Numbers 25:6

This was done, either,

1. Before God's command to Moses, and by him to the judges, Numbers 25:4,5, such transpositions and disorders being not unusual in sacred story. Or rather,

2. In the order it is related, to wit, when Moses had given the charge to the judges, and, as it may seem, before the execution of it, otherwise it is probable he would not have been so bold and foolish to have run upon present and certain ruin, when the examples were fresh and frequent before his eyes. Unto his brethren, i.e. into the camp of the Israelites, or to his friends and relations in his tent, whither he carried her; Numbers 25:8, for his or their fleshly satisfaction. In the sight of Moses; an argument of intolerable impudence and contempt of God and of Moses. All the congregation, i.e. the rulers of the congregation with divers of the people. Weeping; bewailing the abominable wickedness of the people, and the dreadful judgments of God, and imploring God's mercy and favour.