Introduction:
Baal of Peor is a significant figure in the Old Testament, representing a Canaanite deity associated with the Moabite region. The worship of Baal of Peor is notably linked to a major incident of idolatry and immorality among the Israelites during their wilderness journey, as recorded in the Book of Numbers.

Biblical Account:
The primary account of Baal of Peor is found in Numbers 25:1-5. The Israelites, while camped at Shittim, 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 provoked the LORD's anger against Israel. Numbers 25:3 states, "So Israel joined in worshiping Baal of Peor, and the anger of the LORD burned against them."

Divine Judgment:
As a result of this transgression, God commanded Moses to execute the leaders of the people who had led Israel into sin, and a plague broke out among the Israelites. Numbers 25:9 records that "those who died in the plague numbered 24,000." This severe judgment underscores the gravity of idolatry and the consequences of turning away from the LORD.

Phinehas' Zeal:
The narrative highlights the zeal of Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron, who took decisive action to stop the plague. Seeing an Israelite man bring a Midianite woman into the camp, Phinehas took a spear and killed them both, thus halting the plague. Numbers 25:11 quotes the LORD saying, "Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned My wrath away from the Israelites, for he was zealous for My sake among them, so that I did not consume the Israelites in My zeal."

Theological Significance:
The incident at Baal of Peor serves as a stark warning against idolatry and syncretism. It illustrates the dangers of compromising with pagan practices and the importance of maintaining covenant faithfulness to God. The episode also highlights the role of righteous zeal in upholding God's holiness and the necessity of decisive action against sin within the community of God's people.

Later References:
Baal of Peor is mentioned in later biblical texts as a symbol of Israel's unfaithfulness. In Deuteronomy 4:3 , Moses reminds the Israelites of the consequences of following Baal of Peor: "You saw with your own eyes what the LORD did at Baal of Peor. The LORD your God destroyed from among you everyone who followed Baal of Peor." The prophet Hosea also references this event in Hosea 9:10 , lamenting Israel's continued infidelity: "But they came to Baal of Peor and consecrated themselves to shame, and they became as detestable as the thing they loved."

Conclusion:
The account of Baal of Peor remains a powerful reminder of the need for vigilance against idolatry and the importance of wholehearted devotion to God. It underscores the consequences of turning away from the LORD and the necessity of upholding His holiness within the community of faith.