Numbers Chapter 25 — The Incident at Peor
Israel falls into idolatry and immorality with the Moabites and Midianites, leading to a deadly plague that is stopped by the intervention of Phinehas.
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Notable Verses
Numbers 25:3
“Israel joined himself to Baal Peor, and the LORD’s anger burned against Israel.”
This verse establishes the central conflict of the chapter: Israel's shift from worshipping God to idolatry.
Numbers 25:12
“Therefore say, ‘Behold, I give to him my covenant of peace.’”
This marks God's reward to Phinehas for his actions in restoring holiness to the camp.
Chapter Summary
While staying at Shittim, the Israelites begin to worship the gods of Moab, specifically joining themselves to Baal Peor. This betrayal provokes the Lord's anger, resulting in a devastating plague and a command for Moses to execute the leaders involved. The situation escalates when Zimri, a Simeonite prince, openly brings a Midianite woman named Cozbi into the camp in the sight of the grieving congregation. Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron, intervenes by following the couple and killing them with a spear, which immediately halts the plague. A total of 24,000 people die in the outbreak. In response to his zeal, God grants Phinehas a covenant of peace and an everlasting priesthood for his descendants. The chapter concludes with God commanding Israel to strike the Midianites for their role in the deception at Peor and the tragedy that followed.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Israelites committed idolatry by worshipping the Moabite god Baal and participating in sacrificial meals and immoral behavior with Moabite and Midianite women.
According to the text, 24,000 Israelites died as a result of the plague brought about by their idolatry at Peor.
Phinehas was the son of Eleazar and the grandson of Aaron the priest. He is noted for stopping the plague by executing an Israelite man and a Midianite woman who were defying the Lord's commands.
Study Note
The location Shittim, where these events occurred, was the Israelites' final campsite before they crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land.
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