The period of peace, prosperity, and “continual rejoicing in the land” (verse 31) described previously was soon shattered by the onset of pride in the hearts of many members of the Church. Puffed up in their pride, they persecuted the more humble Saints.
“Synagogues After the Order of the Nehors”
The Amalekites and the Amulonites had not eschewed all religion but rather had embraced one that justified their iniquities and fed their hatred and wrath for those who preached the doctrine of Christ. It was held in the order of Nehor that all ought to have the right to do as they pleased-if what they pleased was that which pleased those of the persuasion of Nehor.