Numbers 25:1-3 – Always keep the main thing, the main thing.

The last verse of Numbers 24 tells us that Balak sent Balaam packing, as he himself returned to his home. They both must be sorely disappointed. The former was left with the huge problem he imagined he would have to face at the hand of the Israelites, while the latter left without the rich reward he came looking for. One would have thought that all would be well for the people of Israel after all the glowing declarations Balaam had said about her. After all, Israel was a God-chosen and blessed nation. God had delivered her from Egypt, ensured her of His constant presence, promised to be her protector, not only from natural disasters but also from all omens and divination. 

It appeared that when Balaam was sent home, his intended mischief would be brought to a halt. Or so we thought. Was Balaam’s mischief really brought to a halt? Apparently not. How do we know?  Numbers 31:16 has this to say, “Behold, these (the women) caused the sons of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to trespass against the LORD…” Apparently, Balaam gave counsel to the people of Moab on how they could stumble the Israelites. He suggested that they use their women to entice the people into harlotry and immorality, and then into idolatry and Baal worship. It was for this that the Apostle Peter wrote negatively about Balaam in his second letter in chapter two and verses 15-16. Furthermore, the Lord Jesus in assessing the church at Pergamum in Revelations 2:12-17, condemned them for holding on to the teaching of Balaam. This wicked seer taught the people of Moab how to stumble the sons of Israel, to partake food offered to idols and immorality.   

So following the counsel of Balaam, the event in Numbers 25:1-3 took place. The sons of Israel were enticed into harlotry by the daughters of Moab at Shittim. Their downfall began with immorality which led them into spiritual adultery. They participated in the sacrifices to their gods, then ate of the food offered to their false gods, and eventually joined in Baal worship. The absurdity of what happened here in Shittim was astounding. Why? For in Balaam’s earlier visits to Baal’s sacred sites from Bamoth-baal (Numbers 22:41), to the heights of Peor (Numbers 23:28), nothing was accomplished to bring a curse upon Israel. And now to think that despite all the assurances of a great future with God, they could so quickly become unfaithful and fall into a curse. This falling into the curse of sin did not just happen with a few individuals of the sons of Israel, but the whole nation was enticed into a curse.      

What happens here in Shittim underscores for us the need to be careful in life. In our glittering world, there are so many attractions that can distract us from God.  Remember, all that glitters is not gold! We must examine every step we take. We will be enticed when we unremittingly pursue pleasure, position, or possession. How then should we live in a world so full of distractions? We keep our focus on God and depend on Him for our daily strength. Make time for Him and cultivate needful spiritual disciplines to strengthen our lives. Be watchful and alert, keep short accounts with God. Mind the little things in life, for it is the little foxes that spoil the vine.  Do not journey the Christian life alone, find a few good spiritual friends, get a mentor, and journey together. Be faithful to God no matter what!