Numbers 25:18 - for they harassed you with their wiles, wherein they have deceived you in the matter of Peor, and in the incident regarding Cozbi, the daughter of the prince of Midian, their sister, who was slain on the day of the plague in the matter of Peor.”
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What does "Numbers 25:18" mean?
This verse, Numbers 25:18, is a condemnation of the Midianites' actions that led the Israelites astray and resulted in a plague. Let's break it down:
"For they harassed you with their wiles..." This means the Midianites intentionally caused trouble for the Israelites through deceptive and manipulative tactics. "Wiles" refers to tricks and schemes.
"...wherein they have deceived you in the matter of Peor..." This refers to the incident recorded earlier in Numbers 25, where the Israelites were enticed by Moabite (and likely Midianite) women to participate in pagan worship of Baal of Peor. This involved sexual immorality and idolatry.
"...and in the incident regarding Cozbi, the daughter of the prince of Midian, their sister, who was slain on the day of the plague in the matter of Peor." This highlights a specific example of the Midianite influence. Cozbi, a high-ranking Midianite woman, was openly brought into the Israelite camp by Zimri, an Israelite leader, as an act of defiance against God's law. Phinehas, grandson of Aaron, speared them both, an act that was considered to halt the plague.
In summary, the verse is saying:
The Midianites actively schemed to lead the Israelites into sin. Their deception was successful in enticing the Israelites to worship Baal of Peor, which involved sexual immorality and idolatry. The Cozbi incident is a highlighted example of the Midianites' role in this transgression. Her death alongside the Israelite leader Zimri coincided with the end of the plague brought on by the people's sin.
Significance:
Condemnation of Deception: The verse emphasizes the active role of the Midianites in leading the Israelites astray. It wasn't simply a case of the Israelites being tempted; the Midianites deliberately created the opportunity.
Consequences of Sin: It highlights the serious consequences of religious compromise and sexual immorality. The plague was a direct result of the Israelites' actions.
Role of Phinehas: While not directly mentioned, the verse implies the righteous act of Phinehas in ending the plague by punishing the brazen act of sin committed by Zimri and Cozbi.
Historical Context: This verse provides context for future conflicts between the Israelites and the Midianites. God commands vengeance against the Midianites for their actions (Numbers 25:17).
Warning: It serves as a warning against the dangers of associating with those who would lead one away from the worship of God.
In essence, Numbers 25:18 serves as a condemnation of the Midianites for their role in leading the Israelites into sin at Peor, emphasizing the seriousness of the offense and its dire consequences.
Numbers 25:18 - for they harassed you with their wiles, wherein they have deceived you in the matter of Peor, and in the incident regarding Cozbi, the daughter of the prince of Midian, their sister, who was slain on the day of the plague in the matter of Peor.”
What does "Numbers 25:18" mean?
This verse, Numbers 25:18, is a condemnation of the Midianites' actions that led the Israelites astray and resulted in a plague. Let's break it down:
"For they harassed you with their wiles..." This means the Midianites intentionally caused trouble for the Israelites through deceptive and manipulative tactics. "Wiles" refers to tricks and schemes.
"...wherein they have deceived you in the matter of Peor..." This refers to the incident recorded earlier in Numbers 25, where the Israelites were enticed by Moabite (and likely Midianite) women to participate in pagan worship of Baal of Peor. This involved sexual immorality and idolatry.
"...and in the incident regarding Cozbi, the daughter of the prince of Midian, their sister, who was slain on the day of the plague in the matter of Peor." This highlights a specific example of the Midianite influence. Cozbi, a high-ranking Midianite woman, was openly brought into the Israelite camp by Zimri, an Israelite leader, as an act of defiance against God's law. Phinehas, grandson of Aaron, speared them both, an act that was considered to halt the plague.
In summary, the verse is saying:
The Midianites actively schemed to lead the Israelites into sin. Their deception was successful in enticing the Israelites to worship Baal of Peor, which involved sexual immorality and idolatry. The Cozbi incident is a highlighted example of the Midianites' role in this transgression. Her death alongside the Israelite leader Zimri coincided with the end of the plague brought on by the people's sin.
Significance:
Condemnation of Deception: The verse emphasizes the active role of the Midianites in leading the Israelites astray. It wasn't simply a case of the Israelites being tempted; the Midianites deliberately created the opportunity.
Consequences of Sin: It highlights the serious consequences of religious compromise and sexual immorality. The plague was a direct result of the Israelites' actions.
Role of Phinehas: While not directly mentioned, the verse implies the righteous act of Phinehas in ending the plague by punishing the brazen act of sin committed by Zimri and Cozbi.
Historical Context: This verse provides context for future conflicts between the Israelites and the Midianites. God commands vengeance against the Midianites for their actions (Numbers 25:17).
Warning: It serves as a warning against the dangers of associating with those who would lead one away from the worship of God.
In essence, Numbers 25:18 serves as a condemnation of the Midianites for their role in leading the Israelites into sin at Peor, emphasizing the seriousness of the offense and its dire consequences.