Numbers 25:1-6

1 Israel abode in Shittim; and the people began to play the prostitute with the daughters of Moab:

2 for they called the people to the sacrifices of their gods; and the people ate, and bowed down to their gods.

3 Israel joined himself to Baal-peor: and the anger of Yahweh was kindled against Israel.

4 Yahweh said to Moses, Take all the chiefs of the people, and hang them up to Yahweh before the sun, that the fierce anger of Yahweh may turn away from Israel.

5 Moses said to the judges of Israel, Kill you everyone his men who have joined themselves to Baal-peor.

6 Behold, one of the children of Israel came and brought to his brothers a Midianite woman in the sight of Moses, and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel, while they were weeping at the door of the tent of meeting.

Numbers 25:1-6 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO NUMBERS 25

The contents of this chapter are, the sin of the people of Israel, their whoredom and idolatry, Nu 25:1-3, their punishment for it, multitudes being slain, Nu 25:4,5, whose number is given, Nu 25:9, the zeal of Phinehas in slaying two notorious offenders, Nu 25:6-8, whose names are observed, Nu 25:14,15 for which he is commended, and the covenant of priesthood was given and confirmed unto him, Nu 25:10-13, and the chapter is concluded with an order to vex the Midianites, for vexing Israel with their wiles, Nu 25:16-18.