1. How does the incident at Shittim reflect on the moral and spiritual state of the Israelites?

2. Discuss the implications of the Israelites yoking themselves to Baal of Peor. How does this mirror instances of spiritual infidelity today?

3. God's command for justice appears harsh in the modern context. How do we reconcile this with our understanding of God's nature?

4. How does Zimri’s act of bringing Cozbi to his brethren reflect on his understanding of God's laws? Compare this to how we sometimes trivialize sin in our lives.

5. Analyze Phinehas’ zealous act. Was it violence or righteousness? What lessons can we learn from his response to sin?

6. Compare God's covenant with Phinehas to His covenant with other biblical figures. What makes each unique, and what are the common threads?

7. How does Phinehas’ priesthood relate to Christ’s priesthood in the New Testament?

8. Explore the role of women in this chapter. How does their involvement impact the progression of events?

9. Why did God command the Israelites to treat the Midianites as enemies?

10. How does the concept of divine retribution in this chapter relate to our understanding of God's justice today?

11. How can we, like Phinehas, stand against sin in our lives and communities?

12. What measures can be taken to prevent slipping into spiritual idolatry, as the Israelites did?

13. In what ways can believers today uphold the righteousness of God in a world filled with different "gods"?

14. What role does individual responsibility play in shaping collective destiny, as seen in this chapter?

15. How can the church respond to cases of overt sin within its congregation today?

16. How does the covenant of peace granted to Phinehas demonstrate God's grace?

17. Discuss the implications of a permanent priesthood in the context of a believer's life.

18. How can we ensure we are not like the Midianites, leading others into sin?

19. Compare the response of Moses and Phinehas to the sin committed in the camp. What does this teach about leadership in the face of sin?

20. In modern times, how can the church address societal issues that can potentially lead believers astray, as the Moabite women did to the Israelites?