Why did the Israelites begin to commit immorality with the Moabites?
The Israelites were led into trespass against the Lord because of Balaam’s counsel and advice. Moses cites this in Numbers 31:16, showing that the counsel given by Balaam caused the children of Israel to commit the trespass. Moses records that this advice led them to trespass against the Lord.
Les explains that Moses is pointing back to Numbers 31:16, where Moses says, “Behold, these caused the children of Israel through the counsel, the advice of Balaam, to commit trespass against the Lord.” In the transcript, the reason given for Israel’s trespass is therefore Balaam’s counsel or advice—it was through that counsel that they were caused to commit trespass against the Lord. Les does not add further details in this segment; he simply cites Moses’ statement to show the cause.
Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.