Numbers 25:1-3 NKJV – ‘Now Israel remained in Acacia Grove, and the people began to commit harlotry with the women of Moab. They invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate and bowed down to their gods. So Israel was joined to Baal of Peor, and the anger of the Lord was aroused against Israel.’
Israel was God’s chosen people. He made a covenant with them that began with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. His intention was for Israel to be a kingdom of priests; that everyone in Israel, old or young, rich or poor would have a close personal relationship with God and show His holiness to the rest of the world. He prepared them for this by showing them how much He loved them and doing powerful miracles among them.
Exodus 19:4-6 4 NLT – ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.’
Many times, Israel’s enemies attempted to destroy them, but God protected them. In the chapters before our reference scripture (Numbers 22-24), King Balak of Moab attempted to cast a curse on Israel, but God fought on their behalf without their knowledge. Israel could not be cursed even by a powerful prophet. Every attempt to curse them turned into a blessing (Romans 8:28).
All Israel had to do was keep the terms of the covenant by obeying God and separating themselves from the corruption around them. In fact, a reason why they couldn’t be cursed was their separation from evil.
Numbers 23:21 ERV – ‘God saw no wrong in Jacob’s people. He saw no sin in the Israelites.’
Unfortunately, as we see in Numbers 25:1-3, Israel did not remain faithful to the terms in the covenant. They fell into deception and started serving other gods and committing adultery. This was why God became angry with them which led to many of their deaths.
In the new testament, we learn that God has the same intentions for us as His church.
1 Peter 2:9 NKJV – ‘But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.’
He wants all of us to be priests who are holy and special to him. We are expected to keep the terms of the covenant by staying holy and living lives that glorify Him.
1 Peter 1:15-17 ERV – Be holy in everything you do, just as God is holy. He is the one who chose you. In the Scriptures God says, “Be holy, because I am holy.” You pray to God and call him Father, but he will judge everyone the same way—by what they do. So, while you are visiting here on earth, you should live with respect for God.
PRAYER: Father, thank you for your love towards me. I acknowledge that I am chosen, royal, holy and special to you. Please give me the grace to stay pure and faithful to you in Jesus’ name. Amen.