Numbers 25:4
Numbers 25:4 in Multiple Translations
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Take all the leaders of the people and execute them in broad daylight before the LORD, so that His fierce anger may turn away from Israel.”
And the LORD said unto Moses, Take all the heads of the people, and hang them up before the LORD against the sun, that the fierce anger of the LORD may be turned away from Israel.
And Jehovah said unto Moses, Take all the chiefs of the people, and hang them up unto Jehovah before the sun, that the fierce anger of Jehovah may turn away from Israel.
Then the Lord said to Moses, Take all the chiefs of the people, hanging them up in the sun before the Lord, so that the wrath of the Lord may be turned from Israel.
The Lord told Moses, “Arrest all the Israelite leaders and kill them before the Lord where everyone can see in order to turn the Lord's furious anger away from the people.”
And the Lord sayde vnto Moses, Take all the heades of the people, and hang them vp before the Lord against ye sunne, that the indignation of the Lords wrath may be turned from Israel.
And Jehovah saith unto Moses, 'Take all the chiefs of the people, and hang them before Jehovah — over-against the sun; and the fierceness of the anger of Jehovah doth turn back from Israel.'
The LORD said to Moses, “Take all the chiefs of the people, and hang them up to the LORD before the sun, that the fierce anger of the LORD may turn away from Israel.”
And the LORD said to Moses, Take all the heads of the people, and hang them up before the LORD against the sun, that the fierce anger of the LORD may be turned away from Israel.
Said to Moses: Take all the princes of the people, and hang them up on gibbets against the sun: that my fury may be turned away from Israel.
Yahweh said this to Moses/me: “Seize all the leaders of those men who are doing this and execute them while I am watching. Do that in the daytime. After you do that, I will no longer be angry with the Israeli people.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 25:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Numbers 25:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
יְהוָ֜ה
אֶל
מֹשֶׁ֗ה
קַ֚ח
אֶת
כָּל
רָאשֵׁ֣י
הָ/עָ֔ם
וְ/הוֹקַ֥ע
אוֹתָ֛/ם
לַ/יהוָ֖ה
נֶ֣גֶד
הַ/שָּׁ֑מֶשׁ
וְ/יָשֹׁ֛ב
חֲר֥וֹן
אַף
יְהוָ֖ה
מִ/יִּשְׂרָאֵֽל
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָ֜ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מֹשֶׁ֗ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
קַ֚ח
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
רָאשֵׁ֣י
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-mp
הָ/עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
וְ/הוֹקַ֥ע
yâqaʻ
H3363
to dislocate/hang
Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
אוֹתָ֛/ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
לַ/יהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
נֶ֣גֶד
neged
H5048
before
Prep
הַ/שָּׁ֑מֶשׁ
shemesh
H8121
sun
Art | N-cs
וְ/יָשֹׁ֛ב
shûwb
H7725
to return
Conj | V-Qal-Juss-3ms
חֲר֥וֹן
chârôwn
H2740
burning anger
N-ms
אַף
ʼaph
H639
face
DirObjM
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
מִ/יִּשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 25:4
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יְהוָ֜ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מֹשֶׁ֗ה
Môsheh
H4872
"Moses"
N-proper
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
קַ֚ח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
רָאשֵׁ֣י
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-mp
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
הָ/עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
וְ/הוֹקַ֥ע
yâqaʻ
H3363
"to dislocate/hang"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to be dislocated or torn away, and can also mean to hang or be executed. It is used to describe physical and emotional separation. It appears in the KJV as 'be alienated' or 'hang up'.
Definition: 1) to be dislocated, be alienated 1a) (Qal) to be dislocated, be torn away, be alienated 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to execute slowly (by exposure or impalation) 1b2) to hang 1c) (Hophal) to be executed
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: be alienated, depart, hang (up), be out of joint. See also: Genesis 32:26; 2 Samuel 21:13; Jeremiah 6:8.
אוֹתָ֛/ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
לַ/יהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
נֶ֣גֶד
neged
H5048
"before"
Prep
Before or in front of something, as in Genesis 18:22 where Abraham stands before the Lord. It describes a position of being face to face or in someone's presence.
Definition: subst 1) what is conspicuous, what is in front of adv 2) in front of, straight forward, before, in sight of 3) in front of oneself, straightforward 4) before your face, in your view or purpose with prep 5) what is in front of, corresponding to 6) in front of, before 7) in the sight or presence of 8) parallel to 9) over, for 10) in front, opposite 11) at a distance prep 12) from the front of, away from 13) from before the eyes of, opposite to, at a distance from 14) from before, in front of 15) as far as the front of Aramaic equivalent: ne.ged (נֶ֫גֶד "before" H5049)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: about, (over) against, [idiom] aloof, [idiom] far (off), [idiom] from, over, presence, [idiom] other side, sight, [idiom] to view. See also: Genesis 2:18; Job 10:17; Psalms 10:5.
הַ/שָּׁ֑מֶשׁ
shemesh
H8121
"sun"
Art | N-cs
The sun, or shemesh, represents not just the celestial body, but also east or west direction, and even objects that shine like battlements. It is often used to describe the rising or setting of the sun.
Definition: 1) sun 1a) sun 1b) sunrise, sun-rising, east, sun-setting, west (of direction) 1c) sun (as object of illicit worship) 1d) openly, publicly (in other phrases) 1e) pinnacles, battlements, shields (as glittering or shining)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] east side(-ward), sun (rising), [phrase] west(-ward), window. See also H1053 (בֵּית שֶׁמֶשׁ). See also: Genesis 15:12; Psalms 104:19; Psalms 19:5.
וְ/יָשֹׁ֛ב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Conj | V-Qal-Juss-3ms
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
חֲר֥וֹן
chârôwn
H2740
"burning anger"
N-ms
This Hebrew word describes God's burning anger or fierce wrath, often used in the Bible to convey His intense emotions. It is used to describe God's anger towards sin and disobedience, and appears in various translations as sore displeasure or fury. This word emphasizes the seriousness of God's emotions.
Definition: 1) anger, heat, burning (of anger) 1a) always used of God's anger
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: sore displeasure, fierce(-ness), fury, (fierce) wrath(-ful). See also: Exodus 15:7; Psalms 88:17; Psalms 2:5.
אַף
ʼaph
H639
"face"
DirObjM
This Hebrew word can mean face, but also anger or nose. It is used to describe someone's countenance or emotions, like anger or patience. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of God's emotions.
Definition: : face 1) nostril, nose, face 2) anger
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: anger(-gry), [phrase] before, countenance, face, [phrase] forebearing, forehead, [phrase] (long-) suffering, nose, nostril, snout, [idiom] worthy, wrath. See also: Genesis 2:7; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalms 2:5.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
מִ/יִּשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
Prep | N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
Study Notes — Numbers 25:4
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Context — Moab Seduces Israel
2who also invited them to the sacrifices for their gods. And the people ate and bowed down to these gods.
3So Israel joined in worshiping Baal of Peor, and the anger of the LORD burned against them.
4Then the LORD said to Moses, “Take all the leaders of the people and execute them in broad daylight before the LORD, so that His fierce anger may turn away from Israel.”
5So Moses told the judges of Israel, “Each of you must kill all of his men who have joined in worshiping Baal of Peor.” 6Just then an Israelite man brought to his family a Midianite woman in the sight of Moses and the whole congregation of Israel while they were weeping at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 13:17 | Nothing devoted to destruction shall cling to your hands, so that the LORD will turn from His fierce anger, grant you mercy, show you compassion, and multiply you as He swore to your fathers, |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 4:3 | Your eyes have seen what the LORD did at Baal-peor, for the LORD your God destroyed from among you all who followed Baal of Peor. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 21:23 | you must not leave the body on the tree overnight, but you must be sure to bury him that day, because anyone who is hung on a tree is under God’s curse. You must not defile the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance. |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 21:6 | let seven of his male descendants be delivered to us so that we may hang them before the LORD at Gibeah of Saul, the chosen of the LORD.” “I will give them to you,” said the king. |
| 5 | Numbers 25:11 | “Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned My wrath away from the Israelites; for he was zealous for My sake among them, so that I did not consume the Israelites in My zeal. |
| 6 | 2 Samuel 21:9 | And he delivered them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them on the hill before the LORD. So all seven of them fell together; they were put to death in the first days of the harvest, at the beginning of the barley harvest. |
| 7 | Jonah 3:9 | Who knows? God may turn and relent; He may turn from His fierce anger, so that we will not perish.” |
| 8 | Esther 7:9–10 | Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs attending the king, said: “There is a gallows fifty cubits high at Haman’s house. He had it built for Mordecai, who gave the report that saved the king.” “Hang him on it!” declared the king. So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the fury of the king subsided. |
| 9 | Psalms 85:3–4 | You withheld all Your fury; You turned from Your burning anger. Restore us, O God of our salvation, and put away Your displeasure toward us. |
| 10 | Joshua 22:17 | Was not the sin of Peor enough for us, from which we have not cleansed ourselves to this day? It even brought a plague upon the congregation of the LORD. |
Numbers 25:4 Summary
In Numbers 25:4, God commands Moses to execute the leaders of the people who had allowed the Israelites to worship idols. This was a severe judgment, but it was necessary to turn away God's anger from the people. As we read this verse, we are reminded that God is a holy and just God who hates sin, especially idolatry (as seen in Exodus 20:3-5). We must be careful not to worship anything or anyone other than the one true God, and we must be willing to stand up against sin and injustice, even if it is difficult or unpopular, just like Moses did in this verse (and as seen in Joshua 24:15).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God command the execution of the leaders of the people in Numbers 25:4?
God commanded the execution of the leaders because they had allowed the people to participate in idolatrous worship, which provoked His fierce anger, as seen in Numbers 25:3. This severe judgment was necessary to turn away God's anger from Israel, as stated in Deuteronomy 13:6-10, where it is written that those who lead others into idolatry must be put to death.
What is the significance of executing the leaders in broad daylight before the LORD?
Executing the leaders in broad daylight before the LORD signifies that the judgment is a public declaration of God's righteousness and a warning to the rest of the people, as seen in Deuteronomy 17:12-13, where it is written that the person who shows contempt for the judge or the priest must be put to death in the presence of the people.
How does this verse relate to the concept of leadership responsibility in the Bible?
This verse highlights the responsibility of leaders to uphold God's standards and prevent the people from engaging in sinful practices, as seen in Jeremiah 23:1-4, where it is written that leaders who scatter and destroy God's flock will be held accountable by God.
What can we learn from God's fierce anger in this verse?
God's fierce anger in this verse teaches us that He is a holy and just God who will not tolerate sin, especially idolatry, and that His anger is a call to repentance, as seen in Romans 1:18-23, where it is written that God's wrath is revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I, as a leader or influencer, can prevent those under my care from engaging in sinful practices?
- How can I balance the need for mercy and compassion with the need for accountability and justice, as seen in this verse?
- What are some modern-day idols that I may be unknowingly worshiping, and how can I turn away from them and toward God?
- How can I, like Moses, faithfully carry out God's instructions, even when they are difficult or unpopular?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 25:4
And the Lord said unto Moses,.... Being provoked with the sins of the people, he called to him out of the tabernacle, or out of the cloud: take all the heads of the people, the princes of the tribes,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 25:4
And the LORD said unto Moses, Take all the heads of the people, and hang them up before the LORD against the sun, that the fierce anger of the LORD may be turned away from Israel.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 25:4
The sense is, either, 1. Take, to wit. to thyself and thy assistance, all the heads, i.e. the judges, as they are called , or rulers, of the people; and in their presence, and by their help, hang them, i.e. the people, now mentioned, to wit, such of them as were guilty, as was said . And this sense seems to be favoured by the next verse, where the execution of this command is mentioned, Moses said unto the judges of Israel, whom he had taken to himself and called together, Slay ye every one his man, i.e. each. of you execute this command of God, and hang up the delinquents under your several jurisdictions. Or, 2. Take, i.e. apprehend, all the heads, i.e. the chief, of the people, such as were chief, either in this transgression, or rather in place and power, who are singled out to this exemplary punishment either for their neglect in not preventing, restraining, or punishing the offenders according to their power and duty, or for their concurrence with others in this wickedness, which was more odious and mischievous in them than in others. And then this must be necessarily limited to such heads as were guilty, which is evident from the nature of the thing, and from the words of the verse. And so these heads of the people differ, as in name and title, so in place and dignity, from the judges of the people, , which may seem to note the superior magistrates, even the seventy elders, which, being persons of great worth and piety, chosen by God, and endowed with his Spirit, most probably kept themselves from this contagion, and therefore were fitter to punish others; and the heads of the people seem to be the inferior magistrates, the rulers of tens or hundreds, or the like, who as they did many of them partake with the people in other rebellions, so probably were involved in this guilt. Now these are to be hanged up as other malefactors and condemned persons were, . Before the Lord; to the vindication of God’ s honour and justice. Against the sun, i.e. publicly, as their sin was public and scandalous; and speedily, before the sun go down.
But withal this phrase may signify, that these also must be taken down about sun-setting, as other malefactors were, .
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 25:4
Numbers 25:4 And the LORD said unto Moses, Take all the heads of the people, and hang them up before the LORD against the sun, that the fierce anger of the LORD may be turned away from Israel.Ver. 4. Take all the heads.] The chieftains: their greatness might not bear them out. Potentes potenter torquebuntur. Hell is paved, said one of old, with the bald pates of shavellings, and with the crests of great commanders, who had ever opposed with crest and breast whatsoever stood in the way of their sins and lusts.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 25:4
(4) Take all the heads of the people.—The “heads” or “chiefs” of the people seem to be identical with the “judges” of the following verse. Some understand by “all the heads” those only who had been the chief offenders, whilst others understand the word “take” as equivalent to “assemble,” or “bring before thee,” and refer the word “them” to the offenders. Hang them up . . . —It is obvious from Numbers 25:5 that the punishment of impaling or crucifying was not to be inflicted until after death. The LXX. renders the Hebrew verb which is here used (and which is found also in 2 Samuel 21:6; 2 Samuel 21:9) by the same word which occurs in Hebrews 6:6, and is there translated “to put to an open shame.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 25:4
Verse 4. Take all the heads of the people, c.] Meaning the chiefs of those who had transgressed as if he had said, "Assemble the chiefs and judges, institute an inquiry concerning the transgressors, and hang them who shall be found guilty before the Lord, as a matter required by his justice." Against the sun - in the most public manner, and in daylight. Dr. Kennicott has remarked that the Samaritan and Hebrew texts must be both taken together, to make the sense here complete: And the Lord said unto Moses, SPEAK unto all the heads of the people; AND LET THEM SLAY THE MEN THAT WERE JOINED TO BAAL-PEOR; and hang them up before the Lord against the sun, &c.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 25:4
4. hang them up] i.e. the offenders, not the chiefs. The form of execution denoted by the Heb. word is uncertain. It is the causative (Hiphil) form of the verb used of the dislocation of Jacob’s thigh (Genesis 32:25). Aquila understood it to mean ‘impale,’ Targ. ‘crucify’; others, from the analogy of an Arabic word, explain it as ‘to throw down,’ as from a high rock. It occurs elsewhere only of the execution of Saul’s sons (2 Samuel 21:6).
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 25:4
Take - i. e., assemble the chiefs of the people to thee (compare the phrase “took men,” in Numbers 16:1).
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 25:4
THE , Numbers 25:4-9. 4. Take all the heads of the people — This command is not only to put to death the guilty Israelites, but as a strong expression of loathing and a seeming aggravation of
Sermons on Numbers 25:4
| Sermon | Description | |
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The Wrath of God by Charles Leiter | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the present course of the world as a downward spiral towards hell. He emphasizes that people become increasingly blind and deceived as they c |
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Let No Evil Remain by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the necessity for Christians to eradicate all forms of sin from their lives, likening it to Israel's command to destroy idolatrous cities and their spoils. |
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Drifting Into Danger by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson warns about the peril of drifting away from Christ, emphasizing that even the most devoted believers can become complacent and lose their intimate connection with G |
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Book of Acts Series - Part 43 | the Most Unlikely Christian by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful testimony about a man named Paul, who was once a persecutor of Christians but later became a follower of Jesus. The speaker emphasizes |
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Being Faithful With God's Gifts by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of faithfulness, gratitude, and humility in our walk with God. It delves into the parable of the talents, highlighting the need to be faithful |
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Zachaaeus by Ken Baird | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Zacchaeus, a tax collector who was considered a sinner. The preacher emphasizes that Zacchaeus was lost until Jesus came into h |
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Philippians 2:5-11 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the humility and obedience of Christ, emphasizing how Jesus, being in the form of God, willingly emptied Himself and took on the form of a servant, h |