Old Testament
Numbers 25:18
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because they treated you as enemies first. They used their schemes to deceive you — through the incident at Peor and through Cozbi, the daughter of a Midianite leader, who was killed on the day the plague broke out because of what happened at Peor."
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For they vex you with their wiles, wherewith they have beguiled you in the matter of Peor, and in the matter of Cozbi, the daughter of a prince of Midian, their sister, which was slain in the day of the plague for Peor’s sake.
What Numbers 25:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is reminding the Israelites of the treachery they faced from the Midianites. The Midianites used cunning and deceit to lead the Israelites into sin, particularly during the incident at Peor, where they seduced the Israelites into idolatry and immorality. Cozbi, a Midianite woman, was involved in this deception and was killed as a consequence of the plague that broke out due to the Israelites' disobedience. This serves as a warning about the dangers of being led astray by others and the serious consequences of turning away from God's commands. The verse emphasizes the importance of vigilance against those who might lead us into sin and the need to remain faithful to God, even in the face of temptation.
How to apply Numbers 25:18 to your life
This verse encourages us to be aware of influences that may lead us away from our faith. We should be cautious of relationships or situations that could tempt us to compromise our values. Staying grounded in God's word and seeking accountability can help us resist such temptations.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Numbers
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 25:18 mean?
Numbers 25:18 highlights the betrayal the Israelites faced from the Midianites, who used deceit to lead them into sin, particularly through idolatry and immorality during the incident at Peor.
What is the significance of Cozbi in Numbers 25:18?
Cozbi, the daughter of a Midianite leader, is mentioned as a key figure in the deception that led the Israelites into sin, and her death symbolizes the consequences of turning away from God's commands.
How does Numbers 25:18 relate to temptation?
Numbers 25:18 warns against the influences that can lead us into temptation, urging us to remain faithful to God and cautious of relationships or situations that may compromise our values.
What lessons can we learn from Numbers 25:18?
From this verse, we learn the importance of being aware of deceptive influences and the need to stay grounded in God's word to resist temptations that can lead us away from our faith.
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