Online Resource Library
Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadPaul Kretzmann Commentary - Numbers 25:1 - 25:5
(Show All Books | Show All Chapters)
This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
The Sin and its Punishment. —
v. 1. And Israel abode in Shittim, in the fields or plains of Moab, on the east side of the Jordan, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab. Balaam, having failed in his intention to curse Israel and thus to earn the reward of unrighteousness which his covetous heart craved, had sought revenge by giving the princes of Midian a bit of devilish counsel, namely, that of overcoming the enemy by strategy, by tempting them to indulge in sins of the flesh. Cf Num_31:16; Rev_2:14. Shittim is named because it was at this city, at the northern end of the steppes of Moab, that the approach of the Midianites and Moabites took place, as they undertook to conquer the people of God through sensual lust.
v. 2. And they, the Moabites, called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods; and the people did eat and bowed down to their gods. In this manner the temptation was set into action: the women of Moab were employed to entice the men of Israel, to form acquaintances and friendships with them, to invite them to the sacrificial meals in honor of their heathen idols. It was thus that both spiritual and bodily whoredoms were soon committed, for the most brazen shamelessness, indulgence in the vilest immorality, was connected with the cult of the heathen idols.
v. 3. And Israel joined himself unto Baal-peor, the majority of the people became guilty of the sins connected with the worship of this heathen idol, for it was in his honor that women and virgins openly sacrificed their honor. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, for by indulging in lasciviousness in this instance the people became doubly guilty.
v. 4. And the Lord said unto Moses, Take all the heads of the people, either because they themselves were leaders in the transgression or because they neglected their responsibility of hindering the spread of the sin, and hang them up before the Lord against the sun, out in the open before all the people, as a warning example, that the fierce anger of the Lord may be turned away from Israel, since the ringleaders at least had suffered their punishment.
v. 5. And Moses said unto the judges of Israel, the men who were his assistants in governing the affairs of Israel, Slay ye every one his men, the men from his tribe or division, that were joined unto Baal-peor. It was an order for a wholesale execution, for only in this manner could the wrath of God be appeased. This is an example of warning also for our days; for the Lord's hand is not shortened to punish, and the increasing worldliness in the midst of the Church challenges His interference.