What is the definition of Numbers 25:3?

And Israel joined himself unto Baalpeor: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel.

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Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Numbers 25:3. It’s a really important and troubling passage in biblical history. Here’s what it means in simple terms:
The Basic Situation:
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Israel is Divided:
In the midst of a massive conflict with the Canaanites (the people who lived in the land to the east), Israel, led by King David, splits into two groups – one following Baalpeor and the other following Yahweh (God). 💎
Joining With Baalpeor:
The verse says that Israel 💎joined himself💎 to Baalpeor. This is a crucial point - they became associated with this false god. 💎
The Lord's Anger:
The Bible tells us that God was extremely angry and furious at this division.
What Did They Do?
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False Gods:
Baalpeor was a Canaanite deity – a god worshipped differently from the gods of Israel. He was a shapeshifting, destructive figure. 💎
Offering to the False God:
The Israelites, believing this false god, started offering sacrifices and worshiping it. 💎
The Lord's Reaction:
God saw this as a serious offense and was deeply angered by the division and the idolatry (worship of idols).
Why is this a big deal?
This event is often considered the 💎beginning💎 of Israel’s exile from its land. It demonstrates that even though Israel had a good relationship with God, they were becoming corrupted by their own choices – choosing false gods instead of worshipping the true God. It's seen as a major turning point in history and a reason why the Israelites eventually left for another land.
In short:
This verse describes a significant betrayal of faith where Israel chose to worship a false god, leading to God’s profound anger and ultimately, their exile. ---
Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to:
💎 Explain the context surrounding this event? 💎 Discuss the significance of the name Baalpeor? 💎 Talk about what it means for Israel’s relationship with God?