Numbers 25:3

KJV

And Israel joined himself unto Baalpeor: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Israel {H3478} joined {H6775} himself unto Baalpeor {H1187}: and the anger {H639} of the LORD {H3068} was kindled {H2734} against Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

With Isra'el thus joined to Ba'al-P'or, the anger of ADONAI blazed up against Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

So Israel joined in worshiping Baal of Peor, and the anger of the LORD burned against them.

American Standard Version

And Israel joined himself unto Baal-peor: and the anger of Jehovah was kindled against Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 25:3 encapsulates a pivotal and tragic moment in Israel's wilderness journey, marking their profound spiritual infidelity and moral compromise. Despite divine protection from external curses, the Israelites succumbed to the seduction of Moabite and Midianite women, engaging in ritualistic prostitution and idolatrous worship of Baal-peor. This blatant violation of their covenant with Yahweh immediately provoked the righteous anger of the LORD, setting in motion severe divine judgment and unequivocally demonstrating the dire consequences of spiritual syncretism and unfaithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 25:3 serves as the devastating culmination of the narrative arc initiated in [Numbers 22](/numbers/22 "Numbers 22 - Balaam and Balak"). Balak, the king of Moab, repeatedly sought to curse Israel through the prophet Balaam, but God divinely thwarted these attempts, compelling Balaam to utter blessings instead. However, the true nature of the threat to Israel was not external military might or curses, but internal moral decay. As later revealed in [Numbers 31:16](/numbers/31-16 "Numbers 31:16 - Balaam's Counsel to Balak") and echoed in [Revelation 2:14](/revelation/2-14 "Revelation 2:14 - The Doctrine of Balaam"), Balaam ultimately advised Balak on how to make Israel stumble by enticing them into idolatry and sexual immorality. Numbers 25:1-2 immediately precedes our verse, describing the initial entanglement: Israel began to commit whoredom with Moabite women, who subsequently invited them to sacrifices to their gods, leading the Israelites to eat and bow down to these idols. Verse 3 directly states Israel's "joining" with Baal-peor, which then triggers the immediate divine wrath and the subsequent plague detailed in [Numbers 25:4-9](/numbers/25-4-9 "Numbers 25:4-9 - The Plague at Baal-peor and Phinehas's Zeal"). This incident starkly contrasts God's faithfulness in protecting His people from curses with their own profound unfaithfulness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Numbers 25 unfold at Shittim, situated on the plains of Moab, directly across the Jordan River from Jericho. This location was Israel's final encampment before entering the Promised Land, making their apostasy here particularly grievous, as it occurred on the very threshold of their inheritance. Moabite and Midianite cultures were deeply steeped in polytheistic fertility cults, where the worship of deities like Baal often incorporated ritualistic sexual acts and communal feasts as a means to invoke agricultural and human fruitfulness. Baal-peor was a specific manifestation of Baal, likely associated with a particular mountain or cultic site in the region. For Israel, a nation uniquely called to exclusive monotheism and holiness through the covenant established at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Covenant at Sinai"), participating in such practices constituted an act of profound apostasy. The allure of foreign women and their religious rites represented a critical test of Israel's fidelity to Yahweh, a test they tragically failed, demonstrating the pervasive danger of cultural assimilation.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 25:3 powerfully encapsulates several enduring theological and narrative themes. Foremost is the theme of **Idolatry and Spiritual Compromise**, as Israel's "joining" with Baal-peor signifies a direct and intimate betrayal of their covenant with Yahweh, who demands exclusive worship, as explicitly commanded in [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First Commandments"). Closely intertwined is **Immorality and Pagan Practices**, illustrating how spiritual infidelity often precipitates moral decay, with the worship of Baal-peor intrinsically linked to ritual prostitution and sexual promiscuity. The verse also immediately highlights **God's Righteous Anger**, signifying His holy indignation against sin and His unwavering commitment to His own purity and justice, which cannot tolerate such flagrant rebellion. Finally, this incident powerfully foreshadows the **Consequences of Disobedience**, setting the stage for the severe divine judgment—a plague that claims 24,000 lives, as detailed in [Numbers 25:9](/numbers/25-9 "Numbers 25:9 - The Plague's Death Toll")—underscoring the profound gravity of breaking covenant with the living God and the necessity of His purifying judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Baalpeor (Hebrew, בַּעַל פְּעוֹר, _Baʻal Pᵉʻôwr'_):** This compound name identifies a specific manifestation of the Canaanite deity Baal, worshipped at a place called Peor. "Baal" (בַּעַל) generally means "lord" or "master," a common title for local gods in the ancient Near East, often associated with fertility and rain. "Peor" (פְּעוֹר) likely designates the mountain or locality where this particular cult was centered, possibly referring to an "opening" or "cleft," perhaps related to the nature of the worship. The combination signifies a specific idol and its associated cultic practices, which notoriously involved ritualistic sexual immorality as a means of invoking agricultural and human fertility. Israel's engagement with "Baalpeor" was a direct embrace of pagan religious systems and their associated immoral rites, a profound act of apostasy.

* **joined himself unto (Hebrew, צָמַד, _tsâmad'_):** This verb carries the strong sense of being "yoked," "bound," "fastened," or "attached" to something. It implies a deliberate, intimate, and committed association, much like animals yoked together for work or two pieces of wood joined securely. In this context, it emphasizes that Israel's participation was not passive or accidental but an active and intentional spiritual union with the false god. This word powerfully conveys the depth of their spiritual infidelity, akin to a covenant breaking or spiritual adultery, highlighting the profound betrayal of their exclusive relationship with Yahweh.

* **anger of the LORD was kindled (Hebrew, חָרָה אַף יְהוָה, _chârâh 'aph Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This idiomatic phrase literally translates to "the nose/nostril of Yahweh burned," vividly portraying intense, hot indignation. The word for "anger" (`ʼaph`, H639) is literally "nose" or "nostril," often associated with the rapid breathing and flaring nostrils of someone enraged. "Kindled" (`chârâh`, H2734) means "to glow or grow warm," "to blaze up." Coupled with "the LORD" (`Yᵉhôvâh`, H3068), the self-existent God, this expression signifies God's righteous wrath. It is a common biblical expression for God's holy indignation, often in response to severe sin, particularly idolatry or rebellion against His covenant. The immediacy of this "kindling" underscores God's absolute intolerance for spiritual impurity and His swift, just response to His people's betrayal, signifying not a loss of control, but a holy and necessary reaction from a God whose character demands exclusive devotion and purity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Israel joined himself unto Baalpeor":** This clause describes the core act of apostasy and the depth of Israel's spiritual betrayal. "Israel," representing the entire community, actively and intimately committed themselves to the worship of Baal-peor. The verb "joined himself unto" (צָמַד) emphasizes a deliberate and profound spiritual union, indicating a deep betrayal of their covenant with Yahweh. This was not merely a casual observation but an active participation in the idolatrous rites, including the associated sexual immorality, signifying a complete spiritual and moral compromise with the surrounding pagan cultures. The phrase highlights the active choice made by the people, leading them into direct rebellion against God's commands.

* **"and the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel.":** This clause presents the immediate and inevitable divine response to Israel's grievous sin. The "anger of the LORD" (חָרָה אַף יְהוָה) is a manifestation of His holy character, a righteous indignation against unfaithfulness and idolatry. The phrase "was kindled" suggests a rapid and intense ignition of divine wrath, indicating that this sin was an egregious offense that demanded an immediate and severe reaction from God, who is zealous for His own glory and the purity of His covenant people. This anger is not capricious but a just and necessary response to the violation of His covenant, foreshadowing the subsequent plague and judgment that would bring about a swift and devastating consequence.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 25:3 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Anthropomorphism** is prominently featured in the phrase "the anger of the LORD was kindled," attributing human emotion (anger) and a physical action (kindling, like a fire) to God. This vivid imagery helps human readers grasp the intensity, immediacy, and righteous nature of God's displeasure, emphasizing that His response is not passive but an active, holy reaction to profound sin. There is also a strong implicit **Metaphor** of spiritual adultery or unfaithfulness. By stating that Israel "joined himself unto" a foreign god, the text evokes the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel as a marriage, where exclusive devotion is expected. This act of "joining" implies a betrayal of the divine "husband," a spiritual prostitution that defiles the sacred bond. Furthermore, the verse functions as a clear example of **Cause and Effect**, where Israel's action of joining Baal-peor directly and immediately causes the "anger of the LORD" to be kindled against them. This straightforward cause-and-effect relationship powerfully highlights the direct consequences of disobedience and underscores God's moral order and unwavering justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 25:3 stands as a stark testament to the ever-present danger of idolatry and spiritual compromise, particularly for a people in covenant with the one true God. It underscores Yahweh's absolute demand for exclusive worship and His fierce opposition to any form of spiritual infidelity. The incident at Baal-peor serves as a foundational warning against syncretism and the insidious allure of worldly practices that dilute genuine faith and lead to moral decay. It reveals God's holiness and His righteous anger as necessary attributes in maintaining His covenant and purifying His people, even through severe judgment. This event is a critical moment in Israel's history, highlighting their persistent propensity to stray from God's commands and God's consistent, just response to such apostasy, demonstrating that His character demands fidelity and purity from those He calls His own.

* [Psalm 106:28-31](/psalm/106-28-31 "Psalm 106:28-31 - Israel's Idolatry at Baal-peor and Phinehas's Zeal")
* [Deuteronomy 4:3-4](/deuteronomy/4-3-4 "Deuteronomy 4:3-4 - Warning Against Baal-peor")
* [Revelation 2:14](/revelation/2-14 "Revelation 2:14 - The Doctrine of Balaam and the Nicolaitans")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic account of Israel at Baal-peor in Numbers 25:3 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today, serving as a powerful reminder that spiritual compromise, even when subtly introduced, can lead to devastating consequences. Just as Israel was enticed by the surrounding culture and its false gods, we too face constant pressures to conform to worldly values, philosophies, and practices that subtly draw us away from exclusive devotion to Christ. This verse calls us to vigilant self-examination, prompting us to ask where we might be "joining ourselves" to anything that competes with God for our ultimate allegiance—be it material possessions, career ambition, social acceptance, political ideologies, or even seemingly benign cultural trends that subtly undermine biblical truth. It underscores the critical importance of maintaining spiritual purity, guarding our hearts and minds against all forms of idolatry, and recognizing that God's holiness demands our complete and undivided loyalty. His anger, though a terrifying prospect, is a righteous and necessary response to betrayal, ultimately aimed at restoring His people to faithfulness and purity for their own good and His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be subtly "joining myself" to worldly values or idols that compete with my singular devotion to God?**
* **How does understanding God's righteous anger in this passage deepen my appreciation for His holiness, His justice, and His unwavering demand for exclusive worship?**
* **What practical steps can I take to actively guard against spiritual compromise and maintain purity in my walk with Christ in a world that constantly seeks to entice me away?**

### FAQ
**What exactly was "Baalpeor" and why was its worship so offensive to God?**

Answer: Baal-peor was a specific manifestation of the Canaanite deity Baal, worshipped at a cultic site called Peor. "Baal" was a common title for local gods, meaning "lord" or "master," often associated with fertility and localized power. The worship of Baal-peor was notoriously associated with fertility cults that involved ritualistic sexual immorality, including prostitution, as a means to ensure agricultural and human fruitfulness. This was profoundly offensive to God for several reasons: it was a direct violation of the first two commandments, which strictly forbade the worship of other gods and the making of idols ([Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The Ten Commandments")); it involved sexual immorality, which is an abomination to a holy God; and it represented a complete betrayal of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh, who had chosen them to be a holy people set apart for His exclusive worship. Their "joining" with Baal-peor was a spiritual adultery, provoking God's righteous anger because it defiled His people and challenged His unique sovereignty and holiness.

**How did Israel "join himself unto Baalpeor"? Was it a conscious decision by everyone?**

Answer: The phrase "joined himself unto" (צָמַד, _tsâmad'_) implies a deliberate and intimate association, not a passive observation. While it's unlikely every single Israelite made a conscious, personal decision to worship Baal-peor, the text indicates a widespread national apostasy. [Numbers 25:1-2](/numbers/25-1-2 "Numbers 25:1-2 - Israel's Fornication with Moabite Women") describes how Israel began to commit whoredom with Moabite women who then invited them to their gods' sacrifices, which they ate and bowed down to. This suggests a progression from illicit sexual relations to active participation in pagan feasts and worship. The corporate nature of Israel's covenant meant that the actions of many, particularly leaders or influential individuals, could implicate the entire community. The subsequent divine judgment, a plague that killed 24,000 ([Numbers 25:9](/numbers/25-9 "Numbers 25:9 - The Plague's Death Toll")), indicates the widespread nature of the sin and God's corporate judgment on the nation for its collective unfaithfulness.

**What was the immediate consequence of Israel's sin at Baalpeor?**

Answer: The immediate consequence, as stated in Numbers 25:3, was that "the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel." This righteous indignation of God quickly manifested in a severe plague that broke out among the Israelites. [Numbers 25:9](/numbers/25-9 "Numbers 25:9 - The Plague's Death Toll") records that 24,000 people died from this plague. This divine judgment was only halted when Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron, demonstrated zealousness for God's honor by executing an Israelite man and a Midianite woman who brazenly brought their sexual immorality into the camp before the eyes of the congregation ([Numbers 25:7-8](/numbers/25-7-8 "Numbers 25:7-8 - Phinehas's Righteous Act")). This swift and severe judgment underscored the gravity of Israel's sin and God's absolute intolerance for idolatry and sexual immorality within His covenant people, demonstrating His commitment to maintaining their purity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 25:3, with its stark depiction of Israel's spiritual infidelity and God's righteous anger, points powerfully to the necessity and sufficiency of Christ. Israel's "joining himself unto Baalpeor" represents humanity's inherent propensity to idolatry, to seek "lords" other than the true God, and to defile themselves through sin. This incident underscores the depth of human depravity and the absolute holiness of God, whose anger is justly kindled against sin. However, in Christ, we find the ultimate answer to humanity's idolatrous heart. Jesus, the true [Lord of all](/acts/10-36 "Acts 10:36 - Jesus Christ is Lord of all"), perfectly fulfilled the covenant of exclusive devotion that Israel repeatedly failed to keep. He became the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), taking upon Himself the righteous anger of God that was due to our sin and idolatry, as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Christ's Atoning Suffering"). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, He broke the power of sin and delivered us from the bondage of false gods and immoral practices, offering us a new covenant of grace and a path to true worship ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant")). Believers are now called to "flee from idolatry" ([1 Corinthians 10:14](/1_corinthians/10-14 "1 Corinthians 10:14 - Flee from Idolatry")) and to live lives of purity and exclusive devotion to Christ, empowered by the [Holy Spirit](/galatians/5-16 "Galatians 5:16 - Walk by the Spirit"), who enables us to walk in obedience and to worship God in spirit and truth, free from the spiritual prostitution of the world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 22:17

[Is] the iniquity of Peor too little for us, from which we are not cleansed until this day, although there was a plague in the congregation of the LORD,

Hosea 9:10

I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the firstripe in the fig tree at her first time: [but] they went to Baalpeor, and separated themselves unto [that] shame; and [their] abominations were according as they loved.

Psalms 106:28

They joined themselves also unto Baalpeor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead.

Psalms 106:29

Thus they provoked [him] to anger with their inventions: and the plague brake in upon them.

Psalms 90:11

Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, [so is] thy wrath.

Judges 2:14

And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies.

Jeremiah 17:4

And thou, even thyself, shalt discontinue from thine heritage that I gave thee; and I will cause thee to serve thine enemies in the land which thou knowest not: for ye have kindled a fire in mine anger, [which] shall burn for ever.