Numbers 25:1
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,

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].

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,

Majority Standard Bible
While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with the daughters of Moab,

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.

World English Bible
Israel stayed in Shittim; and the people began to play the prostitute with the daughters of Moab;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Israel dwells in Shittim, and the people begin to go whoring to 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 Bible
And 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 Bible
AND 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 1917
And 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 Israel
1While 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
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.

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.

Psalm 106:28-29
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.

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.

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.’”

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.

2 Corinthians 6:14-16
Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? / What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? / What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.”

Deuteronomy 7:3-4
Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons, / because they will turn your sons away from following Me to serve other gods. Then the anger of the LORD will burn against you, and He will swiftly destroy you.

1 Kings 14:24
There were even male shrine prostitutes in the land. They imitated all the abominations of the nations the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.

Ezekiel 20:7-8
And I said to them: ‘Each of you must throw away the abominations before his eyes, and you must not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.’ / But they rebelled against Me and refused to listen. None of them cast away the abominations before their eyes, and they did not forsake the idols of Egypt. So I resolved to pour out My wrath upon them and vent My anger against them in the land of Egypt.

2 Kings 17:7-12
All this happened because the people of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. They had worshiped other gods / and walked in the customs of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites, as well as in the practices introduced by the kings of Israel. / The Israelites secretly did things against the LORD their God that were not right. From watchtower to fortified city, they built high places in all their cities. ...


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: …

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Abode A-Whoring Commit Daughters Dwelleth Dwelt Evil Harlot Harlotry Immorality Indulge Lewdness Moab Moabite Play Prostitute Sexual Shittim Staying Whoredom Women
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Abode A-Whoring Commit Daughters Dwelleth Dwelt Evil Harlot Harlotry Immorality Indulge Lewdness Moab Moabite Play Prostitute Sexual Shittim Staying Whoredom Women
Numbers 25
1. Israel at Shittim commit unfaithfulness and idolatry
6. 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
The phrase indicates a moral and spiritual decline among the Israelites. The Hebrew term used here suggests not just a physical act but a turning away from covenant faithfulness to God. This immorality was not merely a personal failing but a communal sin that threatened the holiness and distinctiveness of the Israelite community. The act of indulging in sexual immorality is often linked in Scripture to idolatry, as seen in other passages like Exodus 32 with the golden calf incident. This behavior reflects a broader pattern of rebellion and disobedience that plagued Israel throughout their wilderness journey.

with the daughters of Moab
The Moabites were descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew, and had a complicated relationship with Israel. The interaction with the Moabite women was not just a matter of personal relationships but had significant religious implications. The Moabites worshiped the god Chemosh, and their religious practices often included ritual prostitution and other forms of sexual immorality. By engaging with the Moabite women, the Israelite men were not only breaking God's commandments regarding sexual purity but were also at risk of being drawn into idolatry. This incident foreshadows later events where Israel's alliances with foreign nations lead to spiritual compromise, as seen in the accounts of Solomon and the divided kingdom. The narrative serves as a warning against the dangers of syncretism and the importance of maintaining covenant faithfulness to God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Israel
The 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 Temptation
Just 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.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 Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל (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


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OT Law: Numbers 25:1 Israel abode in Shittim (Nu Num.)
Numbers 24:25
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