251 While Israel remained at Shittim , the people began to play the harlot with the daughters of Moab . 2 For they invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods , and the people ate and bowed down to their gods . 3 So Israel joined themselves to Baal of Peor , and the Lord was angry e against Israel . 4 The Lord said to Moses , "Take all the leaders of the people and execute them in broad daylight before the Lord , so that the fierce anger of the Lord may turn away from Israel ." 5 So Moses said to the judges of Israel , "Each of you slay his men who have joined themselves to Baal of Peor ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 25:1-5
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.