Numbers 25:1-5

Common English Bible

Israelites and Moabites intermarry

25 When the Israelites lived at Shittim, the people made themselves impure by having illicit sex with Moabite women. ² The Moabite women invited the people to the sacrifices for their god. So the people ate a meal, and they worshipped their god. ³ Israel became attached to the Baal of Peor, and the Lord was angry at the Israelites. ⁴ The Lord said to Moses: Take all the leaders of the people and kill them on behalf of the Lord in broad daylight, so that the Lord’s anger turns away from Israel.

⁵ Then Moses said to Israel’s officials, “Each of you: kill your men who are attached to the Baal of Peor.”