Numbers 25:3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Upon succumbing to sin, they became unconquerable by anyone, unaffected by weapons, horses, soldiers, or any tactical prowess. Instead, they found themselves ensnared by sin and surrendered to their foes; shields, spears, and arrows proved ineffective against them, yet it was the allure of their appearances and the desires of their souls that triumphed over these valiant warriors. Therefore, one is advised, "Do not despise the kindness of strangers; nor should you recoil from the spouse of a harlot" (Sir. 9:8, 3), for "honey drips from the lips of an adulteress, which for a moment may please your palate, but in the end, you will discover bitter poison and a cunning sharper than any weapon" (Proverbs 5:3-4).

When his initial effort proved unsuccessful, he resorted to a different means to perpetrate his wicked intentions. He ensnared the Israelites by enticing them with the allure of women, leading them away from their devotion to God and prompting them to worship Beelphegor, the idol of Moab. This is recorded in the book of Numbers, stating that Israel settled in Sattim, and the people corrupted themselves through immorality with the daughters of Moab. They offered sacrifices to their idols and partook of their offerings, engaging in communion with Beelphegor, which incited the Lord's fierce anger against Israel. For, while God shielded Israel, He rendered them formidable and undefeated. However, having maliciously withdrawn His protection, the Moabites caused them to defy the Almighty, who remains sovereign over all, adhering to this same pattern consistently.

However, dominion over evil resulted in the separation from the aid of good, for the Divine soon opposed them.

The beast will generate numerous delusions, for he reveres God yet seeks to annihilate all. Pay attention, beloved brethren of Christ, to the actions he undertook in the wilderness against Israel, who was brought out of Egypt, and how he cunningly lured them into grievous sin. He incited Balaam to offer the most nefarious advice to Balak, the king of Midian, by bringing the women of the city into the wilderness to seduce the Israelites, leading them into licentiousness and idolatrous sacrifices, so that God might completely destroy them as evildoers, as all would engage in immorality with these women, akin to creatures devoid of reason.

When the Midianites decided to confront the Hebrews, guided by divine assistance, they followed the counsel of a shrewd advisor (Numbers 31:16). Setting aside arms and conventional warfare tactics—having realized that such means had proved futile for the Egyptians—they sent forth beautiful maidens into battle, not equipping them with weaponry but adorning them instead. They understood that divine support would remain with the Hebrews as long as they did not succumb to immorality, which would ultimately lead to idolatry; for from minor transgressions often arise the gravest offenses. The maidens ventured forth to engage the Hebrews, unaided by swords or arrows, and instead relied on the allure of their appearances and garments as their means of defense. Thus, they defeated the Hebrews, compelling them to abandon their weapons and surrender to the victory of the maidens.