John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 5. And Moses said unto the judges of Israel , etc.] Either the same with the heads of the people, or the rulers of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, according to the distribution by the advice of Jethro: slay ye everyone his men, that were joined unto Baalpeor ; all that were under their several districts and jurisdictions, that were found guilty of that crime; these they are ordered to slay, either with their own hands, or rather cause to be slain by proper persons they should appoint to be executioners.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-5 - The friendship of the wicked is more dangerous than their enmity; for none can prevail against God's people if they are not overcome by their inbred lusts; nor can any enchantment hurt them, but the enticements of worldly interests and pleasures. Here is the sin of Israel, to whic they are enticed by the daughters of Moab and Midian. Those are ou worst enemies who draw us to sin, for that is the greatest mischief an man can do us. Israel's sin did that which all Balaam's enchantment could not do; it set God against them. Diseases are the fruits of God' anger, and the just punishments of prevailing sins; one infectio follows the other. Ringleaders in sin ought to be made examples of justice.
Original Hebrew ויאמר559 משׁה4872 אל413 שׁפטי8199 ישׂראל3478 הרגו2026 אישׁ582 אנשׁיו582 הנצמדים6775 לבעל פעור׃1187
