Numbers 25:1
And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב
abode
H3427
וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב
abode
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
And Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
And Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
2 of 9
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וַיָּ֣חֶל
began
H2490
וַיָּ֣חֶל
began
Strong's:
H2490
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
הָעָ֔ם
and the people
H5971
הָעָ֔ם
and the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
5 of 9
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
לִזְנ֖וֹת
to commit whoredom
H2181
לִזְנ֖וֹת
to commit whoredom
Strong's:
H2181
Word #:
6 of 9
to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (
Cross References
1 Corinthians 10:8Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.Joshua 2:1And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there.Numbers 33:49And they pitched by Jordan, from Beth-jesimoth even unto Abel-shittim in the plains of Moab.Revelation 2:14But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.Micah 6:5O my people, remember now what Balak king of Moab consulted, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Shittim unto Gilgal; that ye may know the righteousness of the LORD.Joshua 3:1And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over.
Historical Context
Shittim (later called Abel-shittim, 33:49) was Israel's final camp before crossing Jordan into Canaan. This sin occurred at the threshold of promise fulfillment—a recurring biblical pattern where temptation intensifies just before breakthrough. Balaam's failed curses (chapters 23-24) gave way to Midianite-Moabite seduction (31:16).
Questions for Reflection
- Why does temptation often intensify when you're closest to spiritual breakthrough or promise fulfillment?
- How are sexual immorality and idolatry connected in contemporary context?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Israel 'began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab' at Shittim, just before entering Canaan. This sexual immorality was simultaneously spiritual adultery—the Moabite women drew Israelite men into idolatrous worship (verse 2). Sexual sin and idolatry intertwine throughout Scripture; physical unfaithfulness expresses and enables spiritual unfaithfulness.