Numbers 31:16

KJV

Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, these {H2007} caused {H1961} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, through the counsel {H1697} of Balaam {H1109}, to commit {H4560} trespass {H4604} against the LORD {H3068} in the matter {H1697} of Peor {H6465}, and there was a plague {H4046} among the congregation {H5712} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Why, these are the ones who - because of Bil'am's advice -caused the people of Isra'el to rebel, breaking faith with ADONAI in the P'or incident, so that the plague broke out among ADONAI's community!

Berean Standard Bible

“Look, these women caused the sons of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to turn unfaithfully against the LORD at Peor, so that the plague struck the congregation of the LORD.

American Standard Version

Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against Jehovah in the matter of Peor, and so the plague was among the congregation of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 31:16 provides a critical postscript to the Midianite war, explicitly identifying Balaam's insidious counsel as the root cause of Israel's catastrophic sin at Baal-peor. This verse reveals the cunning strategy that led the Israelites into idolatry and sexual immorality, resulting in a divine plague and serving as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of spiritual compromise and disobedience to God's covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears within Moses' instructions to the Israelite commanders after their victory over the Midianites in Numbers 31. Having avenged the Lord against Midian, Moses confronts the commanders for sparing the Midianite women, recognizing their direct role in the "matter of Peor." The immediate preceding verses detail the spoils of war and the command to destroy all Midianite males and non-virgin women. Verse 16 serves as Moses' explanation and justification for the harsh command regarding the women, directly linking them to the previous national apostasy and the subsequent divine judgment. It underscores the severity of the spiritual threat posed by these women, revealing that their presence was not merely a moral issue but a strategic spiritual attack orchestrated by Balaam.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "matter of Peor" refers to the incident detailed in [Numbers 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - The Baal-Peor Incident"), where Israelite men engaged in sexual immorality with Moabite and Midianite women and participated in the worship of Baal-peor, a local fertility deity. This occurred while Israel was encamped in the plains of Moab, just before entering the Promised Land. Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, had been hired by Balak, king of Moab, to curse Israel. When God prevented him from cursing them directly, Balaam advised Balak to entice Israel into sin by using the women to draw them into idolatry and immorality. This counsel aimed to provoke God's wrath against His own people, thereby achieving indirectly what a direct curse could not. The "plague among the congregation of the LORD" was God's immediate and devastating judgment, claiming 24,000 lives, as recorded in [Numbers 25:9](/numbers/25-9 "Numbers 25:9 - The Plague's Toll").
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 31:16 powerfully reinforces several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **spiritual deception and apostasy**, showing how external influences, particularly the "counsel of Balaam," can subtly lead God's people astray from their covenant obligations. Balaam's strategy was not frontal assault but insidious corruption from within, a danger against which Israel was repeatedly warned (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:1-6](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-6 - Warnings Against Idolatry")). Secondly, the verse underscores the **holiness of God and the severe consequences of disobedience**. The "plague" serves as a vivid demonstration of God's righteous judgment against idolatry and unfaithfulness, emphasizing that He will not tolerate sin among His chosen people. This aligns with the broader narrative of divine judgment for rebellion seen throughout the wilderness wanderings, such as the rebellion of Korah in [Numbers 16](/numbers/16 "Numbers 16 - Korah's Rebellion"). Finally, it speaks to the **seriousness of covenant breach**, as the "trespass against the LORD" was not merely a moral failing but a profound betrayal of the unique relationship Israel had with Yahweh, their God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **counsel (Hebrew, עֵצָה, _ʿēṣâ'_):** This term refers to advice, plan, or purpose. Here, it denotes Balaam's deliberate and strategic scheme to undermine Israel's relationship with God. It wasn't a casual suggestion but a calculated plot designed to exploit Israel's weaknesses and provoke divine judgment. This highlights the malevolent intent behind the temptation.
* **trespass (Hebrew, מַעַל, _maʿal'_):** This word signifies an act of unfaithfulness, a breach of trust, or sacrilege, particularly against God or sacred things. It implies a violation of covenant obligations, a profound betrayal. It is more than just "sin"; it is an act of disloyalty and defection from the LORD, emphasizing the gravity of Israel's actions at Peor as a direct affront to their covenant God.
* **plague (Hebrew, מַגֵּפָה, _maggēpâ'_):** This term denotes a divine visitation of disease or disaster, often a sudden and widespread affliction sent by God as a judgment. In this context, it refers to the devastating epidemic that swept through the Israelite camp, claiming 24,000 lives, as a direct and immediate consequence of their idolatry and immorality. It underscores the swift and severe nature of God's justice against unfaithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, these caused the children of Israel,"**: Moses directly attributes the cause of Israel's downfall to "these" – referring to the Midianite women who were spared in the initial conquest. This highlights their instrumental role as agents of temptation and corruption, underscoring the danger of external influences that lead to spiritual compromise.
* **"through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor,"**: This clause reveals the mastermind behind the Midianite women's actions: Balaam. His "counsel" was the strategic blueprint for enticing Israel into idolatry and sexual immorality at Baal-peor. The "trespass against the LORD" emphasizes that their sin was not merely a moral lapse but a direct act of unfaithfulness and rebellion against their covenant God, a profound betrayal of their exclusive devotion to Him.
* **"and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD."**: This final phrase states the immediate and devastating consequence of their sin: a divinely sent "plague." This plague served as God's swift and righteous judgment upon the community for their corporate sin, demonstrating His holiness and intolerance for idolatry and spiritual impurity within His covenant people.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 31:16 functions as a **Didactic Narrative**, serving to instruct the reader about the dangers of spiritual compromise and the consequences of sin. It employs **Causality**, explicitly linking the Midianite women and Balaam's counsel as the direct cause of Israel's "trespass" and the subsequent "plague." This clear cause-and-effect relationship reinforces the theological principle of divine **Retribution**, where God's judgment directly follows human disobedience. There is also an element of **Irony** in Balaam's strategy; unable to curse Israel directly through prophetic utterance, he achieves his goal indirectly by devising a plan that causes Israel to incur God's wrath upon themselves. The verse also serves as a **Recapitulation**, succinctly summarizing the critical events of [Numbers 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - The Baal-Peor Incident") and providing the theological rationale for Moses' severe instructions regarding the Midianite women.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 31:16 is a potent reminder of the insidious nature of spiritual warfare and the ever-present danger of compromise. It highlights that the most dangerous attacks on God's people often come not through direct confrontation but through subtle temptations designed to draw them away from their covenant loyalty. Balaam's counsel represents a timeless strategy of the enemy: to lure believers into idolatry and immorality, knowing that such actions break fellowship with God and invite His righteous judgment. This incident underscores God's unwavering holiness and His demand for exclusive worship and purity from His people, demonstrating that even His chosen nation is not exempt from the consequences of unfaithfulness. The plague serves as a stark testament to the seriousness with which God views spiritual adultery and the breach of covenant.

* [Deuteronomy 23:3-6](/deuteronomy/23-3 "Deuteronomy 23:3-6 - Exclusion of Ammonites and Moabites")
* [Revelation 2:14](/revelation/2-14 "Revelation 2:14 - The Doctrine of Balaam")
* [1 Corinthians 10:8](/1_corinthians/10-8 "1 Corinthians 10:8 - Warning Against Immorality")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 31:16 serves as a powerful cautionary tale for believers across all generations. It compels us to recognize that spiritual battles are often fought on the subtle terrain of influence and temptation. Just as Balaam's counsel sought to corrupt Israel from within, so too does the enemy seek to introduce compromise into our lives through seemingly benign relationships, cultural pressures, or deceptive ideologies. We are called to cultivate keen spiritual discernment, guarding our hearts and minds against any "counsel" that would lead us away from exclusive devotion to the Lord. This includes being vigilant about the media we consume, the company we keep, and the philosophies we embrace. The incident at Peor, combining sexual immorality with idolatry, reminds us that true worship demands purity in all aspects of life, and that any form of spiritual syncretism or devotion to worldly idols will inevitably incur divine displeasure. While we live under grace, the principle remains: sin has consequences, and God's holiness requires us to pursue lives of obedience and faithfulness, trusting in His power to keep us from falling.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what subtle ways might "counsel" or influences in my life be leading me towards compromise with worldly values or practices?**
* **How does the "matter of Peor" challenge my understanding of the seriousness of spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry in my own life?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater discernment and guard against spiritual deception in my daily walk with God?**

### FAQ

**What exactly was the "matter of Peor" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "matter of Peor" refers to a devastating incident described in [Numbers 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - The Baal-Peor Incident") where Israelite men engaged in sexual immorality with Moabite and Midianite women and participated in the worship of Baal-peor, a local fertility god. This involved both physical prostitution and spiritual idolatry, a direct violation of God's covenant commands against worshipping other gods and engaging in immoral practices. It was a profound act of unfaithfulness that provoked God's wrath and resulted in a severe plague among the Israelite congregation.

**How did Balaam's counsel lead Israel to commit trespass, given that he couldn't curse them directly?**

Answer: Balaam, after being repeatedly prevented by God from cursing Israel directly, advised Balak, the king of Moab, on an alternative strategy. His "counsel" was to entice the Israelite men into sin by sending Moabite and Midianite women among them. These women would then lure the Israelite men into sexual immorality and, crucially, into participating in their idolatrous worship of Baal-peor. Balaam understood that while he could not curse God's people, God Himself would judge them if they willingly broke His covenant. This indirect strategy exploited Israel's moral and spiritual vulnerabilities, causing them to incur divine judgment upon themselves, as later confirmed in [Revelation 2:14](/revelation/2-14 "Revelation 2:14 - The Doctrine of Balaam").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 31:16, with its stark depiction of sin, judgment, and the insidious nature of spiritual deception, ultimately points to the necessity of Christ. The "trespass against the LORD" at Peor, leading to a devastating plague, highlights the severity of human sin and God's righteous wrath against it. This judgment foreshadows the ultimate judgment due to all humanity for their rebellion against God. However, in Christ, we find the fulfillment of God's justice and mercy. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bearing the "plague" of God's wrath on the cross so that those who believe might be spared. Furthermore, Balaam's cunning counsel, designed to lead God's people astray, finds its ultimate defeat in Jesus. Christ, as our [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd"), protects His flock from spiritual deception and leads them in paths of righteousness, unlike the false prophets and deceptive influences that seek to corrupt. Through His Spirit, He empowers believers to [resist the devil](/james/4-7 "James 4:7 - Resist the Devil") and overcome the temptations of the world, ensuring that those who are truly His will not fall prey to the "doctrine of Balaam" but will remain faithful to Him who alone is worthy of all worship and devotion, having [redeemed us from every lawless deed](/titus/2-14 "Titus 2:14 - Christ's Redemption").

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

Numbers 25:1

¶ And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab.

Numbers 25:9

And those that died in the plague were twenty and four thousand.

2 Peter 2:15

Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam [the son] of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;

Revelation 2:14

But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

Deuteronomy 4:3

Your eyes have seen what the LORD did because of Baalpeor: for all the men that followed Baalpeor, the LORD thy God hath destroyed them from among you.

Numbers 24:14

And now, behold, I go unto my people: come [therefore, and] I will advertise thee what this people shall do to thy people in the latter days.

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,