Numbers 25:1-5

GOD’S WORD Translation

Israel Commits Idolatry

25 While Israel was staying at Shittim, the men began to have sex with Moabite women ² who invited the people to the sacrifices offered to their gods. The people ate the meat from the sacrifices and worshiped these gods. ³ Since the Israelites joined in worshiping the god Baal of Peor, the Lord became angry with Israel.

⁴ The Lord said to Moses, “Take all the leaders of the people, and execute them in broad daylight in the Lord’s presence. This will turn the Lord’s anger away from Israel.”

⁵ So Moses said to the judges of Israel, “Each of you must kill the men who have joined in worshiping the god Baal of Peor.”