It was in mercy that the Lord destroyed those who had been led away by Baal-peor. Had they been permitted to live, their influence would have corrupted the whole congregation of Israel. The judgment that came on them was a warning to others not to disregard the honor and glory of God. Often the Lord speaks in judgment to repress iniquity. He sees and rebukes the sins of those who disobey his laws, but he shows mercy to those who obey him. When their own inclinations would lead them into danger, he withholds from them that which they desire.

Det var i nåde at Herren udslettede dem som var blevet ledt bort af Baal-peor. Fik de lov at leve, ville deres indflydelse have fordærvet hele Israels forsamling. De domme som kom til dem, var en advarsel til andre om at ikke ignorere Guds ære og herlighed. Ofte taler Herren i domme, for at undertrykke synd. Han ser og irettesætter deres synder som er ulydig mod hans love, men han viser barmhjertighed mod dem som adlyder ham. Når deres egne tilbøjeligheder leder dem i fare, tilbageholder han dem fra det som de ønsker.