The idolatry of Israel

Numbers 25:1–18
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The event in this chapter demonstrates the subtlety of Satan; for what he could not curse, he would corrupt both by idolatry and immorality (vv. 1-2). Balaam wasn’t able to curse Israel, but he knew how to defile them and seduce them into sin so great that Jehovah would judge them. The Bible doesn’t really say how the Israelite men got involved in sexual immorality. It appears that at first they didn’t think about worshiping idols; they were just interested in sex. But before long they started attending local feasts and family celebrations that involved idol worship. Their desire for fun and pleasure caused them to forget their spiritual commitment.

Baal was the most popular god in Canaan, the land Israel was about to enter. The Israelites were continually attracted to Baal worship in which prostitution played a large part. An angry God demanded the death sentence of all the Israelites who participated in this sexual service (vv. 4,5). About this time Zimri, a leader in the tribe of Simeon (v. 14) brought a Midianite woman by the name of Cozbi (v. 15) back to the camp of Israel and openly took her into his tent right before the eyes of Moses. Aaron’s grandson Phinehas left the prayer meeting and went after the couple, killing both of them in the tent with one thrust of his spear (v. 8).

It is clear from Phinehas’ story that some anger is proper and justified. Phinehas was angry because of his zeal for the Lord (vv. 10-11). If we are becoming more like God, we should be angered by sin. Phinehas’ act made atonement for the nation of Israel, and in effect, what he did averted God’s judgment. Because of this, his descendants became high priests (vv 12-13).

Application

If it is my rights that are at stake, it may be wiser to keep angry feelings under control, rather than expressing them to others. But if it is a principal of God being violated, then anger may be justified however retaliation is never good.