Definition: And Moses said unto the judges of Israel, Slay ye every one his men that were joined unto Baalpeor.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Numbers 25:5. It’s a really important and somewhat shocking part of God's history with Israel. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: A Problem Started With Baal: For many years, the people of Israel were worshipping a giant idol called Baalpeor. This wasn't just a statue; it was believed to be a powerful god who could do anything. Moses’s Concern: Moses, as God’s leader, saw this practice as dangerous and disrespectful to God. He felt that the people were being tricked into worshipping something that wasn't real. The Command: He gave a very strict command: “Slay every one his men that were joined unto Baalpeor.” Basically, he told the judges of Israel – the leaders – to kill everyone who was working with or associated with this idol. What Does That Really Mean? “Joined unto Baalpeor”: This is key. It means that these people were working together with the idol. They were involved in rituals, sacrifices, and everything related to Baalpeor. Slaying the Men: It wasn’t just about stopping them from working with the idol; it was about completely eliminating those who were actively participating in the worship. Why Was This a Big Deal? God's Punishment: The verse is part of a larger story of God punishing idolatry. It shows that when people reject God and focus on false gods, God will send consequences. A Turning Point: This event was a major turning point in Israel’s history. It marked a shift away from worshipping the idol and towards returning to the true God. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a very harsh punishment for the people of Israel. However, it's also seen as a powerful demonstration of God’s judgment and his desire to protect His people from being deceived. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this story? Talk about the context of this verse in the larger history of Israel? Give you some broader background on the concept of idolatry?