Numbers 25:7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

God is neither unjust nor is His judgment variable. He comprehends the soul of Balaam and the secrets of his heart, which is why He tested him as inspired from above yet did not select him to be a prophet. Despite the opportunity provided by such prophecies and the depth of revelation, he should have turned towards God. However, Balaam's spirit, consumed by wickedness, uttered words yet lacked faith, attempting through cunning plans to undermine the prophetic declarations regarding the future. Since the prophecies are infallible, he introduced false advice, thereby tempting the capricious people of Israel, though they were not ultimately dominated. Remarkably, the righteousness of a single priest dismantled the entire scheme of this wicked man. It is indeed more extraordinary that through one man, the host of the fathers could be redeemed rather than deceived.

When the son of the high priest observed that not only the ordinary soldiers but also the leaders were abandoning their posts and engaging in immoral acts, and recognizing that God's mercy was on the verge of abandoning the Hebrews due to this, he was seized with holy fervor and righteous indignation. Armed with a sword, he executed one of the leaders along with the woman who had sinned with him. In doing so, he not only halted the affliction that threatened to undermine the essentials of life but also appeased the anger of God that brings ruin upon the sinful.