Topical Bible: Israel: Punished by a Plague in Consequence, Twenty-Four Thousand People Die

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The episode of Israel being punished by a plague, resulting in the death of twenty-four thousand people, is a significant event recorded in the Old Testament. This incident is primarily documented in the Book of Numbers, chapter 25, and serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience and idolatry.

Context and Background

The event takes place during Israel's wilderness wanderings, as they camped in the plains of Moab by the Jordan River, opposite Jericho. The Israelites were nearing the end of their 40-year journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. Despite witnessing God's miraculous provisions and guidance, the people of Israel repeatedly struggled with faithfulness to God.

The Sin of Israel

The narrative begins with the Israelites engaging in immoral behavior with the Moabite women. Numbers 25:1-2 states, "While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with the Moabite women, who invited them to the sacrifices for their gods. And the people ate and bowed down to these gods." This act of immorality and idolatry was a direct violation of God's commandments and a breach of the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

Divine Judgment

In response to this transgression, God's anger was kindled against Israel. Numbers 25:3 records, "So Israel joined in worshiping Baal of Peor, and the LORD’s anger burned against them." The worship of Baal, a Canaanite deity, represented a significant departure from the worship of Yahweh, the one true God.

God's judgment was swift and severe. Numbers 25:4-5 describes the Lord's command 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." Moses instructed the judges of Israel to kill those who had joined in the worship of Baal.

The Plague and Its Aftermath

Despite these measures, a plague broke out among the people as a direct consequence of their sin. Numbers 25:9 states, "But those who died in the plague numbered 24,000." This devastating loss underscored the seriousness of Israel's rebellion and the holiness of God, who demands exclusive devotion and obedience.

Phinehas' Zeal

In the midst of this crisis, Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron the priest, took decisive action. When he saw an Israelite man bring a Midianite woman into his tent, Phinehas rose up and executed them both with a spear. Numbers 25:11-13 recounts God's response: "Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned My wrath away from the Israelites, for he was zealous for My honor among them, so that I did not consume the Israelites in My zeal. Therefore declare that I am granting him My covenant of peace."

Phinehas' zeal for God's honor halted the plague, and his actions were commended by God, who established a covenant of peace with him and his descendants.

Theological Implications

This episode highlights several key theological themes. It underscores the holiness and justice of God, who cannot tolerate sin and idolatry among His people. It also illustrates the importance of covenant faithfulness and the dire consequences of turning away from God. Furthermore, the account of Phinehas demonstrates the value of righteous zeal and the role of intercession in averting divine judgment.

The incident serves as a cautionary tale for believers, emphasizing the need for vigilance against idolatry and the importance of maintaining a pure and devoted relationship with God.

Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 25:6-15
And, behold, one of the children of Israel came and brought to his brothers a Midianitish woman in the sight of Moses, and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel, who were weeping before the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
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Numbers 26:1
And it came to pass after the plague, that the LORD spoke to Moses and to Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, saying,
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... Commentary on that Gospel in twenty-four books (Exegetica ... the Exegetics, respecting
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The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
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that the pox or plague was upon ... so he has, a thousand times twice told, as ...
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