While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with Moabite women, who invited them to the sacrifices to their gods. The people ate the sacrificial meal and bowed down before these gods. So Israel yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor. And the LORD’s anger burned against them. (25:1-3)This comes right after chapters 22-24 where Balaam speaks God's message to the king of Moab...and that message is nothing but love and blessing on the Israelites:
How beautiful are your tents, Jacob,How many times in this book have the Israelites been punished? Yet God has not removed His blessing or His promise from them.
your dwelling places, Israel!
Like valleys they spread out,
like gardens beside a river,
like aloes planted by the LORD,
like cedars beside the waters...
May those who bless you be blessed
and those who curse you be cursed! (24:5-6,9)
I said I was "intrigued" before. I think it would be more accurate to say that I find this very comforting and reassuring. God doesn't abandon us when we disappoint Him. There may very well be consequences...but God does not abandon us.
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