1. While the Israelites were camped at Acacia, some of the men had sex with Moabite women.
10. The Lord said to Moses,
11. “In my anger, I would have wiped out the Israelites if Phinehas had not been faithful to me.
12-13. But instead of punishing them, I forgave them. So because of the loyalty that Phinehas showed, I solemnly promise that he and his descendants will always be my priests.”