The children of Israel didn't strike them, because the princes of the congregation had sworn to them by Yahweh, the God of Israel. All the congregation murmured against the princes.
Unbelievers usually oppose believers as we seek to carry out God’s purpose for us in the world. They sometimes resort to deception to become part of the fellowship of God’s people for their own selfish advantages. Some of these advantages are a good reputation, business contacts, or finding a spouse.