NOTES for Num 25:1-18

Sometimes we are struck by the harshness with which God's judgment and human judgment were carried out in the Old Testament. Yet it is worth remembering two things: first, the consciousness of ancient people did not contain at the same time the concepts of "freedom of conscience" and faithfulness to God. And second, what is at issue here is not simply "religious traditions" or culture, but life and death. We, accustomed to living in an atmosphere of religious tolerance and having the commandment not to judge others, often lack an understanding of this contrast between faith and unfaithfulness, though they bring us life and death respectively.