Sunday, February 12, 2012

Today's reading in Numbers 25 and then 31 tells of the Israelite's sin promoted by the Midianites through seduction by their women.  The Israelites had relationships with these women and then with their gods.  This sin is avenged at God's direction, first against the Israelites who participated, and then against the entire nation of Moab.  The devastation of the Moabites is fierce and is followed by the purification of those who take part in the slaughter.