Topical Bible: Idolatry: Idols Mentioned in Scripture: Baal-Peor

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Baal-Peor is a significant idol mentioned in the Old Testament, associated with the Moabite and Midianite peoples. The worship of Baal-Peor is notably recorded in the Book of Numbers, where it becomes a central issue for the Israelites during their wilderness journey.

Biblical Account:

The primary account of Baal-Peor is found in 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 LORD’s anger burned against them."

This passage highlights the seductive nature of Baal-Peor worship, which involved not only idolatry but also sexual immorality. The Israelites' participation in these practices led to severe consequences, as God's wrath was kindled against them.

Consequences and Divine Judgment:

The worship of Baal-Peor resulted in a divine plague as a form of judgment upon the Israelites. Numbers 25:4-5 states: "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.'"

This severe command underscores the gravity of idolatry and the necessity of purging sin from the community to restore God's favor.

Further References:

The incident at Baal-Peor is referenced in later biblical texts as a cautionary tale. In Deuteronomy 4:3 , Moses reminds the Israelites: "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."

Additionally, Psalm 106:28-29 recounts the event: "They yoked themselves to Baal of Peor and ate sacrifices offered to lifeless gods. They provoked the LORD to anger with their deeds, and a plague broke out among them."

Theological Implications:

The worship of Baal-Peor serves as a stark warning against idolatry and syncretism, where the worship of the true God is compromised by the incorporation of pagan practices. It illustrates the spiritual and moral dangers of turning away from God's commandments and the severe consequences that follow.

Baal-Peor represents not just a physical idol but a spiritual snare that entices believers away from their covenant relationship with God. The narrative emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and the need for vigilance against the allure of false gods and immoral practices.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 25:1-3
And Israel stayed in Shittim, and the people began to commit prostitution with the daughters of Moab.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On Idolatry
... been accused of having committed idolatry; for, by ... impious and unlawful adoration
of idols, by the ... who resembles the "adulterous woman" mentioned in Proverbs 30 ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 23 on idolatry.htm