Sin in the Camp

Numbers 25:1 "And Israel abode in Shittim and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab."

Make no mistake about it, at this point in the Bible Israel is a war machine. Their formation is set up to attack in minimal time an protect the ark and the camp. There are some things you just cannot have in a army. Lack of discipline is one of these. We settled that in previous chapters when Moses' leadership was questioned. The army must keep their focus. In this chapter, Israel has lost focus. They have received the commandments of God on how to live and with all the attractive women in Moab, the warriors are now showing a total disregard for the commandments and started forbidden actions.

One bold fellow even brought a foreign woman into camp in the sight of all the people. They have also bowed down to strange gods v2.

There was a man in Israel called Phinehas who was the son of Eleazar who arose and did something. The plague had already started killing the people and they were weeping before the door of the tabernacle.

v8 "And he went after the man of Israel into the tent and thrust both of them through, the man of Israel and the woman through her belly. So the plague was stayed from the children of Israel."

Again, let me emphasis that these were different times. Israel is on a mission to take Canaan. If the people were going to act like all the others around them, they are become useless and why should such a people inherit the promised land. I can understand why the Lord may have become disgusted with the whole bunch. But as before, one man stayed the Lord's hand.

God told Moses: v17 "Vex the Midianites and smite them: v18 For they vex you with their wiles..."

This is a no nonesense chapter. Israel is knocking on the door of Canaan. They must not forget who they are and who is leading them. They are a special people and are expected to act like it.

Phinehas was given the covenant of peace. v12. Called an everlasting priesthood: because he was zealous for his God and made an atonement for the children of Israel.

Don't let anyone tell you that one person cannot make a difference.

Psalm 33:13 "The Lord looketh from heaven: he beholdeth all the sons of men."