Numbers 25:9

but those who died in the plague numbered 24,000.

Study Bible

But those who died
This phrase marks a somber moment in Israel's history, highlighting the consequences of disobedience to God's commands. The Hebrew root for "died" is "muwth," which signifies not just physical death but also a spiritual separation from God. This serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of sin and the holiness of God, who cannot tolerate idolatry and immorality among His people. The deaths were a direct result of Israel's sin with the Moabite women and their worship of Baal, illustrating the severe repercussions of turning away from God's covenant.

in the plague
The term "plague" here is derived from the Hebrew word "magephah," which often refers to a divine judgment or punishment. In the context of Numbers 25, the plague was a direct response from God to the sin of the Israelites, serving as both a punishment and a purification of the community. Historically, plagues were seen as acts of divine intervention, meant to correct and guide the people back to righteousness. This underscores the biblical theme that God disciplines those He loves, aiming to restore them to a right relationship with Him.

numbered 24,000
The specific number "24,000" is significant, as it quantifies the extent of the judgment and serves as a historical record of the event. In biblical numerology, numbers often carry symbolic meaning. The number 24 can be seen as a multiple of 12, which is often associated with God's people (e.g., the 12 tribes of Israel). This could symbolize the completeness of the judgment upon the community. The historical context of this event is crucial, as it occurred during Israel's wilderness wanderings, a period marked by repeated cycles of rebellion and repentance. The precise number also serves as a sobering reminder of the cost of sin and the importance of faithfulness to God's commands.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Israelites
The people of God who were journeying through the wilderness towards the Promised Land. They fell into sin by engaging in idolatry and immorality with the Moabites.

2. Moab
A nation neighboring Israel. The Moabites enticed the Israelites into sin, leading to God's judgment.

3. Phinehas
The grandson of Aaron, who took zealous action to stop the plague by executing an Israelite man and a Midianite woman engaged in sin.

4. Plague
A divine judgment sent by God as a consequence of Israel's sin, resulting in the death of 24,000 people.

5. Baal of Peor
The false god of the Moabites, whom the Israelites began to worship, leading to their downfall.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Sin
Sin, especially idolatry and immorality, leads to severe consequences. The Israelites' actions resulted in a devastating plague. We must be vigilant against sin in our lives.

Zeal for God's Holiness
Phinehas' actions demonstrate the importance of zeal for God's holiness. We should be passionate about upholding God's standards in our lives and communities.

The Danger of Compromise
The Israelites compromised their faith by mingling with the Moabites. We must guard against compromising our beliefs and values in a world that often opposes them.

God's Mercy and Justice
While God is just and punishes sin, He is also merciful. Phinehas' intervention stopped the plague, showing that God responds to righteousness and repentance.

Learning from the Past
The events at Peor serve as a warning and lesson for us today. We should learn from the past to avoid repeating the same mistakes.

Bible Study Questions

1. What led the Israelites to fall into sin at Peor, and how can we guard against similar temptations in our lives today?

2. How does Phinehas' response to the sin at Peor challenge us to act when we see wrongdoing in our communities?

3. In what ways can we ensure that we do not compromise our faith in a culture that often opposes biblical values?

4. How does the account of the plague in Numbers 25:9 illustrate the balance between God's justice and mercy?

5. Reflect on a time when you learned from a past mistake. How can the account of Israel at Peor encourage you to apply those lessons in your spiritual journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 32
The incident of the golden calf, where the Israelites similarly fell into idolatry, resulting in God's judgment.

1 Corinthians 10:8
Paul references this event to warn the Corinthians against sexual immorality and idolatry, highlighting the consequences of such actions.

Psalm 106:28-31
This passage recounts Israel's sin at Peor and praises Phinehas for his righteous zeal, which turned away God's wrath.