Topical Encyclopedia Ba'al-pe'or is a term found in the Old Testament, referring to a local deity worshiped by the Moabites and Midianites, and the site associated with this idolatrous worship. The name "Ba'al-pe'or" combines "Ba'al," meaning "lord" or "master," with "Pe'or," which is believed to be a mountain or high place in Moab. This deity and its worship are most notably mentioned in the context of Israel's apostasy in the wilderness.Biblical References: 1. Numbers 25:1-3 : "While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with the daughters of Moab, who invited them to the sacrifices for their gods. And the people ate and bowed down to these gods. So Israel joined in worshiping Baal of Peor, and the LORD’s anger burned against them." This passage describes the incident where the Israelites, during their wilderness journey, were seduced into idolatry and immorality by the Moabite women. This act of apostasy involved participating in the worship of Ba'al-pe'or, which provoked the LORD's wrath against Israel. 2. Deuteronomy 4:3 : "You saw with your own eyes what the LORD did at Baal-peor. The LORD your God destroyed from among you everyone who followed Baal of Peor." Here, Moses reminds the Israelites of the consequences of their unfaithfulness at Ba'al-pe'or, emphasizing the LORD's judgment on those who turned away from Him to worship false gods. 3. Psalm 106:28-29 : "They yoked themselves to Baal of Peor and ate sacrifices offered to lifeless gods. They provoked the LORD to anger with their deeds, and a plague broke out among them." The psalmist recounts the sin of Israel at Ba'al-pe'or, highlighting the spiritual adultery and the resulting divine punishment, which included a devastating plague. Theological Significance: The incident at Ba'al-pe'or serves as a stark warning against idolatry and syncretism. It illustrates the dangers of compromising with pagan practices and the severe consequences of turning away from the covenant relationship with the LORD. The worship of Ba'al-pe'or involved not only idolatry but also immoral practices, which were an affront to the holiness of God. Historical and Cultural Context: Ba'al-pe'or was likely a local manifestation of the Canaanite god Ba'al, a deity associated with fertility and weather. The worship of Ba'al often included ritualistic sexual immorality, which was contrary to the moral and ethical standards set by the LORD for His people. The Moabites and Midianites, who were neighbors and sometimes adversaries of Israel, practiced these rites, which were enticing to the Israelites but ultimately led to their downfall. Lessons for Believers: The narrative of Ba'al-pe'or underscores the importance of faithfulness to God and the dangers of allowing cultural and religious influences to lead believers astray. It serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance in maintaining spiritual purity and the consequences of disobedience to God's commands. The account calls believers to remain steadfast in their devotion to the LORD, resisting the temptations of the world that seek to draw them away from their faith. Concordance Ba'al-pe'or (2 Occurrences)Deuteronomy 4:3 Hosea 9:10 Thesaurus Ba'al-pe'or (2 Occurrences)Ba'al-pe'or. Baal-peor, Ba'al-pe'or. Baalperazim . Multi-Version Concordance Ba'al-pe'or (2 Occurrences). Deuteronomy 4:3 Your eyes ... /b/ba'al-pe'or.htm - 7k Baalperazim (2 Occurrences) Baal-peor (6 Occurrences) Baalpeor (5 Occurrences) Baal (94 Occurrences) Resources Who was Moloch/Molech? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about child sacrifice? | GotQuestions.org What is an Asherah pole? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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