Joshua 22:17
Have we not had enough of the sin at Peor from which even yet we have not cleansed ourselves, and for which there came a plague upon the congregation of the LORD,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse reminds us that even though a terrible plague was sent as punishment for the sin at Peor, the shame and the potential for that same sin to resurface still lingered among God's people. This isn't just about a past event; it highlights how deeply ingrained sin can be, leaving a lasting "stain" that can affect the community for generations.
The eastern tribes have built a large altar near the Jordan River, and the other Israelite tribes, fearing this is a sign of rebellion and unauthorized worship, gather to march against them. Before war breaks out, they send a delegation led by Phinehas to confront the tribes, demanding to know why they would build such an altar, reminding them of past sins like the one at Peor and the resulting plague that devastated Israel.
Generations after a national crisis, the shame and effects of sin can still linger. What does it mean for a community to not be 'cleansed'?
The verse references the 'iniquity of Peor,' a grave incident of idolatry and sexual immorality that brought a devastating plague upon Israel (Numbers 25).
Even though God had shown mercy and Phinehas had acted decisively to stop the plague, the spiritual and moral stain wasn't immediately erased. The commentaries highlight that 'cleansed' here doesn't just mean a lack of ongoing sin, but also:
This shows that true cleansing is a process, not always an instant fix, and that past failures can cast a long shadow.
Phinehas, the hero of the Peor incident, now speaks with fierce urgency. But could his righteous zeal, born from past trauma, lead to misjudgment?
The speaker of this verse is understood to be Phinehas, the same man who famously executed judgment upon an Israelite man and a Midianite woman for their sin at Peor (Numbers 25).
His reference to this event is deeply personal and carries significant weight:
Understand the original words
chatt'ah · Hebrew Noun
A moral failing or missing the mark of God's standard, often resulting in guilt and separation from God.
maggēphah · Hebrew Noun
A sudden, intense, or devastating judgment from God upon a people, often as a direct consequence of persistent corporate or individual sin.
The reference to the sin at Peor immediately brings to mind the devastating consequences of idolatry and the necessity of maintaining pure worship. Phinehas's very presence as a leader of the delegation underscores the gravity of the situation, as he was the one who acted decisively to stop that plague.
c. 1406 BC
Israel Enters the Promised Land
After 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites, led by Joshua, cross the Jordan River and begin conquering Canaan. This marks the beginning of their settlement in the land.
c. 1406 BC
The Sin at Peor
While camped in the plains of Moab, many Israelite men engage in sexual immorality with Moabite women and worship their god, Baal of Peor. A devastating plague strikes the community, killing 24,000.
c. 1406 BC
Phinehas' Zeal
Phinehas, a priest, executes a man and a woman caught in the act of sinning at Peor, powerfully demonstrating God's wrath against idolatry and immorality. This act averts further divine judgment.
c. 1405 BC
Division of the Land
Joshua allocates the land of Canaan among the twelve tribes. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh are given territory east of the Jordan River.
This passage describes the sin at Peor in detail, directly referenced by Phinehas in Joshua 22:17 as a cautionary tale of idolatry and its devastating consequences.
Joshua 24:14-24In his final address, Joshua also reminds the people of the importance of wholeheartedly serving the Lord and warns against idolatry, echoing the sentiment Phinehas expresses about the lingering effects of the sin at Peor.
1 Corinthians 10:1-13Paul uses the wilderness wanderings, including the sin at Peor, as examples for the Corinthian church, highlighting how past failures can serve as warnings against present temptation and the need for self-control.
Psalm 106:26-31This psalm recounts the history of Israel's unfaithfulness, specifically mentioning God's judgment for the sin at Peor and the subsequent plague, reinforcing the idea that the guilt and memory of such sin lingered.
wesleyJoshua 22:17: "Is the iniquity of Peor too little for us, from which we are not cleansed until this day, although there was a plague in the congregation of the LORD,"
22:17 Of Peor - That is, of our worshipping of Baal - peor, Numb 25:3. Probably this is mentioned the rather, because Phinehas, the first commissioner in this treaty, had signalized himself in that matter: and because they were now at or near the very place, where that iniquity was committed. Are not cleansed - For though God had…
calvinJoshua 22:10-20: "And when they came unto the borders of Jordan, that are in the land of Canaan, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh built there an altar by Jordan, a great altar to see to."
And when they came unto the borders of Jordan, that are in the land of Canaan, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh built there an altar by Jordan, a great altar to see to.
Devenerunt autem ad limites Jordanis qui er…
The verse reminds us that even though a terrible plague was sent as punishment for the sin at Peor, the shame and the potential for that same sin to resurface still lingered among God's people. This isn't just about a past event; it highlights how deeply ingrained sin can be, leaving a lasting "stain" that can affect the community for generations.
The eastern tribes have built a large altar near the Jordan River, and the other Israelite tribes, fearing this is a sign of rebellion and unauthorized worship, gather to march against them. Before war breaks out, they send a delegation led by Phinehas to confront the tribes, demanding to know why they would build such an altar, reminding them of past sins like the one at Peor and the resulting plague that devastated Israel.
The eastern tribes have built a large altar near the Jordan River, and the other Israelite tribes, fearing this is a sign of rebellion and unauthorized worship, gather to march against them. Before war breaks out, they send a delegation led by Phinehas to confront the tribes, demanding to know why they would build such an altar, reminding them of past sins like the one at Peor and the resulting plague that devastated Israel.
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This reminds us that even when motivated by a desire to uphold God's honor, we must be careful to understand the full situation before condemning.
c. 1390 BC— this verse
Transjordanian Tribes Build an Altar
The tribes east of the Jordan build a large, prominent altar near the Jordan River, causing great alarm among the other tribes who fear it signifies rebellion and a departure from worship at the central sanctuary.
c. 1390 BC
Israel Gathers at Shiloh
The other tribes hear about the altar and gather at Shiloh, the religious center where the Tabernacle is located, preparing to go to war against their kinsmen.
c. 1390 BC
Phinehas Leads Delegation
A delegation, led by Phinehas the priest, is sent to the Transjordanian tribes to understand their motives before resorting to war. Phinehas passionately condemns their potential sin by referencing the past sin at Peor.
"Have we not had enough of the sin at Peor from which even yet we have not cleansed ourselves, and for which there came a plague upon the congregation of the LORD," — The verse reminds us that even though a terrible plague was sent as punishment for the sin at Peor, the shame and the potential for that same sin to resurface still lingered among God's people. This…
