* The Israelites had no clue what was going on behind the scenes.

* They were being watched and plans to curse them were being hatched.

* But here’s the key, so long as Israel stayed in the place God had set for them they would have His protection.

* Sure enough, God was protecting the Israelites all along.

* We find out later, however, they lost their focus and started mingling with the natives, thus causing many to commit idolatry.