Joshua 22:17

Was not the sin of Peor enough for us, from which we have not cleansed ourselves to this day? It even brought a plague upon the congregation of the LORD.

Study Bible

Was not the sin of Peor enough for us
The phrase "the sin of Peor" refers to a significant event in Israel's history recorded in Numbers 25, where the Israelites engaged in idolatry and immorality with the Moabite women, leading to God's wrath. The Hebrew root for "Peor" is פְּעוֹר (Peor), which is associated with the Moabite god Baal-peor. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. The rhetorical question "Was not...enough for us" emphasizes the gravity of past sins and the need for vigilance against repeating them. It calls believers to remember the lessons of history and to remain faithful to God.

from which even yet we have not been cleansed
The phrase "even yet we have not been cleansed" underscores the lingering impact of sin. The Hebrew word for "cleansed" is טָהֵר (taher), meaning to be pure or clean. This reflects the ongoing struggle with sin and the need for continual repentance and purification. In a spiritual sense, it highlights the importance of seeking God's forgiveness and grace to overcome the residual effects of past transgressions. It serves as a reminder that while God is merciful, the consequences of sin can have lasting effects that require ongoing spiritual diligence.

even though a plague came upon the congregation of the LORD
The "plague" mentioned here refers to the divine punishment that struck the Israelites as a result of their sin at Peor, as recorded in Numbers 25:9, where 24,000 people died. The Hebrew word for "plague" is נֶגַע (nega), which can mean a blow or a stroke, often used in the context of divine judgment. The "congregation of the LORD" refers to the assembly of the Israelites, God's chosen people. This phrase serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness with which God views sin and the collective responsibility of the community to uphold God's standards. It calls believers to reflect on the holiness of God and the importance of communal faithfulness and accountability.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joshua
The leader of Israel after Moses, who led the Israelites into the Promised Land and oversaw the division of the land among the tribes.

2. Peor
A location where the Israelites sinned by engaging in idolatry and immorality with the Moabite women, leading to God's wrath and a devastating plague.

3. The Israelites
The people of God who were delivered from Egypt and given the Promised Land, yet struggled with faithfulness to God.

4. The Plague
A divine punishment that fell upon the Israelites as a result of their sin at Peor, highlighting the seriousness of their transgression.

5. The Transjordan Tribes
The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, who settled on the east side of the Jordan River and were involved in the events of Joshua 22.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Sin
The sin at Peor serves as a stark reminder of how sin can have lasting consequences and affect the entire community. Believers must remain vigilant against sin and its deceitfulness.

The Importance of Repentance
The Israelites' ongoing struggle with the sin of Peor underscores the need for genuine repentance and cleansing from sin. Christians are called to regularly examine their hearts and seek God's forgiveness.

Community Accountability
The concern expressed in Joshua 22:17 highlights the importance of accountability within the faith community. Believers should encourage one another to remain faithful and address sin lovingly and truthfully.

The Role of Leadership
Joshua's leadership in addressing the potential sin of the Transjordan tribes demonstrates the responsibility of leaders to guide and protect their communities from spiritual danger.

The Consequences of Idolatry
The events at Peor illustrate the destructive nature of idolatry, which can lead to spiritual and physical ruin. Christians are called to worship God alone and guard against modern forms of idolatry.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the sin at Peor serve as a warning for us today in our personal and communal lives?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are not repeating the mistakes of the Israelites at Peor?

3. How can we foster a culture of accountability and repentance within our church communities?

4. What modern forms of idolatry might we be tempted by, and how can we guard against them?

5. How can leaders in the church effectively address sin and guide their congregations toward holiness?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Numbers 25
This chapter details the sin at Peor, where the Israelites were led astray by the Moabites, resulting in a plague. It provides the historical context for Joshua 22:17.

1 Corinthians 10:8
Paul references the sin at Peor as a warning to the Corinthians about the dangers of idolatry and immorality, showing the ongoing relevance of this event.

Psalm 106:28-31
This passage recounts the sin at Peor and highlights Phinehas' righteous intervention, which stopped the plague, emphasizing the importance of zeal for God's holiness.