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Book of Joshua - Chapter 22 - Verse 17

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,

Meaning

This verse from the book of Numbers in the Bible is a reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of seeking forgiveness and cleansing. The reference to the iniquity of Peor alludes to a specific incident in the history of the Israelites where they engaged in idolatry and immorality with the Moabite women. This act of disobedience led to a plague that struck the congregation of the Lord, resulting in death and suffering among the people. The verse serves as a warning to the readers, highlighting the lingering effects of sin and the necessity of repentance and atonement. It underscores the idea that even after the immediate consequences of sin have passed, the guilt and stain of wrongdoing can persist unless we seek forgiveness and strive to live in accordance with God's will. The mention of the plague emphasizes the severity of sin and its potential to bring about physical as well as spiritual harm. Overall, this verse serves as a cautionary tale, urging believers to turn away from sin and seek reconciliation with God in order to avoid the lasting effects of iniquity.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the term "iniquity" refers to a grossly immoral act or behavior. The reference to Peor reminds readers of the incident in Numbers 25 where the Israelites engaged in sexual immorality and idol worship with the Moabite women at the shrine of the god Baal-Peor. This resulted in a plague that killed thousands of Israelites. The phrase "not cleansed until this day" indicates that the sin of Peor had lasting consequences and was not easily forgotten or forgiven. The lingering effects of this sin serve as a warning to future generations about the dangers of straying from God's commands. The use of the word "plague" emphasizes the severity of the punishment inflicted by God for the Israelites' disobedience. Overall, this verse highlights the importance of repentance, cleansing, and remaining faithful to God's laws to avoid falling into sin and facing the consequences of divine judgment.

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