Etymology and Location:
Beth-pe'or, meaning "house of Peor," is a location mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, associated with the worship of the Moabite deity Baal-peor. It is situated in the region of Moab, east of the Jordan River, opposite Jericho. The site is believed to be near Mount Nebo, where Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death.

Biblical References:
Beth-pe'or is primarily noted in the context of Israel's wilderness journey and the events that transpired in the plains of Moab. It is first mentioned in the Book of Numbers, where the Israelites, encamped in the region, were led into idolatry and immorality through the influence of Moabite women. This incident provoked the Lord's anger, resulting in a severe plague among the Israelites.

· Numbers 25:1-3 : "While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with the daughters of Moab, who invited them to the sacrifices for their gods. And the people ate and bowed down to these gods. So Israel joined in worshiping Baal of Peor, and the anger of the LORD burned against them."

The worship of Baal-peor at Beth-pe'or is a significant event, as it represents a moment of spiritual infidelity and rebellion against God. The incident led to the execution of those who participated in the idolatry, as commanded by God through Moses.

· Numbers 25:4-5 : "The LORD said to Moses, 'Take all the leaders of the people and execute them in broad daylight before the LORD, so that His fierce anger may turn away from Israel.' So Moses told the judges of Israel, 'Each of you must kill any of your men who have joined in worshiping Baal of Peor.'"

Historical and Theological Significance:
Beth-pe'or serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of idolatry and the consequences of turning away from the covenant with God. The incident at Beth-pe'or is frequently referenced in later biblical texts as a warning against apostasy and the allure of foreign gods.

· Deuteronomy 4:3 : "You saw with your own eyes what the LORD did at Baal-peor. The LORD your God destroyed from among you everyone who followed Baal of Peor."

The site is also significant in the narrative of Moses' final days. It is near Beth-pe'or that Moses delivered his farewell address to the Israelites, reiterating the laws and commandments of God before they entered the Promised Land.

· Deuteronomy 34:5-6 : "So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, as the LORD had said. And He buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth-peor, but to this day no one knows the location of his grave."

Cultural and Religious Context:
Beth-pe'or is emblematic of the cultural and religious tensions faced by the Israelites as they encountered the peoples and practices of Canaan. The worship of Baal-peor involved rites that were abhorrent to the Israelites' monotheistic faith, including sexual immorality and sacrifices. The narrative underscores the importance of faithfulness to God and the rejection of pagan influences.

Legacy and Lessons:
The events at Beth-pe'or are a cautionary tale within the biblical tradition, emphasizing the need for vigilance in maintaining spiritual purity and obedience to God's commandments. The account is a testament to the consequences of disobedience and the mercy of God in providing opportunities for repentance and restoration.Beth-pe'or (4 Occurrences)

Deuteronomy 3:29
So we abode in the valley over against Beth-peor.
(See RSV)

Deuteronomy 4:46
beyond the Jordan, in the valley over against Beth-peor, in the land of Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelt at Heshbon, whom Moses and the children of Israel smote, when they came forth out of Egypt;
(See RSV)

Deuteronomy 34:6
And he was buried in the valley in the land of Moab over against Beth-peor; and no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day.
(See RSV)

Joshua 13:20
and Beth-peor, and the slopes of Pisgah, and Beth-jeshimoth;
(See RSV)

Beth-pe'or (4 Occurrences)
Beth-pe'or. Beth-peor, Beth-pe'or. Bethphage . Multi-Version Concordance
Beth-pe'or (4 Occurrences). Deuteronomy 3:29 So we abode ...
/b/beth-pe'or.htm - 7k

Beth-peor (4 Occurrences)
Beth-peor. Bethpeor, Beth-peor. Beth-pe'or . Easton's Bible Dictionary
House of Peor; ie, "temple of Baal-peor", a place in Moab ...
/b/beth-peor.htm - 9k

Bethpeor (4 Occurrences)
...beth-pe'-or (bethpe`or; oikos Phogor; in Joshua (Vaticanus), Baithphogor, or beth-):
"Over against Beth-peor" the Israelites were encamped, "beyond the Jordan ...
/b/bethpeor.htm - 9k

Bethphage (3 Occurrences)

/b/bethphage.htm - 8k

Does the Bible say anything about Russia in relation to the end times? | GotQuestions.org

What can we learn from the tribe of Naphtali? | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of Bethel in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus