### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew phrase **Baʻal Pᵉʻôwr**, represented by `{{H1187}}`, refers to a Moabitish deity named "Baal of Peor." It appears **6 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible, consistently marking a significant moment of apostasy in the history of Israel. The name itself signifies a specific, localized form of Baal worship that led to severe divine judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, associating with `{{H1187}}` is portrayed as a grave sin. The people of Israel "joined" themselves to this deity, an act which is condemned in multiple accounts ([[Numbers 25:3]], [[Psalms 106:28]]). This event provoked the Lord's response; specifically, "the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel" [[Numbers 25:3]]. The consequence was a direct and fatal judgment, where the Lord "destroyed" all the men who followed **Baalpeor** [[Deuteronomy 4:3]]. As a result of this idolatry, Moses issued a command to "slay" those who had participated [[Numbers 25:5]]. This incident is later recalled by the prophet Hosea as a moment when Israel "separated themselves unto that shame," resulting in "abominations" [[Hosea 9:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are crucial for understanding the context of the Baal-peor incident:
* `{{H6775}}` **tsâmad** (to link, i.e. gird; figuratively, to serve, (mentally) contrive): This word is used repeatedly to describe the specific action of the Israelites, who "joined" themselves to **Baalpeor** ([[Numbers 25:3]], [[Numbers 25:5]], [[Psalms 106:28]]), indicating a deliberate and binding association.
* `{{H639}}` **ʼaph** (ire; anger): This term describes God's righteous reaction to Israel's idolatry. The "anger" of the Lord was "kindled" against the people for their unfaithfulness [[Numbers 25:3]].
* `{{H2026}}` **hârag** (to smite with deadly intent; slay): This word denotes the immediate and violent consequence of the sin, as Moses commanded the judges to "slay" every man who had joined with **Baalpeor** [[Numbers 25:5]].
* `{{H8045}}` **shâmad** (to desolate; destory): This term is used to describe God's own direct action against the offenders, emphasizing that He "destroyed" those who followed the Moabite deity [[Deuteronomy 4:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1187}}` is significant, serving as a key example of covenant failure and its repercussions.
* **Apostasy and Idolatry:** The incident with **Baʻal Pᵉʻôwr** is a primary biblical illustration of apostasy. By "joining" `{{H6775}}` with this deity, Israel turned away from God, an act described as embracing "shame" and "abominations" `{{H8251}}` [[Hosea 9:10]].
* **Divine Wrath:** The story demonstrates that idolatry provokes God's holy "anger" `{{H639}}`. The Lord's response is not passive but an active and just judgment against sin [[Numbers 25:3]].
* **Consequences of Sin:** The worship of **Baʻal Pᵉʻôwr** led directly to death. The narrative shows that fellowship with idols results in being "destroyed" `{{H8045}}` by God and "slain" `{{H2026}}` by His appointed leaders, highlighting the fatal nature of such a transgression ([[Deuteronomy 4:3]], [[Numbers 25:5]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1187}}` **Baʻal Pᵉʻôwr** represents more than just a foreign idol; it is a symbol of a profound spiritual and national crisis for Israel. The act of "joining" `{{H6775}}` with this deity serves as a powerful biblical warning against the sin of idolatry. The narrative consistently connects this event with provoking divine "anger" `{{H639}}` and incurring the ultimate penalty of being "slain" `{{H2026}}` or "destroyed" `{{H8045}}`, cementing its place in scripture as a solemn reminder of the consequences of unfaithfulness.
TRV