Apostasy at the Jordan
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During the time of their encampment beside Jordan, Moses was
preparing for the occupation of Canaan. In this work the great leader
was fully employed; but to the people this time of suspense and ex-
pectation was most trying, and before many weeks had elapsed their
history was marred by the most frightful departures from virtue and
integrity.
At first there was little intercourse between the Israelites and their
heathen neighbors, but after a time Midianitish women began to steal
into the camp. Their appearance excited no alarm, and so quietly were
their plans conducted that the attention of Moses was not called to the
matter. It was the object of these women, in their association with
the Hebrews, to seduce them into transgression of the law of God, to
draw their attention to heathen rites and customs, and lead them into
idolatry. These motives were studiously concealed under the garb of
friendship, so that they were not suspected, even by the guardians of
the people.
At Balaam’s suggestion, a grand festival in honor of their gods was
appointed by the king of Moab, and it was secretly arranged that Bal-
aam should induce the Israelites to attend. He was regarded by them as
a prophet of God, and hence had little difficulty in accomplishing his
purpose. Great numbers of the people joined him in witnessing the fes-
tivities. They ventured upon the forbidden ground, and were entangled
in the snare of Satan. Beguiled with music and dancing, and allured
by the beauty of heathen vestals, they cast off their fealty to Jehovah.
As they united in mirth and feasting, indulgence in wine beclouded
their senses and broke down the barriers of self-control. Passion had
full sway; and having defiled their consciences by lewdness, they were
persuaded to bow down to idols. They offered sacrifice upon heathen
altars and participated in the most degrading rites.
It was not long before the poison had spread, like a deadly infection,
through the camp of Israel. Those who would have conquered their
enemies in battle were overcome by the wiles of heathen women.
The people seemed to be infatuated. The rulers and the leading men
were among the first to transgress, and so many of the people were
guilty that the apostasy became national. “Israel joined himself unto
Baalpeor.” When Moses was aroused to perceive the evil, the plots of
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their enemies had been so successful that not only were the Israelites
participating in the licentious worship at Mount Peor, but the heathen