“And those that died in the plague were twenty and four thousand.”
Context:The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Old Testament and it continues the narrative of the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. In this particular chapter, the Israelites were camped in the plains of Moab, near the end of their 40-year wilderness wanderings. The Moabites were afraid of the Israelites due to their victories over other nations, and their king, Balak, sought to curse the Israelites through the prophet Balaam. However, God prevented Balaam from cursing the Israelites and instead blessed them.
Verse Explanation:
In Numbers 25:1-5, the Israelites began to commit acts of sexual immorality with the Moabite women and worshiped their gods, specifically the Baal of Peor. This disobedience and idolatry greatly angered the Lord, and His anger resulted in a plague that struck the people of Israel. In verse 9, we are told that 24,000 people died as a result of this plague.
Lessons from Numbers 25:9:
- Consequences of Disobedience:The incident in Numbers 25 serves as a reminder of the severe consequences of disobedience to God’s commands. The Israelites had been repeatedly warned against idolatry and sexual immorality, but they still fell into these sins. The plague that followed was a tragic consequence of their disobedience, emphasizing the importance of following God’s laws.
- God’s Holiness and Jealousy:God’s response to the Israelites’ sin reflects His holiness and jealousy for His people’s exclusive devotion. The worship of other gods and engaging in sexual immorality violated the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The severity of the plague demonstrated God’s intolerance of sin and His desire for His people to remain faithful to Him alone.
- The Power of Influence:The incident in Numbers 25 highlights the danger of being influenced by the practices and beliefs of those around us. The Israelites’ association with the Moabites led to their participation in idolatrous practices. This serves as a reminder for believers today to be cautious about the influences they allow into their lives and to surround themselves with godly influences.
- God’s Faithfulness Despite Judgment:Although God punished the Israelites for their disobedience, His faithfulness remained evident. The plague was a means of correction and discipline, aiming to bring the people back to repentance and obedience. God’s justice is always tempered with mercy, and even in judgment, His ultimate desire is for His people to turn back to Him.
Application:
- The story of Numbers 25:9 reminds us to be vigilant in our commitment to God and to avoid the influence of sinful practices around us. It calls us to examine our hearts and actions, ensuring that we remain faithful to God’s commands and guard ourselves against idolatry and immorality. It also serves as a warning against the consequences of disobedience and the importance of seeking forgiveness and restoration when we fall into sin.
In summary, Numbers 25:9 teaches us about the consequences of disobedience, God’s holiness, the power of influence, and God’s faithfulness even in judgment. May we learn from the mistakes of the Israelites and strive to honour and obey God in all aspects of our lives.
