Numbers 25:3
And Israel joined himself unto Baal-peor: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּצָּ֥מֶד
joined
H6775
וַיִּצָּ֥מֶד
joined
Strong's:
H6775
Word #:
1 of 8
to link, i.e., gird; figuratively, to serve, (mentally) contrive
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
And Israel
H3478
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
And Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
2 of 8
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וַיִּֽחַר
was kindled
H2734
וַיִּֽחַר
was kindled
Strong's:
H2734
Word #:
5 of 8
to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy
אַ֥ף
and the anger
H639
אַ֥ף
and the anger
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
Cross References
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
Baal-peor was a local manifestation of the Canaanite fertility god Baal, worshiped at Mount Peor in Moab. Worship involved ritual prostitution, combining spiritual and physical adultery. This seduction came through Balaam's counsel to Moab (31:16), showing his persistent opposition to Israel despite inability to curse them. The plague killed 24,000 (verse 9), demonstrating judgment's severity. Paul later used this incident as a warning to Christians (1 Corinthians 10:8).
Questions for Reflection
- How does spiritual adultery (idolatry) parallel physical adultery in seriousness and covenant violation?
- What modern forms of Baal worship (materialism, sexuality, power) tempt God's people toward unfaithfulness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The statement 'Israel joined himself unto Baal-peor' describes covenant unfaithfulness through idolatry and immorality. The phrase 'joined himself' uses covenant language, indicating Israel's spiritual adultery by attaching to false gods. God's anger burning against Israel demonstrates that covenant privilege brings greater accountability—those who know God and reject Him face severe judgment. This incident, occurring on Canaan's threshold after forty years of discipline, showed the new generation's susceptibility to the same sins as their fathers.