Definition: And Israel joined himself unto Baalpeor: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Numbers 25:3. It’s a really important and troubling passage in biblical history. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Situation: Israel is Divided: In the midst of a massive conflict with the Canaanites (the people who lived in the land to the east), Israel, led by King David, splits into two groups – one following Baalpeor and the other following Yahweh (God). Joining With Baalpeor: The verse says that Israel joined himself to Baalpeor. This is a crucial point - they became associated with this false god. The Lord's Anger: The Bible tells us that God was extremely angry and furious at this division. What Did They Do? False Gods: Baalpeor was a Canaanite deity – a god worshipped differently from the gods of Israel. He was a shapeshifting, destructive figure. Offering to the False God: The Israelites, believing this false god, started offering sacrifices and worshiping it. The Lord's Reaction: God saw this as a serious offense and was deeply angered by the division and the idolatry (worship of idols). Why is this a big deal? This event is often considered the beginning of Israel’s exile from its land. It demonstrates that even though Israel had a good relationship with God, they were becoming corrupted by their own choices – choosing false gods instead of worshipping the true God. It's seen as a major turning point in history and a reason why the Israelites eventually left for another land. In short: This verse describes a significant betrayal of faith where Israel chose to worship a false god, leading to God’s profound anger and ultimately, their exile. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context surrounding this event? Discuss the significance of the name Baalpeor? Talk about what it means for Israel’s relationship with God?