Book of Deuteronomy - Chapter 4 - Verse 3

In this verse, Moses is reminding the Israelites of the consequences of worshipping the false god Baalpeor. The incident referred to here occurred when the Israelites engaged in immoral acts and idolatry in association with Baalpeor. God was angered by their actions and as a result, he destroyed all the men who were involved in this disobedience. This serves as a warning to the Israelites and all believers about the seriousness of idolatry and turning away from the one true God. It emphasizes the importance of staying faithful to God and following His commandments, as straying from His path can lead to destruction. By recounting this event, Moses is urging the Israelites to learn from the mistakes of the past and remain steadfast in their devotion to the Lord. This verse highlights the power and authority of God in dealing with those who choose to worship false gods and stray from His teachings.

In this verse from Deuteronomy, the theological interpretation revolves around the consequences of idolatry and disobedience to God's commandments. The reference to Baalpeor is significant as it represents a false god worshipped by the Moabites, leading the Israelites astray. The destruction of those who followed Baalpeor underscores God's intolerance of idolatry and the seriousness of turning away from Him. The word "destroyed" in this context signifies a severe judgment upon those who engaged in idol worship, highlighting God's holiness and his demand for exclusive devotion. The theological lesson to be drawn from this verse is the importance of remaining faithful to God and rejecting all forms of idolatry. By studying the cultural and historical context of Baalpeor, we gain insight into the gravity of Israel's sin and the swift judgment that followed. Through word studies on terms like "destroyed," we see the stern consequences of forsaking God's commandments and the importance of upholding His covenant.