Numbers 25

What the enemy could not accomplish with a curse, he then sought to accomplish through love.  Yes, it was a relationship between a prince of Israel (Zimri) and a princess of Midian (Cozbi).  Through this relationship, Israel had been introduced to the Moabite culture of Peor, including its worship of Baal.

When Aaron’s grandson — Phinehas — was given the order to “kill those of his men who have yoked themselves to Baal of Peor” he knew just what to do. He killed Zimri and Cozbi.  That may seem out of place, but it was not.  It was either them, or the whole people of Israel.  The LORD said that Phinehas “has turned back my wrath from the people of Israel, in that he was jealous with my jealousy among them, so that I did not consume the people of Israel in my jealousy” (11).

LORD, prevent us from establishing relationships that would lead us away from you. Give us the courage to end any relationships or habits that have the potential to do that.