It was not long before the poison had spread, like a deadly infection, through the camp of Israel. Those who would have conquered their enemies in battle were overcome by the wiles of heathen women. The people seemed to be infatuated. The rulers and the leading men were among the first to transgress, and so many of the people were guilty that the apostasy became national. "Israel joined himself unto Baalpeor." When Moses was 455 aroused to perceive the evil, the plots of their enemies had been so successful that not only were the Israelites participating in the licentious worship at Mount Peor, but the heathen rites were coming to be observed in the camp of Israel. The aged leader was filled with indignation, and the wrath of God was kindled.

Det varede ikke længe, før giften havde bredt sig som en dødelig sygdom i hele Israels lejr. De mennesker som ville have besejret deres fjender i åben kamp, blev overvundet af hedenske kvinders list. Folket syntes at være fuldstændig opslugt af det, de oplevede. Deres øverster og ledere var de første til at overtræde Guds lov, og så mange af folket var skyldige, at frafaldet berørte hele nationen. "Og Israel holdt til med Baal-Peor." Da Moses blev klar over, hvad der var sket, var fjendernes planer lykkedes så godt, at israelitterne ikke blot tog del i den tøjlesløse tilbedelse på Peors bjerg, men de hedenske ceremonier blev praktiseret i selve Israels lejr. Den gamle leder blev fyldt af harme, og Herrens vrede blussede op.