Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with Moabite women, New Living Translation While the Israelites were camped at Acacia Grove, some of the men defiled themselves by having sexual relations with local Moabite women. English Standard Version While Israel lived in Shittim, the people began to whore with the daughters of Moab. Berean Standard Bible While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with the daughters of Moab, Berean Literal Bible And Israel remained in Shittim, and the people began to prostitute themselves with the daughters of Moab. King James Bible And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab. New King James Version Now Israel remained in Acacia Grove, and the people began to commit harlotry with the women of Moab. New American Standard Bible While Israel remained at Shittim, the people began to commit infidelity with the daughters of Moab. NASB 1995 While Israel remained at Shittim, the people began to play the harlot with the daughters of Moab. NASB 1977 While Israel remained at Shittim, the people began to play the harlot with the daughters of Moab. Legacy Standard Bible And Israel remained at Shittim, and the people began to play the harlot with the daughters of Moab. Amplified Bible Israel settled and remained in Shittim, and the people began to play the prostitute with the women of Moab [by being unfaithful to God]. Berean Annotated Bible While Israel (he wrestles with God) was staying in Shittim (Acacia Grove), the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with the daughters of Moab (of his father), Christian Standard Bible While Israel was staying in the Acacia Grove, the people began to prostitute themselves with the women of Moab. Holman Christian Standard Bible While Israel was staying in the Acacia Grove, the people began to have sexual relations with the women of Moab. American Standard Version And Israel abode in Shittim; and the people began to play the harlot with the daughters of Moab: Contemporary English Version While the Israelites were camped at Acacia, some of the men had sex with Moabite women. English Revised Version And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab: GOD'S WORD® Translation While Israel was staying at Shittim, the men began to have sex with Moabite women Good News Translation When the Israelites were camped at Acacia Valley, the men began to have sexual intercourse with the Moabite women who were there. International Standard Version While Israel remained encamped in Shittim, the people began to commit sexual immorality with Moabite women, NET Bible When Israel lived in Shittim, the people began to commit sexual immorality with the daughters of Moab. New Heart English Bible Now Israel stayed in Shittim; and the people defiled themselves by having sexual relations with the women of Moab, Webster's Bible Translation And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit lewdness with the daughters of Moab. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhile Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with the daughters of Moab, World English Bible Israel stayed in Shittim; and the people began to play the prostitute with the daughters of Moab; Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Israel dwells in Shittim, and the people begin to go whoring to daughters of Moab, Berean Literal Bible And Israel remained in Shittim, and the people began to prostitute themselves with the daughters of Moab. Young's Literal Translation And Israel dwelleth in Shittim, and the people begin to go a-whoring unto daughters of Moab, Smith's Literal Translation And Israel will dwell in Shittim, and the people will begin to commit fornication with the daughters of Moab. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Israel at that time abode in Settim, and the people committed fornication with the daughters of Moab, Catholic Public Domain Version Now Israel, at that time, dwelt in Shittim, and the people were fornicating with the daughters of Moab, New American Bible While Israel was living at Shittim, the people profaned themselves by prostituting themselves with the Moabite women. New Revised Standard Version While Israel was staying at Shittim, the people began to have sexual relations with the women of Moab. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAND Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Israel dwelt in Settim and the people began to commit fornication with the daughters of Moab. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit harlotry with the daughters of Moab. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Israel sojourned in Sattin, and the people profaned itself by going a-whoring after the daughters of Moab. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Moab Seduces Israel1While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with the daughters of Moab, 2who also invited them to the sacrifices for their gods. And the people ate and bowed down to these gods.… Cross References While Israel was staying in Shittim, Joshua 2:1 Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim, saying, “Go, inspect the land, especially Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there. Joshua 3:1 Early the next morning Joshua got up and left Shittim with all the Israelites. They went as far as the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over. Micah 6:5 My people, remember what Balak king of Moab counseled and what Balaam son of Beor answered. Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal, so that you may acknowledge the righteousness of the LORD.’” the men began to indulge in sexual immorality 1 Corinthians 10:8 We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. Jude 1:7 In like manner, Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, who indulged in sexual immorality and pursued strange flesh, are on display as an example of those who sustain the punishment of eternal fire. Ephesians 5:3 But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed. with the daughters of Moab, Numbers 31:16 “Look, these women caused the sons of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to turn unfaithfully against the LORD at Peor, so that the plague struck the congregation of the LORD. Deuteronomy 23:3-4 No Ammonite or Moabite or any of their descendants may enter the assembly of the LORD, even to the tenth generation. / For they did not meet you with food and water on your way out of Egypt, and they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in Aram-naharaim to curse you. Psalm 106:28-31 They yoked themselves to Baal of Peor and ate sacrifices offered to lifeless gods. / So they provoked the LORD to anger with their deeds, and a plague broke out among them. / But Phinehas stood and intervened, and the plague was restrained. … Revelation 2:14 But I have a few things against you, because some of you hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block before the Israelites so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality. Hosea 9:10 I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness. I saw your fathers as the firstfruits of the fig tree in its first season. But they went to Baal-peor, and consecrated themselves to Shame; so they became as detestable as the thing they loved. Deuteronomy 4:3 Your eyes have seen what the LORD did at Baal-peor, for the LORD your God destroyed from among you all who followed Baal of Peor. Joshua 22:17 Was not the sin of Peor enough for us, from which we have not cleansed ourselves to this day? It even brought a plague upon the congregation of the LORD. 2 Peter 2:15 They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. 1 Kings 11:1-2 King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh—women of Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Sidon, as well as Hittite women. / These women were from the nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, for surely they will turn your hearts after their gods.” Yet Solomon clung to these women in love. Judges 2:11-13 And the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD and served the Baals. / Thus they forsook the LORD, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt, and they followed after various gods of the peoples around them. They bowed down to them and provoked the LORD to anger, / for they forsook Him and served Baal and the Ashtoreths. Treasury of Scripture And Israel stayed in Shittim, and the people began to commit prostitution with the daughters of Moab. bowed Exodus 20:5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; Exodus 23:24 Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but thou shalt utterly overthrow them, and quite break down their images. Joshua 23:7,16 That ye come not among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear by them, neither serve them, nor bow yourselves unto them: … Jump to Previous Abode A-Whoring Commit Daughters Dwelleth Dwelt Evil Harlot Harlotry Immorality Indulge Lewdness Moab Moabite Play Prostitute Sexual Shittim Staying Whoredom WomenJump to Next Abode A-Whoring Commit Daughters Dwelleth Dwelt Evil Harlot Harlotry Immorality Indulge Lewdness Moab Moabite Play Prostitute Sexual Shittim Staying Whoredom WomenNumbers 25 1. Israel at Shittim commit unfaithfulness and idolatry6. Phinehas kills Zimri and Cozbi 10. God therefore gives him an everlasting priesthood 16. The Midianites are to be troubled While Israel was staying in Shittim Shittim, also known as Abel-Shittim, was located in the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, opposite Jericho. This area was significant as it was the final encampment of the Israelites before crossing into the Promised Land. The name "Shittim" refers to the acacia trees that were abundant in the region. This location is crucial in the narrative of Israel's journey, marking a period of transition and testing before entering Canaan. The Israelites' stay here is a reminder of their proximity to the fulfillment of God's promises, yet also highlights their vulnerability to temptation and sin. the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with the daughters of Moab Persons / Places / Events 1. IsraelThe nation chosen by God, consisting of the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. At this point, they are journeying through the wilderness toward the Promised Land. 2. Shittim A location in the plains of Moab, near the Jordan River, where the Israelites camped before entering Canaan. It is significant as the setting for the events of Numbers 25. 3. The Men of Israel Refers to the male members of the Israelite community who engaged in sinful behavior. 4. The Daughters of Moab Women from the Moabite nation who enticed the Israelite men into sexual immorality and idolatry. 5. Sexual Immorality The sinful act that the Israelite men engaged in, which was against God's commandments and led to further idolatry. Teaching Points Guard Against TemptationJust as the Israelites were tempted by the Moabite women, Christians must be vigilant against the temptations of the world that lead to sin. The Consequences of Sin This passage highlights the severe consequences of disobedience to God, reminding believers of the importance of holiness. The Importance of Obedience Obedience to God's commandments is crucial for maintaining a right relationship with Him and avoiding the pitfalls of sin. Community Accountability The actions of individuals can affect the entire community, emphasizing the need for mutual accountability among believers. Spiritual Warfare Recognize that spiritual battles often manifest in physical temptations and require reliance on God's strength to overcome. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 25:1?2. How does Numbers 25:1 warn against compromising with surrounding cultures today? 3. What lessons can we learn from Israel's sin in Numbers 25:1? 4. How does Numbers 25:1 connect with 1 Corinthians 10:8 on idolatry? 5. In what ways can believers guard against similar temptations as in Numbers 25:1? 6. How can church leaders address cultural influences similar to Numbers 25:1? 7. What historical evidence supports the events described in Numbers 25:1? 8. How does Numbers 25:1 reflect the cultural context of ancient Israel? 9. What theological implications arise from the actions in Numbers 25:1? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 25? 11. Numbers 25:1–3: How do we reconcile the claim of widespread Moabite seduction with the lack of archaeological or historical evidence for such an event? 12. What are Shittim in the Bible? 13. What are Shittim in the Bible? 14. Numbers 31:28–30: How does distributing people as spoils align with the broader biblical theme of human worth? What Does Numbers 25:1 Mean While Israel was staying in ShittimShittim was Israel’s final campsite east of the Jordan before entering the Promised Land (Joshua 3:1). This location matters: • It signals how close the nation was to fulfillment—yet how vulnerable it still was to failure (Deuteronomy 1:26-32). • Past victories (Numbers 21:21-35) had not removed the need for vigilance. Temptation often strikes hardest on the threshold of blessing. • The people had already heard Balaam bless them (Numbers 24:9-10), so any lapse now would be unmistakably disobedient. the men began to indulge The verse marks a conscious choice, not a momentary slip: • “Began” hints at a progressive surrender of will, echoing how Eve “saw that the tree was good…and took” (Genesis 3:6). • Scripture warns believers to “make no provision for the flesh” (Romans 13:14). Israel did the opposite—opening the door to sin rather than fleeing it (2 Timothy 2:22). in sexual immorality This was not merely private misconduct; it struck at the covenant itself: • God had clearly forbidden such unions (Exodus 34:15-16). • 1 Corinthians 10:8 looks back: “We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died.” Paul cites the episode to warn the church about the seriousness of sexual sin. • Sexual immorality in Scripture often pairs with idolatry (Revelation 2:14). The body becomes an altar to a false god (Romans 1:24-25). with the daughters of Moab The Moabite women were instruments of a larger scheme (Numbers 31:16): • Their invitation was strategic—“Come, sacrifice to our gods” (v. 2). Sin rarely advertises its full price upfront. • Deuteronomy 23:3-4 records the long-term fallout: Moabites were barred from Israel’s assembly “because they hired Balaam…and did not meet you with bread and water.” • Marrying foreign women later threatened Israel again under Ezra (Ezra 9-10) and Nehemiah (Nehemiah 13:23-27), proving how persistent this temptation would be. summary Numbers 25:1 shows Israel, camped at Shittim on the edge of promise, knowingly stepping into sexual immorality with Moabite women. The verse warns that proximity to blessing does not shield us from temptation; deliberate indulgence in sin undermines covenant faithfulness; and moral compromise often begins with small, seemingly harmless invitations that carry idolatrous consequences. XXV.(1) Abode in Shittim--i.e., Abel-Shittim (Numbers 33:49). (See Note on Numbers 22:1.) Verse 1. - Abode in Shittim. For a considerable time; from their first arrival in the Arboth Moab until the crossing of the Jordan. Shittim is the shortened form of Abel-Shittim, "Field of Acacias" (Numbers 33:49). It seems to have been the northernmost part of the last encampment of Israel on that side Jordan, and the head-quarters of the host (Joshua 2:1; Joshua 3:1). Began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab. This commencement of sin seems to have been made by Israel without special provocation. The very victories won, and the comparative ease and affluence now enjoyed, after long marches and hardships, may well have predisposed them to this sin, for which they now for the first time found abundant opportunity.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew While Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc was staying וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב (way·yê·šeḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry in Acacia Grove, בַּשִּׁטִּ֑ים (baš·šiṭ·ṭîm) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 7851: Shittim -- a place East of the Jordan, also a wadi perhaps West of Jerusalem the men הָעָ֔ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock began וַיָּ֣חֶל (way·yā·ḥel) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 2490: To bore, to wound, to dissolve, to profane, to break, to begin, to play to indulge in sexual immorality לִזְנ֖וֹת (liz·nō·wṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 2181: To commit adultery, to commit idolatry with אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the daughters בְּנ֥וֹת (bə·nō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural construct Strong's 1323: A daughter of Moab, מוֹאָֽב׃ (mō·w·’āḇ) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 4124: Moab -- a son of Lot,also his descendants and the territory where they settled Links Numbers 25:1 NIVNumbers 25:1 NLT Numbers 25:1 ESV Numbers 25:1 NASB Numbers 25:1 KJV Numbers 25:1 BibleApps.com Numbers 25:1 Biblia Paralela Numbers 25:1 Chinese Bible Numbers 25:1 French Bible Numbers 25:1 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 25:1 Israel abode in Shittim (Nu Num.) |
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