Topical Encyclopedia The incident of the plague on the Israelites for the sin of Peor is a significant event recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Numbers. This event highlights the consequences of idolatry and immorality among the Israelites during their wilderness journey.Biblical Context The sin of Peor occurred when the Israelites were encamped in the plains of Moab, near the Jordan River, across from Jericho. The Moabites, fearing the Israelites, sought to weaken them through seduction and idolatry. This led to the Israelites' involvement with the Moabite women and the worship of their gods, particularly Baal of Peor. Scriptural Account The account is detailed in Numbers 25:1-9. The Israelites began to engage in sexual immorality with the Moabite women, who invited them to the sacrifices of their gods. The Israelites ate and bowed down to these gods, provoking the LORD's anger. Numbers 25:3 states, "So Israel joined in worshiping Baal of Peor, and the anger of the LORD burned against them." In response to this idolatry and immorality, the LORD commanded Moses to take action against the leaders of the people who had led them into sin. Numbers 25:4-5 records, "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.'" The Plague As a direct consequence of their sin, a devastating plague broke out among the Israelites. Numbers 25:9 notes, "But those who died in the plague numbered 24,000." This plague served as a divine judgment against the Israelites for their unfaithfulness and disobedience. Phinehas' Zeal The turning point in this crisis came through the zealous action of Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron the priest. When an Israelite man brought a Midianite woman into the camp in the sight of Moses and the whole assembly, Phinehas took a spear and killed both the man and the woman. This act of zeal stopped the plague. Numbers 25:11-13 records the LORD's commendation of Phinehas: "Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned My anger away from the Israelites by being as zealous among them as I was. So in My zeal I did not put an end to them. Therefore declare that I am making with him a covenant of peace." Theological Significance The plague at Peor underscores the seriousness with which God views idolatry and immorality. It serves as a warning to the Israelites and to all believers about the dangers of turning away from God and succumbing to the temptations of the surrounding culture. The swift and decisive action of Phinehas highlights the importance of zeal for God's holiness and the necessity of upholding His commandments. This event also illustrates the concept of atonement and intercession, as Phinehas' act of zeal turned away God's wrath and brought peace to the Israelites. It foreshadows the ultimate atonement through Jesus Christ, who intercedes on behalf of humanity to reconcile them to God. Nave's Topical Index Joshua 22:17Is the iniquity of Peor too little for us, from which we are not cleansed until this day, although there was a plague in the congregation of the LORD, Nave's Topical Index Library Of the Three Woe Trumpets. The Mystery Resources What were the emerods God afflicted the Philistines with in 1 Samuel 5? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the seven trumpets of Revelation? | GotQuestions.org Why was God so angry at David for taking the census? | GotQuestions.org Plague: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Plague of Boils and Open Sores Plague: As a Judgment on the Egyptians Plague: Death of the Firstborn Plague: Denounced As a Judgment Plague: On the Israelites for the Sin of Peor Plague: On the Israelites of Serpents Plague: On the Israelites: After Complaining About the Destruction of Korah and his Family Plague: On the Israelites: After Eating the Quail Meat Plague: On the Israelites: After Refusing to Enter the Promised Land Plague: On the Israelites: On Account of David's Sin The Plague or Pestilence was Attributed to a Destroying Angel The Plague or Pestilence: Described As Noisome The Plague or Pestilence: Desolating Effects of The Plague or Pestilence: Egypt often Afflicted With The Plague or Pestilence: Equally Fatal Day and Night The Plague or Pestilence: Fatal to Man and Beast The Plague or Pestilence: God's Judgments Upon the Apostasy The Plague or Pestilence: Inflicted by God The Plague or Pestilence: Israel Threatened With, As a Punishment for Disobedience The Plague or Pestilence: Often Broke out Suddenly The Plague or Pestilence: Often Followed War and Famine The Plague or Pestilence: One of God's Four Sore Judgments The Plague or Pestilence: Predicted to Happen Before Destruction of Jerusalem The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: David's Subjects for his Numbering the People The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Despising Manna The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Making Golden Calf The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Murmuring at Destruction of Korah The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Worshipping Baal-Peor The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: The Egyptians The Plague or Pestilence: Specially Fatal in Cities The Plague or Pestilence: The Diseased State of Man's Heart The Plague or Pestilence: The Jews Sought Deliverance From, by Prayer Related Terms |
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