Numbers 25:5
And Moses said unto the judges of Israel, Slay ye every one his men that were joined unto Baal-peor.
Original Language Analysis
שֹֽׁפְטֵ֖י
unto the judges
H8199
שֹֽׁפְטֵ֖י
unto the judges
Strong's:
H8199
Word #:
4 of 11
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
5 of 11
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אִ֣ישׁ
one
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
one
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
7 of 11
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אֲנָשָׁ֔יו
his men
H582
אֲנָשָׁ֔יו
his men
Strong's:
H582
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
Cross References
Exodus 18:21Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:1 Kings 18:40And Elijah said unto them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape. And they took them: and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there.
Historical Context
Baal-peor was the local manifestation of Baal worship in Moab. The place name became synonymous with this incident (Deuteronomy 4:3, Psalm 106:28, Hosea 9:10). Israel's history would forever remember this sin and its consequences as warning against idolatrous compromise.
Questions for Reflection
- What responsibility do you bear for maintaining purity in your sphere of influence?
- How can discipline be both just and merciful when addressing serious sin?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Moses commanded judges, 'Slay ye every one his men that were joined unto Baalpeor.' Individual judges bore responsibility for executing judgment on those under their jurisdiction. Distributed authority prevented any single person bearing impossible burden while ensuring comprehensive response. Leadership requires willingness to exercise discipline, however painful.