Numbers 25:4
And the LORD said unto Moses, Take all the heads of the people, and hang them up before the LORD against the sun, that the fierce anger of the LORD may be turned away from Israel.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָ֖ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 19
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
רָאשֵׁ֣י
all the heads
H7218
רָאשֵׁ֣י
all the heads
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
8 of 19
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
הָעָ֔ם
of the people
H5971
הָעָ֔ם
of the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
9 of 19
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וְהוֹקַ֥ע
and hang them up
H3363
וְהוֹקַ֥ע
and hang them up
Strong's:
H3363
Word #:
10 of 19
properly, to sever oneself, i.e., (by implication) to be dislocated; figuratively, to abandon; causatively, to impale (and thus allow to drop to piece
אוֹתָ֛ם
H853
אוֹתָ֛ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֖ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
12 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
נֶ֣גֶד
before
H5048
נֶ֣גֶד
before
Strong's:
H5048
Word #:
13 of 19
a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before
הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ
against the sun
H8121
הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ
against the sun
Strong's:
H8121
Word #:
14 of 19
the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement
וְיָשֹׁ֛ב
may be turned away
H7725
וְיָשֹׁ֛ב
may be turned away
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
15 of 19
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
אַף
anger
H639
אַף
anger
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
17 of 19
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
Cross References
Deuteronomy 13:17And there shall cleave nought of the cursed thing to thine hand: that the LORD may turn from the fierceness of his anger, and shew thee mercy, and have compassion upon thee, and multiply thee, as he hath sworn unto thy fathers;Deuteronomy 4:3Your eyes have seen what the LORD did because of Baal-peor: for all the men that followed Baal-peor, the LORD thy God hath destroyed them from among you.Deuteronomy 21:23His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.Numbers 25:11Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, hath turned my wrath away from the children of Israel, while he was zealous for my sake among them, that I consumed not the children of Israel in my jealousy.2 Samuel 21:6Let seven men of his sons be delivered unto us, and we will hang them up unto the LORD in Gibeah of Saul, whom the LORD did choose. And the king said, I will give them.
Historical Context
Public execution 'before the sun' meant in broad daylight, visible to all. This open judgment served as warning and deterrent. The method (hanging or impaling) added humiliation to death, emphasizing the shameful nature of their sin. The practice anticipated later instructions about dealing with covenant breakers (Deuteronomy 13:6-11).
Questions for Reflection
- How does church discipline today reflect the principle that public sin requires public judgment?
- Why is leading others into sin more serious than sinning privately?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God commanded Moses, 'Take all the heads of the people, and hang them up before the LORD against the sun'—public execution of ringleaders to turn away divine wrath. The severity reflects the seriousness of covenant violation. Public judgment of leaders who lead others astray demonstrates that influence increases accountability. Such dramatic action was necessary to preserve the entire community.