Numbers 25:5

5 Then Moses said unto the judges of Israel, Slay ye every one his men that were joined unto Baalpeor.

Numbers 25:5 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 25:5

And Moses said unto the judges of Israel
Either the same with the heads of the people, or the rulers of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, according to the distribution by the advice of Jethro:

slay ye everyone his men, that were joined unto Baalpeor;
all that were under their several districts and jurisdictions, that were found guilty of that crime; these they are ordered to slay, either with their own hands, or rather cause to be slain by proper persons they should appoint to be executioners.

Numbers 25:5 In-Context

3 And Israel joined himself unto Baalpeor; and the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel.

4 And the LORD said unto Moses, Take all the princes of the people and disjoint them before the LORD hanging them from a tree against the sun, that the fierce anger of the LORD may be turned away from Israel.

5 Then Moses said unto the judges of Israel, Slay ye every one his men that were joined unto Baalpeor.

6 Then, behold, one of the sons of Israel came and brought unto his brethren a Midianite woman in the sight of Moses and in the sight of all the congregation of the sons of Israel, who were weeping before the door of the tabernacle of the testimony.

7 And when Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw it, he rose up from among the congregation and took a javelin in his hand;