The Sin of Israel
While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with the daughters of Moab (Numbers 25:1). The Israelites' sin began with compromise and led to idolatry.

The Anger of the Lord
So Israel joined in worshiping Baal of Peor, and the anger of the LORD burned against them (Numbers 25:3). God's holiness demands justice, and His anger was kindled by Israel's unfaithfulness.

The Zeal of Phinehas
Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw this, he left the assembly, took a spear in his hand (Numbers 25:7). Phinehas' decisive action stopped the plague and demonstrated his zeal for God's honor.

The Covenant of Peace
Therefore tell him I am making My covenant of peace with him (Numbers 25:12). God rewarded Phinehas with a covenant of peace, highlighting the blessings of righteous zeal.Guard Against Compromise
Be vigilant in your spiritual walk to avoid the subtle temptations that lead to compromise and sin.

Pursue Holiness
Strive to live a life that honors God, recognizing that His standards are not negotiable.

Be Zealous for God
Like Phinehas, be bold in standing for God's truth and righteousness, even when it is unpopular.

Seek God's Forgiveness
When you fall short, remember that God is merciful and ready to forgive those who repent.1. Israelites
The collective group of God's chosen people who were involved in the sin of idolatry and immorality with the Moabite women. This led to God's anger and a subsequent plague.

2. Moabite Women
These women enticed the Israelite men into idolatry and sexual immorality, leading to the Israelites worshiping Baal of Peor.

3. Phinehas
The son of Eleazar and grandson of Aaron the priest. Phinehas is noted for his zealous action in stopping the plague by killing an Israelite man and a Midianite woman who were flagrantly sinning. His actions were commended by God, and he was granted a covenant of peace and a lasting priesthood.

4. Zimri
An Israelite man, specifically a leader from the tribe of Simeon, who was involved in the sinful act with a Midianite woman. His actions were a direct affront to Moses and the assembly.

5. Cozbi
A Midianite woman, the daughter of a Midianite leader, who was involved with Zimri in the sinful act. Her involvement with Zimri was part of the larger issue of idolatry and immorality that plagued the Israelites.1. Shittim
This is the location where the Israelites were encamped when they began to engage in idolatry and immorality with the Moabite women. The Hebrew root for Shittim is "שִׁטִּים" (Shittim), which refers to the acacia trees that were abundant in the area. This place is significant as it marks the site of Israel's sin and subsequent divine judgment.

2. Peor
This is the mountain or high place associated with the worship of the Moabite god Baal, referred to as Baal of Peor. The Hebrew root "פְּעוֹר" (Peor) suggests an opening or gap, possibly indicating a geographical feature or a spiritual breach. The worship at Peor led to a plague among the Israelites as a result of their idolatry.1. Israel's Sin with Moab
The Israelites began to engage in sexual immorality with Moabite women. These women invited the Israelites to the sacrifices of their gods, leading them to worship Baal of Peor. This act of idolatry and immorality provoked the LORD's anger against Israel. The Hebrew root for "prostitute" (זָנָה, zanah) indicates unfaithfulness, both physically and spiritually.

2. The LORD's Command to Moses
In response to Israel's sin, the LORD instructed Moses to take all the leaders of the people and execute them in broad daylight to turn away His fierce anger from Israel. This command underscores the seriousness of idolatry and the need for immediate and public justice.

3. Phinehas' Zealous Act
When an Israelite man brought a Midianite woman into his family in the sight of Moses and the whole assembly, Phinehas, the son of Eleazar and grandson of Aaron the priest, took a spear and killed both the man and the woman. This act stopped the plague that had broken out among the Israelites. The Hebrew root for "zealous" (קָנָא, qanah) reflects a fervent commitment to God's holiness.

4. The Plague's Toll
The plague that resulted from Israel's sin killed 24,000 people. This event highlights the severe consequences of disobedience and idolatry.

5. The LORD's Covenant of Peace with Phinehas
Because of Phinehas' zealousness for God's honor, the LORD made a covenant of peace with him, promising that his descendants would have a lasting priesthood. This covenant emphasizes the reward for faithfulness and zeal for God's righteousness.

6. Command to Attack the Midianites
The LORD instructed Moses to treat the Midianites as enemies and strike them, as they had deceived the Israelites into sinning against the LORD through the incident at Peor. This command reflects the need to remove sources of temptation and sin from among God's people.1 Corinthians 10:8
We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. This New Testament reference warns believers against repeating Israel's mistakes.

Psalm 106:28-31
This passage recounts Israel's sin at Peor and Phinehas' righteous act, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness.

James 4:4
You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? This verse warns against spiritual adultery and the dangers of worldliness.Pray for strength and wisdom to resist temptation and avoid compromise in your spiritual life.
Ask God to cultivate a heart of zeal and righteousness within you, like that of Phinehas.
Seek God's forgiveness and cleansing for any areas of unfaithfulness or idolatry in your life.
Pray for the church to remain steadfast in holiness and truth, standing firm against the pressures of the world.

1. How does the incident at Shittim reflect on the moral and spiritual state of the Israelites?

2. Discuss the implications of the Israelites yoking themselves to Baal of Peor. How does this mirror instances of spiritual infidelity today?

3. God's command for justice appears harsh in the modern context. How do we reconcile this with our understanding of God's nature?

4. How does Zimri’s act of bringing Cozbi to his brethren reflect on his understanding of God's laws? Compare this to how we sometimes trivialize sin in our lives.

5. Analyze Phinehas’ zealous act. Was it violence or righteousness? What lessons can we learn from his response to sin?

6. Compare God's covenant with Phinehas to His covenant with other biblical figures. What makes each unique, and what are the common threads?

7. How does Phinehas’ priesthood relate to Christ’s priesthood in the New Testament?

8. Explore the role of women in this chapter. How does their involvement impact the progression of events?

9. Why did God command the Israelites to treat the Midianites as enemies?

10. How does the concept of divine retribution in this chapter relate to our understanding of God's justice today?

11. How can we, like Phinehas, stand against sin in our lives and communities?

12. What measures can be taken to prevent slipping into spiritual idolatry, as the Israelites did?

13. In what ways can believers today uphold the righteousness of God in a world filled with different "gods"?

14. What role does individual responsibility play in shaping collective destiny, as seen in this chapter?

15. How can the church respond to cases of overt sin within its congregation today?

16. How does the covenant of peace granted to Phinehas demonstrate God's grace?

17. Discuss the implications of a permanent priesthood in the context of a believer's life.

18. How can we ensure we are not like the Midianites, leading others into sin?

19. Compare the response of Moses and Phinehas to the sin committed in the camp. What does this teach about leadership in the face of sin?

20. In modern times, how can the church address societal issues that can potentially lead believers astray, as the Moabite women did to the Israelites?