Numbers 25:5

KJV

And Moses said unto the judges of Israel, Slay ye every one his men that were joined unto Baalpeor.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} said {H559} unto the judges {H8199} of Israel {H3478}, Slay {H2026} ye every {H376} one {H376} his men {H582} that were joined {H6775} unto Baalpeor {H1187}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe said to the judges of Isra'el, "Each of you is to put to death those in his tribe who have joined themselves to Ba'al-P'or."

Berean Standard Bible

So Moses told the judges of Israel, “Each of you must kill all of his men who have joined in worshiping Baal of Peor.”

American Standard Version

And Moses said unto the judges of Israel, Slay ye every one his men that have joined themselves unto Baal-peor.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 25:5 records Moses' stark directive to the judges of Israel, commanding them to execute those who had yoked themselves to the pagan deity Baal-peor. This severe pronouncement underscores the immediate and uncompromising divine judgment against the rampant idolatry and sexual immorality that had defiled the Israelite community in the plains of Moab, serving as a critical step in turning away God's fierce wrath and stemming a devastating plague.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment following the shocking account of Israel's spiritual and moral defection at Shittim, detailed in [Numbers 25:1-3](/numbers/25-1-3 "Numbers 25:1-3 - Israel's Sin at Baal-peor"). The Israelite men engaged in sexual immorality with Moabite women, who then enticed them into participating in pagan sacrifices and bowing down to Baal-peor. This direct violation of the covenant ignited the Lord's fierce anger, resulting in a plague that had already begun to decimate the population. Moses' command in [Numbers 25:5](/numbers/25-5 "Numbers 25:5 - Moses' Command to the Judges") is a direct response to God's instruction in [Numbers 25:4](/numbers/25-4 "Numbers 25:4 - God's Command for Judgment"), where He commanded Moses to "take all the heads of the people, and hang them up before the LORD against the sun, that the fierce anger of the LORD may be turned away from Israel." The judges, as designated leaders, were tasked with enforcing this immediate and drastic judgment to purge the evil from the community. The narrative then immediately shifts to Phinehas's zealous act in [Numbers 25:7-8](/numbers/25-7-8 "Numbers 25:7-8 - Phinehas's Zealous Act"), which effectively halted the plague, though not before [24,000 Israelites perished](/numbers/25-9 "Numbers 25:9 - The Toll of the Plague"). This sequence highlights the swiftness of divine judgment and the necessity of decisive action against pervasive sin to restore covenant integrity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [Numbers 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - The Sin at Baal-peor") occur as Israel is encamped in the plains of Moab, strategically positioned to enter the Promised Land. This location placed them in direct contact with the Moabites and Midianites, who worshipped various local deities, including Baal-peor. Baal worship, prevalent throughout Canaan and surrounding regions, often involved fertility rites, sacred prostitution, and licentious practices believed to ensure agricultural abundance and human fertility. The specific cult of Baal-peor likely involved particularly debauched rituals, designed to entice participants into a deep spiritual and physical defilement. For Israel, a people called to exclusive monotheistic worship of Yahweh and strict moral purity, participation in such cultic activities was not merely a social transgression but a profound act of spiritual adultery and covenant infidelity. The historical context also includes the recent events of Balaam's failed attempts to curse Israel ([Numbers 22-24](/numbers/22 "Numbers 22 - Balaam's First Prophecy")), suggesting that the Moabites and Midianites, unable to defeat Israel militarily or supernaturally, resorted to moral corruption as a strategy to undermine them from within, leading directly to divine judgment.

* **Key Themes:** [Numbers 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - The Sin at Baal-peor") powerfully illustrates several core themes central to the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the **holiness of God** and His uncompromising demand for exclusive worship and moral purity from His covenant people. Idolatry and sexual immorality are presented as direct affronts to His character, provoking His righteous wrath. Secondly, the narrative highlights the **devastating consequences of sin**, particularly national apostasy and spiritual compromise. The plague and the executions serve as a stark warning that unfaithfulness to God's covenant brings severe, often immediate, repercussions, as seen in the [death of 24,000](/numbers/25-9 "Numbers 25:9 - The Toll of the Plague"). Thirdly, the passage emphasizes **leadership responsibility** in upholding divine law and executing justice. Moses and the judges are depicted as instruments of God's judgment, tasked with maintaining the community's purity and its covenant relationship with Yahweh. Finally, the events reveal the theme of **zeal for God's name and covenant**. The command to purge the offenders, and Phinehas's subsequent action in [Numbers 25:7-8](/numbers/25-7-8 "Numbers 25:7-8 - Phinehas's Zealous Act"), demonstrate a desperate, righteous zeal to turn away God's wrath and restore the nation's standing before Him, ensuring the continuation of His presence among them.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Baalpeor (Hebrew, _Baʻal Pᵉʻôwr'_):** From the roots for "lord" and "Peor," this term refers to a specific manifestation of the pagan deity Baal, worshipped at Peor, a mountain associated with the Moabites. The name "Baal" (בַּעַל) means "lord" or "master," and the full name likely denotes the local, specific "Lord of Peor." This deity was associated with fertility and often worshipped through licentious rites, making the Israelites' participation a profound act of spiritual and physical defilement against the holy God of Israel.
* **Joined (Hebrew, _tsâmad'_):** From the primitive root צָמַד (_tsâmad_), meaning "to link," "to gird," or figuratively, "to serve" or "to contrive." In this context, the Niphal form (H6775) implies a reflexive or passive sense, meaning "they joined themselves" or "they were joined." This signifies a deep, binding attachment, a deliberate and profound commitment to Baal-peor, not merely casual participation. It suggests a spiritual "yoking" or "cleaving" to the idol, akin to the intimate language used for covenant fidelity or marriage, thereby emphasizing the profound spiritual adultery committed by the Israelites.
* **Slay (Hebrew, _hârag'_):** From the primitive root הָרַג (_hârag_), meaning "to smite with deadly intent," "destroy," "kill," or "murder." This verb is often used for violent, intentional killing, particularly in the context of capital punishment or warfare. Moses' command to "slay" (an imperative, H2026) underscores the severity and finality of the judgment. It was a direct, divinely sanctioned execution, not merely a banishment or imprisonment, reflecting the absolute necessity of purging the defilement from the camp to restore the nation's holiness and avert further divine wrath.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses said unto the judges of Israel,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine authority behind the command. Moses, as God's appointed leader and mediator, delivers the divine decree. The "judges of Israel" (H8199) are the designated authorities within the community, likely tribal heads or elders, whom Moses had delegated to assist him in administering justice and enforcing God's laws. This indicates that the execution of judgment was not to be a chaotic mob action but a structured, official act of the Israelite legal system, albeit one under extreme circumstances of national apostasy.
* **"Slay ye every one his men"**: This is the core command, a direct and severe imperative. "Slay ye" (הִרְגוּ, _hirgu_) is plural, addressing the judges collectively, underscoring their shared responsibility. "Every one his men" (אִישׁ אֲנָשָׁיו, _ish anashav_, using H376 and H582) is a distributive phrase, meaning each judge was responsible for executing the men under his jurisdiction or those who were his "associates" or "subordinates" in this sin. This highlights the widespread nature of the apostasy and the comprehensive scope of the required purge. The judgment was to be thorough and decisive, reaching into every segment of the community implicated in the sin.
* **"that were joined unto Baalpeor."**: This final clause precisely identifies the specific group targeted for execution: those who had "joined themselves" or "yoked themselves" to Baal-peor (H6775, H1187). This refers to the Israelites who had participated in the idolatrous and immoral worship of this pagan deity. The phrase emphasizes the deliberate and profound nature of their apostasy, distinguishing them as active participants in the covenant violation, thereby meriting the most severe penalty. Their "joining" was an act of spiritual betrayal, demanding a radical separation from the holy community to preserve its integrity and God's presence.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with striking clarity and force. **Direct Command** is powerfully evident in Moses' imperative "Slay ye," emphasizing the urgency, non-negotiable nature, and divine sanction of the judgment. The phrase "every one his men" utilizes **Distributive Language** to underscore the comprehensive scope of the required purge, indicating that no guilty party was to be overlooked and that responsibility for execution was widely distributed among the leadership. The concept of "joined unto Baalpeor" uses **Metaphor** to describe the deep, binding spiritual and physical commitment to the idol, drawing a parallel to a covenant or marriage bond. This metaphor highlights the profound spiritual adultery committed against Yahweh, Israel's divine husband. The entire narrative functions as a **Cautionary Tale**, illustrating the immediate and devastating consequences of covenant infidelity, idolatry, and sexual immorality, serving as a stark warning for both ancient Israel and future generations regarding the sanctity of God's covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 25:5 stands as a stark testament to God's absolute holiness and His demand for exclusive worship from His covenant people. The severity of the judgment against those "joined unto Baalpeor" underscores the gravity of idolatry and spiritual impurity in God's eyes. This event reinforces the foundational biblical truth that God is a jealous God who will not share His glory with idols, and that covenant breaking, particularly through apostasy and sexual immorality, incurs His righteous wrath. It reveals that communal sin requires communal accountability and decisive action to restore purity and avert further divine judgment, demonstrating that God's justice is an integral part of His character, essential for maintaining the integrity of His relationship with His people and the sanctity of His dwelling among them.

* [Deuteronomy 4:3-4](/deuteronomy/4-3-4 "Deuteronomy 4:3-4 - Warning Against Idolatry and Its Consequences")
* [Psalm 106:28-31](/psalms/106-28-31 "Psalm 106:28-31 - Israel's Sin at Baal-peor and Phinehas's Righteousness")
* [1 Corinthians 10:6-8](/1_corinthians/10-6-8 "1 Corinthians 10:6-8 - Warnings from Israel's History Regarding Idolatry and Immorality")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 25:5, though describing a severe historical event, carries profound and enduring lessons for believers today. It serves as a potent reminder of the seriousness with which God views spiritual compromise and moral impurity. In a world saturated with diverse ideologies and permissive moral standards, believers are constantly tempted to "join themselves" to cultural idols—whether they be wealth, power, pleasure, intellectual pursuits, or even self-righteousness—that subtly or overtly compete for the heart's ultimate devotion. This passage calls us to a radical commitment to Christ, warning against the insidious nature of syncretism and the devastating consequences of allowing worldly influences to corrupt our faith and practice. Just as ancient Israel faced immediate and severe repercussions for their unfaithfulness, so too are believers called to maintain purity and exclusive devotion to God, recognizing that our spiritual health and the health of the church depend on our unwavering loyalty to Him. It also highlights the responsibility of spiritual leaders to address sin within the community, ensuring that God's holiness is honored and His presence is not grieved by unrepentant sin, fostering an environment where righteousness can flourish.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Baal-peors" or subtle idols in contemporary culture might tempt believers to compromise their exclusive devotion to God?**
* **How does the severity of God's judgment in Numbers 25:5 inform our understanding of His holiness and justice today, particularly in light of God's grace?**
* **What role do individual believers and church leaders have in maintaining the purity and spiritual integrity of the Christian community, and how should this be pursued in a New Covenant context?**
* **In what ways might spiritual or moral compromise lead to "plagues" or negative consequences in our personal lives or in the church, even if not physical judgment?**

### FAQ
**Why was the punishment for joining Baal-peor so severe, involving execution?**

Answer: The punishment was so severe because joining Baal-peor was considered an act of profound spiritual treason and covenant breaking against Yahweh, the one true God who had delivered Israel from slavery and entered into a covenant with them. God had explicitly commanded Israel to have no other gods before Him ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")) and warned against idolatry and its associated immoral practices. Participation in Baal worship, which involved sexual immorality and bowing down to pagan deities, was a direct affront to God's holiness, a defilement of His covenant people, and a threat to the very presence of God in their midst. The severity of the judgment, including the plague that killed [24,000 people](/numbers/25-9 "Numbers 25:9 - The Toll of the Plague"), was necessary to purge the evil from the community, restore God's honor, and avert further divine wrath, thereby preserving the nation's unique relationship with Him and their fitness to enter the Promised Land.

**Who were the "judges of Israel" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "judges of Israel" at this time were not the later "Judges" who ruled Israel during the period of the Judges (e.g., Samson, Gideon). Rather, they were the appointed leaders and magistrates within the Israelite community, likely tribal heads, elders, or those with judicial authority, whom Moses had delegated to assist him in administering justice and enforcing God's laws (cf. [Exodus 18:21-26](/exodus/18-21-26 "Exodus 18:21-26 - Moses Appoints Judges")). Moses' command to them signifies that the execution of judgment was not a chaotic mob action but an official, legal act carried out by the recognized authorities within the Israelite camp, demonstrating the structured nature of the divine judgment and the principle of responsible leadership.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 25:5, with its stark depiction of judgment against idolatry and immorality, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Christ. While the Old Covenant demanded the physical execution of offenders to maintain the purity of the community and turn away God's wrath, the New Covenant reveals a deeper, spiritual reality. Christ, as the ultimate [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full wrath of God against sin, including idolatry and sexual immorality, on the cross ([Romans 8:3](/romans/8-3 "Romans 8:3 - God Condemned Sin in the Flesh")). He became the propitiation for our sins, turning away God's fierce anger from all who believe ([1 John 2:2](/1_john/2-2 "1 John 2:2 - Christ, the Propitiation for Our Sins")). Believers are now called to a spiritual "execution" of the old self, crucifying the flesh with its passions and desires ([Galatians 5:24](/galatians/5-24 "Galatians 5:24 - Crucifying the Flesh")) and putting to death the earthly members that lead to idolatry and impurity ([Colossians 3:5-6](/colossians/3-5-6 "Colossians 3:5-6 - Put to Death Earthly Sins")). The zeal for God's holiness, once manifested in physical judgment, is now expressed in the believer's pursuit of sanctification and the church's commitment to spiritual purity, knowing that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Our Bodies are Temples of the Holy Spirit")) and that Christ has set us free from the dominion of sin to live in righteousness ([Romans 6:18](/romans/6-18 "Romans 6:18 - Freed from Sin")). Thus, the severe judgment at Baal-peor foreshadows the even greater spiritual judgment against sin accomplished by Christ, enabling a new covenant of grace where purity is achieved through His atoning sacrifice and the transformative power of the indwelling Spirit.

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

1 Kings 18:40

And Elijah said unto them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape. And they took them: and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there.

Exodus 18:21

Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place [such] over them, [to be] rulers of thousands, [and] rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:

Deuteronomy 17:3

And hath gone and served other gods, and worshipped them, either the sun, or moon, or any of the host of heaven, which I have not commanded;

Deuteronomy 17:5

Then shalt thou bring forth that man or that woman, which have committed that wicked thing, unto thy gates, [even] that man or that woman, and shalt stone them with stones, till they die.

Exodus 22:20

He that sacrificeth unto [any] god, save unto the LORD only, he shall be utterly destroyed.

Exodus 18:25

And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.

Exodus 18:26

And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves.