Jump to: Hitchcock's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Geographical and Historical Context: Beth-peor is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, situated in the region of Moab, east of the Jordan River. It is closely associated with the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land and is notably referenced in the context of the plains of Moab. The name "Beth-peor" translates to "house of Peor," indicating its connection to the Moabite deity Baal-peor. Biblical References: Beth-peor is first mentioned in the Book of Numbers, where it is the site of a significant event involving the Israelites. In Numbers 25:1-3 , the Israelites, while camped in the area, began to engage in idolatry and immorality with the Moabite women, leading to the worship of Baal-peor: "While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with the daughters of Moab, who invited them to the sacrifices for their gods. And the people ate and bowed down to these gods. So Israel joined in worshiping Baal of Peor, and the LORD’s anger burned against them." This incident resulted in a severe plague as a divine judgment, which was only halted by the zealous action of Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron (Numbers 25:7-9). Beth-peor is also significant as the burial place of Moses. In Deuteronomy 34:5-6 , it is recorded: "So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, as the LORD had said. And He buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth-peor, but to this day no one knows the location of his grave." Theological Significance: Beth-peor serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of idolatry and the consequences of turning away from God. The incident at Baal-peor underscores the importance of faithfulness to God's commandments and the perils of succumbing to the surrounding pagan influences. It highlights the recurring theme of Israel's struggle with idolatry and the need for covenant loyalty. The burial of Moses near Beth-peor marks the end of an era for the Israelites. Moses, the great leader and prophet, was not permitted to enter the Promised Land due to his disobedience at Meribah (Numbers 20:12). His burial at Beth-peor symbolizes both the fulfillment of God's promise to bring the Israelites to the edge of the Promised Land and the transition of leadership to Joshua. Cultural and Archaeological Insights: While the exact location of Beth-peor remains uncertain, it is traditionally identified with a site near Mount Nebo, from where Moses viewed the Promised Land. Archaeological findings in the region have provided insights into the Moabite culture and religious practices, offering a backdrop to the biblical narrative. Beth-peor's association with Baal worship reflects the syncretistic religious environment of the ancient Near East, where local deities were often venerated alongside or in place of the God of Israel. This context helps to explain the recurring biblical admonitions against idolatry and the call to exclusive worship of Yahweh. Legacy and Lessons: Beth-peor stands as a testament to the enduring challenges of maintaining spiritual integrity amidst external pressures. It serves as a historical and spiritual lesson on the importance of obedience, the consequences of sin, and the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises, even as He disciplines His people. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary Beth-PeorATS Bible Dictionary Beth-PeorA town of Moab, in the limits assigned to Reuben, and conquered from the Amorites, Joshua 13:20. It was infamous for the worship of Baal-peor. In the adjacent valley Moses rehearsed the law to Israel, and was buried, De 4:44-46 34:6. Easton's Bible Dictionary House of Peor; i.e., "temple of Baal-peor", a place in Moab, on the east of Jordan, opposite Jericho. It was in the tribe of Reuben (Joshua 13:20; Deuteronomy 3:29; 4:46). In the "ravine" or valley over against Beth-peor Moses was probably buried (Deuteronomy 34:6). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BETH-PEORbeth-pe'-or (beth pe`or; oikos Phogor; in Joshua (Vaticanus), Baithphogor, or beth-): "Over against Beth-peor" the Israelites were encamped, "beyond the Jordan, in the valley," when Moses uttered the speeches recorded in Deuteronomy (Deuteronomy 3:29; Deuteronomy 4:46). "In the valley in the land of Moab over against Beth-peor" Moses was buried (Deuteronomy 34:6). Beth-peor and the slopes of Pisgah (the King James Version "Ashdoth-pisgah") are mentioned in close connection in Joshua 13:20. According to Eusebius, Onomasticon, Beth-peor was situated near Mt. Peor (Fogor) opposite Jericho, 6 miles above Livias. Mt. Peor is the "top" or "head" of Peor (Numbers 23:28). Some height commanding a view of the plain East of the river in the lower Jordan valley is clearly intended, but thus far no identification is possible. "The slopes of Pisgah" are probably the lower slopes of the mountain toward Wady `Ayun Musa. Somewhere North of this the summit we are in search of may be found. Conder suggested the cliff at Minyeh, South of Wady Jedeideh, and of Pisgah; and would locate Beth-peor at el-Mareighat, "the smeared things," evidently an ancient place of worship, with a stone circle and standing stones, about 4 miles East, on the same ridge. This seems, however, too far South, and more difficult to reach from Shittim than we should gather from Numbers 25:1. Strong's Hebrew 1047. Beth Peor -- "house of Peor," a place East of the JordanBeth Peor. 1046, 1047. Beth Peor. 1048 . "house of Peor," a place East of the Jordan. Transliteration: Beth Peor Phonetic Spelling ... /hebrew/1047.htm - 6k Library The Burial of Moses The Assumption of Moses The Death of Moses Demonstration viii. --Of the Resurrection of the Dead. The Perpetual virginity of Blessed Mary. Here Next Followeth the History of Moses Against Jovinianus. Thesaurus Bethpeor (4 Occurrences)... Conder suggested the cliff at Minyeh, South of Wady Jedeideh, and of Pisgah; and would locate Beth-peor at el-Mareighat, "the smeared ...Bethpeor (4 Occurrences). ... /b/bethpeor.htm - 9k Beth-peor (4 Occurrences) Beth-pe'or (4 Occurrences) Peor (14 Occurrences) Beth (115 Occurrences) Over-against (156 Occurrences) Facing (79 Occurrences) Opposite (137 Occurrences) Moab (162 Occurrences) Overcame (84 Occurrences) Resources Who were the Moabites? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Mount Nebo in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What was Baal Peor in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Beth-peor (4 Occurrences)Deuteronomy 3:29 Deuteronomy 4:46 Deuteronomy 34:6 Joshua 13:20 Subtopics Beth-Peor: A Place in the Territory of the Tribe of Reuben Beth-Peor: Near the Burial Place of Moses Related Terms |
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