Since the Moabites can’t defeat Israel or use spiritual powers to curse them, they try a new approach. The women of Moab invite the men of Israel to worship their god. The worship of Baal included prostitution. That made the worship of Baal very attractive to many. This plan worked, because God became angry with Israel. Fortunately, Phinehas is able to put a stop to the sin and God’s anger.
Like Israel, it’s easy for us to abuse God’s love. We think God will be gentle with us even if we do things he hates. But God also loves us enough to correct us. In Hebrews 12:5-11, we are told God is like a loving father who disciplines out of love. If he didn’t discipline us, it would mean he did not consider us his children.