Baal of Peor refers to the Moabite deity worshiped at Peor, a location associated with the Israelites' sin during their wilderness journey. This incident is recorded in the Book of Numbers, where the Israelites, seduced by Moabite women, engaged in idolatry and immorality, provoking the LORD's anger. The worship of Baal of Peor is emblematic of Israel's recurring struggle with idolatry and the temptation to forsake their covenant with God.

The narrative unfolds in 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 anger of the LORD burned against them."

This event highlights the spiritual and moral dangers of syncretism, where the Israelites compromised their distinct identity as God's chosen people by participating in pagan rituals. The worship of Baal of Peor involved not only idolatry but also licentious practices, which were contrary to the holiness required by the LORD.

The incident at Peor serves as a cautionary tale throughout Scripture. In Deuteronomy 4:3-4 , Moses reminds the Israelites of the consequences of their actions: "You saw with your own eyes what the LORD did at Baal of Peor. The LORD your God destroyed from among you everyone who followed Baal of Peor. But you who held fast to the LORD your God are alive to this day."

The sin of Peor is later referenced in Psalm 106:28-29 , which recounts Israel's repeated unfaithfulness: "They yoked themselves to Baal of Peor and ate sacrifices offered to lifeless gods. They provoked the LORD to anger by their deeds, and a plague broke out among them."

Plague

The plague that followed the Israelites' sin at Baal of Peor was a direct consequence of their disobedience and idolatry. This divine judgment underscores the seriousness with which God views sin, particularly the sin of idolatry, which violates the first commandment.

Numbers 25:4-5 describes the LORD's command to Moses in response to the sin: "The LORD said to Moses, 'Take all the leaders of the people and execute them in broad daylight before the LORD, so that His fierce anger may turn away from Israel.' So Moses told the judges of Israel, 'Each of you must kill any of your men who have joined in worshiping Baal of Peor.'"

The severity of the punishment reflects the gravity of the offense. The plague that ensued claimed the lives of 24,000 Israelites, as recorded in Numbers 25:9 : "But those who died in the plague numbered 24,000."

The cessation of the plague was brought about by the zealous action of Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron, who executed an Israelite man and a Midianite woman engaged in blatant immorality. Numbers 25:11-13 records God's commendation of Phinehas: "Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned My wrath away from the Israelites, for he was zealous for My sake among them, so that I did not consume the Israelites in My zeal. Therefore declare that I am granting him My covenant of peace."

The plague at Peor serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of faithfulness to God. It illustrates the need for repentance and the role of righteous zeal in restoring God's favor. The incident is a testament to the holiness of God and His demand for exclusive worship and obedience from His people.