This verse from Numbers 25:2 is describing a moment of religious and moral corruption in the Israelite camp while they were camped at Shittim, on the plains of Moab. Let's break it down:
"For they called the people to the sacrifices of their gods." "They" refers to the Moabite women mentioned in the preceding verses. These women, realizing they couldn't defeat the Israelites through warfare, attempted to seduce them into idolatry. They invited the Israelite men to participate in sacrifices offered to their Moabite gods (particularly Baal of Peor). This was a calculated strategy to undermine Israel's covenant with God and lead them astray.
"The people ate and bowed down to their gods." The Israelites succumbed to the temptation. They partook in the sacrificial meals, indicating acceptance of and participation in the pagan worship. The phrase "bowed down" signifies active worship of the Moabite gods, demonstrating a direct violation of the first commandment of the Ten Commandments, which forbids the worship of other gods.
In summary, this verse depicts the Israelites being enticed by Moabite women to participate in pagan religious rituals, including eating sacrificial meals and bowing down to Moabite deities. This act constituted a grave transgression against God and a betrayal of their covenant relationship. It led to a plague sent by God as a consequence of their sin.
This verse from Numbers 25:2 is describing a moment of religious and moral corruption in the Israelite camp while they were camped at Shittim, on the plains of Moab. Let's break it down:
"For they called the people to the sacrifices of their gods." "They" refers to the Moabite women mentioned in the preceding verses. These women, realizing they couldn't defeat the Israelites through warfare, attempted to seduce them into idolatry. They invited the Israelite men to participate in sacrifices offered to their Moabite gods (particularly Baal of Peor). This was a calculated strategy to undermine Israel's covenant with God and lead them astray.
"The people ate and bowed down to their gods." The Israelites succumbed to the temptation. They partook in the sacrificial meals, indicating acceptance of and participation in the pagan worship. The phrase "bowed down" signifies active worship of the Moabite gods, demonstrating a direct violation of the first commandment of the Ten Commandments, which forbids the worship of other gods.
In summary, this verse depicts the Israelites being enticed by Moabite women to participate in pagan religious rituals, including eating sacrificial meals and bowing down to Moabite deities. This act constituted a grave transgression against God and a betrayal of their covenant relationship. It led to a plague sent by God as a consequence of their sin.