Numbers 25:2
And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods.
Original Language Analysis
וַתִּקְרֶ֣אןָ
And they called
H7121
וַתִּקְרֶ֣אןָ
And they called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
1 of 8
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
הָעָ֔ם
and the people
H5971
הָעָ֔ם
and the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
2 of 8
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
לְזִבְחֵ֖י
unto the sacrifices
H2077
לְזִבְחֵ֖י
unto the sacrifices
Strong's:
H2077
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
לֵֽאלֹהֵיהֶֽן׃
of their gods
H430
לֵֽאלֹהֵיהֶֽן׃
of their gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
4 of 8
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
הָעָ֔ם
and the people
H5971
הָעָ֔ם
and the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
6 of 8
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
Cross References
1 Corinthians 10:20But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.Exodus 20:5Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;Psalms 106:28They joined themselves also unto Baal-peor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead.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,Hosea 9:10I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the firstripe in the fig tree at her first time: but they went to Baal-peor, and separated themselves unto that shame; and their abominations were according as they loved.
Historical Context
These 'sacrifices' likely included meals eaten before idols (1 Corinthians 10:20-21 addresses similar practice). Eating food offered to idols expressed fellowship with demons. This incident became proverbial warning for New Testament church facing similar temptations (Revelation 2:14).
Questions for Reflection
- What seemingly innocent associations or relationships are drawing you toward spiritual compromise?
- How can you maintain cultural engagement without being drawn into religious syncretism?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Moabite women 'called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods.' Social connection led to religious compromise led to full idolatry. This progression illustrates how seemingly innocent association can draw believers into serious sin. Sexual attraction combined with cultural participation lowered defenses against idolatrous worship.