1 Corinthians 10:5-10
5 Nevertheless, God was not well-pleased with (a)most of them, for they were scattered along the ground in the wilderness [because their lack of self-control led to disobedience which led to death].(A)
6 Now these things [the warnings and admonitions] took place as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did.(B)
7 Do not be worshipers of handmade gods, as some of them were; just as it is written [in Scripture], “The people sat down to eat and drink [after sacrificing to the (b)golden calf at Horeb], and stood up to play [indulging in immoral activities].”(C)
8 We must not indulge in [nor tolerate] sexual immorality, as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand [suddenly] fell [dead] in a single day!(D)
9 We must not tempt the Lord [that is, test His patience, question His purpose or exploit His goodness], as some of them did—and they were killed by serpents.(E)
10 And do not murmur [in unwarranted discontent], as some of them did—and were destroyed by the (c)destroyer.(F)
Footnotes:
a.
1 Corinthians 10:5: Of all those adult Israelites who had been in bondage in Egypt, only Joshua and Caleb (along with those born in the wilderness) were allowed to enter the promised land.
b.
1 Corinthians 10:7: The selection of a calf-god was probably inspired by the Egyptian bull-god Apis (Hapis), believed to be a living manifestation of the Egyptian god Ptah.
c.
1 Corinthians 10:10: Perhaps a reference to the angel of destruction whom the rabbis called Mashhith.