The people were blessed in the last Chapter and a sorcerer gave that blessing after his eyes were opened to God. And yet. His way of life led him. His way of life corrupted himself and the people he led to corruption. Why does that matter? What has that to do with us today? “To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. I know where you live – where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city – where Satan lives. Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Isrealites to sin so they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality.” Revelation 2:12-14.

While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to engage in sexual immorality with Moabite women, who invited them to the sacrifices to their gods. The people ate the sacrificial meal and bowed down before these gods. So Israel yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor. And the Lord’s anger burned against them. Numbers 25:1-3. Imagine how God felt observing this. When I found Israel, it was like finding grapes in the desert; when I saw your ancestors, it was like seeing the early fruit on the fig tree. But when they came to Baal Peor, they consecrated themselves to that shameful idol and became as vile as the thing they loved. Hosea 9:10.

It got so bad it was vile and they loved it. Then an Israelite man brought into the camp a Midianite woman right before the eyes of Moses and the whole assembly of Israel while they were weeping at the entrance to the tent of meeting. When Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, the priest, saw this, he left the assembly, took a spear in his hand and followed the Israelite into the tent. He drove the spear into both of them, right through the Israelite man and into the woman’s stomach. Then the plague against the Israelites was stopped; but those who died in the plague numbered 24,000. v. 6-9.

God made His covenant of peace with Phinehas because he was zealous for God’s honor. Through him and his descendants would be God’s covenant of a lasting priesthood serving God. v. 10-13. Phinehas wasn’t deceived. He knew who God was and he honored Him. What a difference Phinehas’s example was to the people. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Galatians 6:7-8.

Why does it matter to us today? For the same reason it mattered then and for all eternity. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10. God alone upholds us with His righteous right hand. No one else is Holy. No counterfeit that is empty and vile and deceives can ever replace God. Satan treats us as enemies and deceives; no love there.

God redeems and helps and heals us of all our sins. Who would you rather honor? Who would you rather love? Who would you rather have help you?