of Israel came and brought a Midianitish woman to his brethren, in the sight of Moses, and in the sight of the whole assembly of the children of Israel, who were weeping before the entrance of the tent of meeting. 7 And Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw it, and rose up from among the assembly, and took a javelin in his hand, 8 and he went after the man of Israel into the tent-chamber, and thrust both of them through, the man of Israel and the woman through her belly. And the plague was stayed from the children of Israel. 9 And those that died in the plague were twenty-four thousand.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 25:1-9
Commentary on Numbers 25:1-5
(Read Numbers 25:1-5)
The friendship of the wicked is more dangerous than their enmity; for none can prevail against God's people if they are not overcome by their inbred lusts; nor can any enchantment hurt them, but the enticements of worldly interests and pleasures. Here is the sin of Israel, to which they are enticed by the daughters of Moab and Midian. Those are our worst enemies who draw us to sin, for that is the greatest mischief any man can do us. Israel's sin did that which all Balaam's enchantments could not do; it set God against them. Diseases are the fruits of God's anger, and the just punishments of prevailing sins; one infection follows the other. Ringleaders in sin ought to be made examples of justice.
Commentary on Numbers 25:6-15
(Read Numbers 25:6-15)
Phinehas, in the courage of zeal and faith, executed vengeance on Zimri and Cozbi. This act can never be an example for private revenge, or religious persecution, or for irregular public vengeance.