251 While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with Moabite women,
251 And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab.
251 While Israel lived in Shittim, the people began to whore with the daughters of Moab.
251 While Israel was camped at Shittim (Acacia Grove), the men began to have sex with the Moabite women.
251 Now Israel remained in Acacia Grove, and the people began to commit harlotry with the women of Moab.
251 While the Israelites were camped at Acacia Grove, some of the men defiled themselves by having sexual relations with local Moabite women.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 25:1
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.