God issues a deeply emotional and historical plea to the people, reminding them of His constant protection and abundant kindness. By looking back at past events, God dismantles any accusation that He treated His nation unjustly or placed heavy burdens upon them, instead proving His profound love. The reflection begins with the plot devised by Balak, the king of Moab, whose original intention was to completely destroy the Israelites by having Balaam curse the nation at the precise moment of Divine wrath [מצודת דוד, אברבנאל]. However, Balaam was forced to reply that he was entirely powerless to issue a curse, as God harbored no anger during those days. Rather than employing strict justice, God operated from a place of pure mercy. He nullified all astrological influences and sorcery, compelling Balaam to bless the Israelites against his own will. These blessings were designed to elevate the nation's honor and strike fear into the hearts of surrounding nations who would hear of their future victories [אבן עזרא, אברבנאל, אהבת יהונתן].
The focus then shifts to the journey from Shittim to Gilgal. The primary approach among commentators views this transition as a clear demonstration of God's immense mercy in the face of the nation's failures. After failing to curse the Israelites, Balaam advised Balak to trip them up by enticing them into idolatry and immorality with the women of Moab and Midian at Shittim [מלבי״ם, אברבנאל]. Although the people committed a catastrophic sin right on the verge of entering the land and deserved utter destruction, God showed them profound pity. He struck only the active participants with a plague, forgave the rest of the nation, and maintained His protective providence over them [רד״ק, צאינה וראינה, אבן עזרא]. A unique perspective suggests that God's kindness at Shittim operated on another level. God intentionally delayed the Commandment of circumcision until the nation reached Gilgal. Because circumcision is understood to temper physical desires, the absence of it at Shittim provided the people with a mitigating circumstance for the overwhelming urges that led them into sin. This reveals God's righteousness in finding a way to judge His people favorably [אהבת יהונתן].
Despite the severe betrayal at Shittim, God did not abandon the Israelites. He held onto them until they arrived at Gilgal, their first encampment in the land of Israel. Along the way, He performed undeniable miracles, such as splitting the Jordan River to let them cross on dry land, ultimately enabling them to conquer the territory [רש״י, רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. Furthermore, the passage from Shittim to Gilgal serves as proof that God does not weigh His people down with harsh demands. Following the tragedy at Shittim, He did not require massive, burdensome sacrifices to achieve atonement. Instead, He simply asked them to practice justice and kindness, imposing no difficult labor upon them throughout their journey [מלבי״ם].
Ultimately, this entire historical sequence is meant to teach the nation to recognize God's enduring goodness. It illustrates how He consistently acts beyond the strict letter of the law, saving them from external enemies who seek their ruin while simultaneously protecting them from their own internal flaws through absolute grace and mercy [מצודת דוד, שטיינזלץ].