Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Peor is a significant location and term in the Old Testament, primarily associated with the worship of the Moabite deity Baal-peor and the subsequent apostasy of the Israelites. The events surrounding Peor are pivotal in understanding the challenges faced by the Israelites during their wilderness journey and the consequences of idolatry and immorality.Geographical and Historical Context Peor is a mountain or high place in the region of Moab, east of the Jordan River. It is notably mentioned in the context of the Israelites' encampment in the plains of Moab, just before their entrance into the Promised Land. The location is significant as it became a site of temptation and sin for the Israelites. Biblical Events at Peor The most notable event associated with Peor is the incident of Baal-peor, recorded in Numbers 25. While Israel was staying in Shittim, the people began to engage in sexual immorality with 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 LORD’s anger burned against them." As a result of this apostasy, a plague struck the Israelites, leading to the death of 24,000 people. The plague was halted when Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron, took zealous action by killing an Israelite man and a Midianite woman who were flagrantly sinning. This act of zeal is commended by God, and Phinehas is granted a covenant of peace (Numbers 25:10-13). Theological Significance The incident at Peor serves as a stark warning against idolatry and immorality. It highlights the dangers of syncretism and the seductive nature of pagan worship practices. The Israelites' failure at Peor is later referenced in Scripture as a cautionary tale. In Deuteronomy 4:3 , Moses reminds the Israelites, "Your eyes have seen what the LORD did at Baal-peor, for the LORD your God destroyed from among you everyone who followed Baal of Peor." The New Testament also alludes to the events at Peor as a warning to believers. In 1 Corinthians 10:8 , Paul writes, "We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died." This serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. Legacy and Lessons The legacy of Peor is one of caution against the allure of foreign gods and the moral decay that accompanies idolatry. It underscores the importance of faithfulness to God and the need for vigilance in maintaining the purity of worship. The zeal of Phinehas is celebrated as an example of righteous indignation in the face of sin, demonstrating the necessity of upholding God's holiness. Peor remains a symbol of the constant spiritual battle faced by God's people, reminding believers of the need for steadfastness and the dangers of compromising with the surrounding culture. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary PeorSmith's Bible Dictionary Peor(cleft), a mountain peak in Moab belonging to the Abarim range, and near Pisgah, to which, after having ascended Pisgah, the prophet Balaam was conducted by Balak that he might look upon the whole host of Israel and curse them. (Numbers 23:14,28) In four passages -- (Numbers 25:18) twice; Numb 31:16; Josh 22:17 --Peor occurs as a contraction for Baal-peor. [BAAL.) ATS Bible Dictionary PeorA mountain of Moab, from which Balaam surveyed the camp of Israel, Numbers 23:28. It probably lay a few miles northeast of the Dead Sea, but is not now recognized. This name and vicinity are also associated with an idol of the Moabites, De 4:8. See BAAL. Easton's Bible Dictionary Opening. (1.) A mountain peak (Numbers 23:28) to which Balak led Balaam as a last effort to induce him to pronounce a curse upon Israel. When he looked on the tribes encamped in the acacia groves below him, he could not refrain from giving utterance to a remarkable benediction (24:1-9). Balak was more than ever enraged at Balaam, and bade him flee for his life. But before he went he gave expression to that wonderful prediction regarding the future of this mysterious people, whose "goodly tents" were spread out before him, and the coming of a "Star" out of Jacob and a "Sceptre" out of Israel (24:14-17). (2.) A Moabite divinity, called also "Baal-peor" (Numbers 25:3, 5, 18; Comp. Deuteronomy 3:29). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia PEORpe'-or (ha-pe`or; Phogor): Strong's Hebrew 1187. Baal Peor -- "Baal of Peor," a Moabite godBaal Peor. 1186, 1187. Baal Peor. 1188 . "Baal of Peor," a Moabite god. Transliteration: Baal Peor Phonetic Spelling: (bah'-al ... /hebrew/1187.htm - 6k 1047. Beth Peor -- "house of Peor," a place East of the Jordan 6465. Peor -- a mountain in Moab, also a god worshiped there 3594. Kiyyun -- a heathen god Library The Burial of Moses Pergamos Epistles to the Seven Churches. The Assumption of Moses The Death of Moses The Mystery Balaam Psalm 106 Matt. x. 34 The Nations of the South-East Thesaurus Peor (14 Occurrences)... (2.) A Moabite divinity, called also "Baal-peor" (Numbers 25:3, 5, 18; Comp. Deuteronomy 3:29). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. PEOR. ... /p/peor.htm - 13k Beth-peor (4 Occurrences) Baal-peor (6 Occurrences) Peor's (1 Occurrence) Bethpeor (4 Occurrences) Pe'or (8 Occurrences) Zimri (16 Occurrences) Beth-pe'or (4 Occurrences) Baalpeor (5 Occurrences) Ba'al-pe'or (2 Occurrences) Resources What was Baal Peor in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Baal? | GotQuestions.org Why was the worship of Baal and Asherah a constant struggle for the Israelites? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Peor (14 Occurrences)Numbers 23:28 Numbers 25:3 Numbers 25:5 Numbers 25:18 Numbers 31:16 Deuteronomy 3:29 Deuteronomy 4:3 Deuteronomy 4:46 Deuteronomy 23:4 Deuteronomy 34:6 Joshua 13:20 Joshua 22:17 Psalms 106:28 Hosea 9:10 Subtopics Related Terms |
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