Numbers 25:18

For they assailed you deceitfully when they seduced you in the matter of Peor and their sister Cozbi, the daughter of the Midianite leader, the woman who was killed on the day the plague came because of Peor."

Study Bible

For they harassed you
The Hebrew root for "harassed" is "tsarar," which conveys a sense of distress, trouble, or affliction. Historically, the Israelites faced numerous challenges from surrounding nations, and this harassment was not merely physical but spiritual and moral. The Midianites, through their cunning, sought to undermine Israel's covenant relationship with God. This serves as a reminder of the spiritual warfare believers face, where external pressures can lead to internal compromise.

with their wiles
"Wiles" translates from the Hebrew "nakhash," meaning enchantments or cunning strategies. The Midianites used deceitful tactics to lead the Israelites astray, particularly through seduction and idolatry. This highlights the subtlety of sin and the importance of discernment. In a modern context, believers are called to be vigilant against the deceptive allure of worldly temptations that can lead them away from God's truth.

when they deceived you
The act of deception here is rooted in the Hebrew "nasha," which means to lead astray or beguile. This deception was not just a simple trick but a calculated effort to cause Israel to sin against God. It underscores the danger of false teachings and the need for a firm foundation in Scripture to avoid being led astray.

in the matter of Peor
Peor refers to the location associated with the worship of Baal, a false god. The "matter of Peor" was a significant event where the Israelites were enticed into idolatry and immorality. This incident serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of faithfulness to His commandments.

and in the matter of Cozbi
Cozbi, a Midianite woman, played a pivotal role in the seduction of Israel. Her involvement signifies the personal and relational aspects of sin, where individual actions can have communal repercussions. This reminds believers of the impact of personal choices on the broader community of faith.

the daughter of the Midianite leader
Cozbi's identity as the daughter of a leader emphasizes the strategic nature of the Midianite's plan. It was not a random act but a deliberate attempt to infiltrate and corrupt Israel from within. This highlights the importance of godly leadership and the influence leaders have on their followers.

their sister who was killed
The phrase "their sister" indicates a familial connection, suggesting that the Midianites were united in their opposition to Israel. Cozbi's death was a direct result of her actions, serving as a sobering reminder of the wages of sin. It also points to the justice of God, who upholds righteousness and punishes iniquity.

on the day the plague came
The plague was a divine judgment from God in response to Israel's sin. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's holiness and the seriousness of sin. The timing of the plague underscores the immediacy of God's response to unfaithfulness, urging believers to live in obedience and reverence.

because of Peor
The phrase "because of Peor" reiterates the cause of the judgment: idolatry and immorality. It serves as a call to repentance and a return to covenant faithfulness. For contemporary believers, it is a reminder to guard against idolatry in all its forms and to remain steadfast in their devotion to God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Peor
A location associated with the worship of Baal, where the Israelites were led into idolatry and immorality.

2. Cozbi
A Midianite woman, daughter of a leader, who was involved in leading Israel into sin.

3. Midian
A region and people who were adversaries of Israel, often leading them into idolatry.

4. Plague
A divine punishment that struck the Israelites due to their sin at Peor.

5. Treachery
The deceitful actions of the Midianites and Moabites in leading Israel astray.

Teaching Points

Guard Against Idolatry
The incident at Peor serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of idolatry and the importance of remaining faithful to God. Believers today must be vigilant against modern forms of idolatry that can lead them away from God.

The Consequences of Sin
The plague that struck Israel illustrates the serious consequences of sin. It is a call to repentance and a reminder of God's holiness and justice.

The Role of Leadership
Cozbi's involvement as a leader's daughter highlights the influence of leadership. Christian leaders must set a godly example and lead others in righteousness.

The Importance of Righteous Zeal
Phinehas' zeal for God's honor, which stopped the plague, teaches the importance of standing up for righteousness and taking decisive action against sin.

Community Accountability
The collective punishment of Israel underscores the concept of community accountability. Believers are called to support one another in faithfulness and hold each other accountable.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the incident at Peor illustrate the dangers of compromising with surrounding cultures, and how can we apply this lesson today?

2. In what ways can modern idolatry manifest in a believer's life, and how can we guard against it?

3. What role does leadership play in guiding others towards or away from sin, and how can Christian leaders today ensure they are leading righteously?

4. How can we cultivate a righteous zeal like Phinehas in our own lives, and what actions might this lead us to take?

5. How does the concept of community accountability apply to the church today, and what practical steps can we take to support one another in faithfulness?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 34:15-16
Warns against making covenants with the inhabitants of the land, which could lead to idolatry.

Psalm 106:28-31
Reflects on Israel's sin at Peor and the resulting plague, highlighting Phinehas' righteous act.

1 Corinthians 10:8
Paul references the incident at Peor as a warning against sexual immorality.

Revelation 2:14
Mentions Balaam's role in teaching Balak to entice Israel into sin, connecting to the events at Peor.