Israel was camped across the Jordan River from Jericho. They were almost ready to enter the land and begin the conquest. However, at this important moment, they fell into serious sin.
Balaam advised Israel’s enemies to lead the people into sexual immorality and idolatry at Baal-peor (31:16).
He could not harm Israel with a curse, so he chose another way. He led them into sin through lust and the worship of false gods.
The early church faced similar temptations. Believers were warned about idolatry and sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 10:6, 11).