So Israel joined in worshiping Baal of PeorThis phrase indicates a significant moment of apostasy for the Israelites. Baal of Peor refers to a local manifestation of the Canaanite god Baal, worshiped at Peor, a location in Moab. The Israelites' involvement in this idolatry was not merely a religious error but a breach of their covenant with Yahweh, who had commanded exclusive worship. This act of idolatry is linked to the seduction by Moabite women, as described earlier in the chapter, which led the Israelites into both sexual immorality and idol worship. The worship of Baal often included fertility rites and rituals that were in direct opposition to the laws given to Israel. This event is a stark reminder of the dangers of syncretism and the influence of surrounding pagan cultures. It also foreshadows future struggles Israel would face with idolatry, as seen in the books of Judges and Kings.
and the anger of the LORD burned against them
The phrase highlights God's righteous indignation towards Israel's unfaithfulness. The anger of the LORD is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, often resulting in divine judgment or discipline. In this context, it underscores the seriousness of Israel's sin and the breach of their covenant relationship with God. The burning anger signifies not only God's displeasure but also His holiness and justice. This divine response serves as a warning to the Israelites and future generations about the consequences of turning away from God. It also points to the need for atonement and repentance, themes that are fulfilled in the New Testament through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who bore the wrath of God for humanity's sins. This incident is a precursor to the later teachings of the prophets, who called Israel back to faithfulness and warned of the consequences of idolatry.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
IsraelThe nation chosen by God, who at this time was journeying through the wilderness towards the Promised Land. They were called to be a holy people, set apart for God's purposes.
2.
Baal of PeorA local deity worshiped by the Moabites and Midianites. The worship of Baal often involved immoral practices, which were contrary to the laws given by God to Israel.
3.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who had delivered them from Egypt and given them His laws. His anger is kindled by Israel's idolatry and unfaithfulness.
4.
MoabThe region where the Israelites were encamped. The Moabites, along with the Midianites, enticed Israel into idolatry and immorality.
5.
The PlagueA divine judgment that came upon Israel as a result of their sin, demonstrating God's holiness and intolerance of idolatry.
Teaching Points
The Danger of IdolatryIdolatry is not just the worship of physical idols but can be anything that takes the place of God in our lives. We must guard our hearts against modern forms of idolatry.
The Consequences of SinSin has serious consequences, both spiritually and physically. The Israelites' sin led to God's anger and a devastating plague. We must take sin seriously and seek repentance.
The Call to HolinessAs God's people, we are called to be holy and set apart. This requires vigilance and a commitment to God's commands, resisting the temptations of the world.
God's Righteous AngerGod's anger is a response to sin and unfaithfulness. Understanding His righteous anger helps us appreciate His holiness and the seriousness of our covenant relationship with Him.
The Importance of ObedienceObedience to God's commands is crucial for maintaining a right relationship with Him. Disobedience leads to separation and judgment, while obedience brings blessing and favor.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Numbers 25:3?
2.How does Numbers 25:3 illustrate the consequences of idolatry for believers today?
3.What steps can we take to avoid being "yoked to Baal of Peor"?
4.How does Numbers 25:3 connect with the First Commandment in Exodus 20:3?
5.What modern-day idols might tempt Christians away from their devotion to God?
6.How can church communities support each other in staying faithful to God?
7.Why did Israel worship Baal of Peor in Numbers 25:3?
8.How does Numbers 25:3 reflect on Israel's covenant faithfulness?
9.What archaeological evidence supports the events in Numbers 25:3?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 25?
11.What happened at Baal of Peor in the Bible?
12.What is the main theme of the Book of Numbers?
13.Numbers 25:6-8: Why does God commend Phinehas for killing an Israelite man and a Midianite woman, raising moral questions about vigilante violence?
14.Deuteronomy 25:1-3: Is there historical or archaeological evidence that flogging was actually carried out as described?What Does Numbers 25:3 Mean
So Israel- The verse opens with a sobering transition—“So Israel”—which links back toNumbers 25:1–2, where the people were “staying in Shittim” and began to indulge in immorality with Moabite women.
- This “So” (or “Then”) signals consequence; the nation had already stepped onto a slippery slope by tolerating intimate alliances forbidden inExodus 34:15–16 and echoed in2 Corinthians 6:14–16.
- The whole community, not just a fringe group, is implicated (Psalm 106:6).
joined in worshiping- The phrase conveys deliberate participation—not a momentary lapse but a willful, covenant-breaking choice (Deuteronomy 31:16).
- Idolatry is always more than bowing to a statue; it is spiritual adultery (James 4:4).
- Note how sensual compromise quickly morphs into spiritual compromise, just as warned inExodus 34:12–16 and repeated inRevelation 2:14.
Baal of Peor- Baal, a Canaanite fertility deity, stood in direct opposition to the LORD who alone gives rain and crops (Deuteronomy 11:13–17).
- “Peor” was the mountain or region where this particular Baal cult thrived (Joshua 22:17).
- By naming the idol, the text underscores the personal betrayal involved—Israel embraced a specific false god while camped on the doorstep of the Promised Land (Numbers 25:5).
and the anger of the LORD- God’s anger is righteous and covenantal, rooted in His holiness and love (Exodus 34:14;Hosea 11:9).
- Unlike human fury, divine wrath is measured, just, and always aimed at restoration or judgment (Romans 1:18).
- The covenant at Sinai spelled out these consequences explicitly (Leviticus 26:14–18).
burned against them- The verb “burned” pictures intense, consuming judgment (Deuteronomy 32:22).
- Immediate fallout included a deadly plague that killed 24,000 Israelites until Phinehas acted zealously for God’s honor (Numbers 25:8-9).
- Paul later cites this event to warn believers against similar sins (1 Corinthians 10:8-11), underscoring its timeless relevance.
summaryNumbers 25:3 records a tragic moment when the nation willingly swapped covenant loyalty for momentary pleasure. Their corporate descent into idolatry provoked God’s blazing wrath, demonstrating that compromise with sin is never private and never without consequence. The verse challenges every generation to steadfast faithfulness, reminding us that the LORD alone is worthy of worship and that He jealously guards His people’s hearts for their good and His glory.
Verse 3. -
Israel joined himself unto Baal-Peor. This is a technical phrase, repeated in verse 5, and quoted in
Psalm 106:28, expressing the quasi-sacramental union into which they entered with the heathen deity by partaking of his sacrificial meats and by sharing in his impure rites (cf.
Hosea 9:10 and the argument of St. Paul in
1 Corinthians 10). There can be little doubt that Peor (
פְּעור, from
פָעַר, to open) has the sense of
aperiens, in usu obsceno, and that it was the distinguishing name of Baal or Chemosh when worshipped as the god of reproduction with the abominable rites proper to this cultus. For a notice of the same thing in the last days of Israel see
Hosea 4:14, and for the practice of Babylonian and (to some degree) Egyptian women, see Herodotus, 1:199; 2:60). The Septuagint has here
ἐτελέσθη τῷ Βεελφεγώρ, "was consecrated," or "initiated," unto Baal-Peor, which admirably expressed the sense.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
So Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל(yiś·rā·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478:Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his descjoined in worshipingוַיִּצָּ֥מֶד(way·yiṣ·ṣā·meḏ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6775:To link, gird, to serve, contriveBaal of Peor,פְּע֑וֹר(pə·‘ō·wr)Preposition | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1187:Baal of Peor', a Moabite godand the LORD’sיְהוָ֖ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelangerאַ֥ף(’ap̄)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 639:The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ireburnedוַיִּֽחַר־(way·yi·ḥar-)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2734:To glow, grow warm, to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousyagainst [them].בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃(bə·yiś·rā·’êl)Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478:Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc
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OT Law: Numbers 25:3 Israel joined himself to Baal Peor: (Nu Num.) 
