May 22, 2007

Breadcrumb: Bring me their heads!

After all of Balaam's praise of the Israelites, it seems some of them can't live up to their reputation. In Num. 25:1-5, we learn that Israelites had been seduced by Moabite women and, through them, Moabite gods, particularly Baal of Peor. They offered sacrifices and prayers to these gods. God, the Israelite God, was understandably annoyed. God commands Moses to have the leaders ("heads" in the text) of this Baal movement killed and exposed in broad daylight. Moses dutifully informs the judges to carry out justice, which they do, and God is appeased. However, we can't help but note that the Israelites seem to be particularly fickle where their faith is concerned.

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