Numbers 25:18 meaning
The narrative surrounding this verse takes place during a turbulent time for the Israelites as they approached the Promised Land. They faced severe moral decline, spurred by the allure of Moabite and Midianite women, which led to idol worship and sexual immorality. The ensuing divine wrath resulted in a plague that decimated the people, emphasizing the gravity of their betrayal. In response, God commands Moses to take aggressive action against the Midianites for their role in seducing Israel into sin. This command is indicative of God’s jealousy for His people and His desire for them to remain faithful to Him.
In Numbers 25:18, “For they vex you with their wiles, wherewith they have beguiled you in the matter of Peor”, God instructs Moses about the cunning ways the Midianites have used to lure Israel into apostasy, equating their influence to a grievous attack on His covenant people. This act of vengeance is not merely punitive but serves as a necessary deterrent against sin’s consequences —both for Israel and for surrounding nations. Thus, this passage illustrates God's judgment against those who lead His people astray while affirming His commitment to their spiritual integrity.
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Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Numbers 11:16-25 meaning. Numbers 11:16-25 contains the LORD’s answer to Moses’ question.
- Deuteronomy 3:18-22 meaning. Moses restates his response to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh after he had distributed the land east of Jordan to them. Moses said that he commanded them to help the remaining tribes in conquering the west side of Jordan. Then, he encouraged Joshua to cross over the Jordan with the people.
- Exodus 25:23-30 meaning. The next piece of tabernacle furniture described was a table. This table was to be where the "bread of the Presence" was placed. Included are other items (dishes and pans) that were to be used with this table. The instructions for constructing these objects are very precise (like the other items in the tabernacle).