God is giving a fresh word to Moses, reaffirming His authority and guiding the nation beyond their failure at Baal-peor.
Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying (v.16). In this brief yet pivotal verse, we see a transition point in Israel’s history following a tragic episode of disobedience and compromise. Earlier in Numbers 25, the Israelites had turned from the LORD by engaging in idolatrous worship at Baal-peor and committing immorality with the daughters of Moab, resulting in a severe plague that took the lives of 24,000 people. This setting takes place in the plains of Moab, a region located east of the Dead Sea, where Moses—who ministered as Israel’s leader from around 1526 to 1406 BC—was preparing the people to enter the Promised Land.
Here, we read that the Lord “spoke” to Moses. The name “LORD” (Yahweh) highlights the covenantal God of Israel, the One who rescued His people from Egyptian bondage and established them as His cherished possession (Exodus 19:5). Moses himself, acting as a mediator between God and the Israelites, has constantly interceded on behalf of the nation’s disobedience (Numbers 14:13-19) and appealed to God’s mercy. God’s willingness to speak again indicates His ongoing relationship with Israel, despite their failures at Baal-peor.
In the broader scope of Scripture, the relationship between God, Moses, and the covenant people points forward to the perfect mediation of Jesus Christ, who intercedes for believers as the great High Priest (Hebrews 7:25). Whereas the Israelites repeatedly broke the covenant, Jesus perfectly fulfilled it on behalf of all who trust in Him, bringing a final and ultimate restoration (Matthew 5:17). Numbers 25:16 thus shows that God continues to communicate with His chosen leader, providing further instructions and carrying out His redemptive plan even in the aftermath of judgment.
Set to dark mode
Numbers 25:16 meaning
Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying (v.16). In this brief yet pivotal verse, we see a transition point in Israel’s history following a tragic episode of disobedience and compromise. Earlier in Numbers 25, the Israelites had turned from the LORD by engaging in idolatrous worship at Baal-peor and committing immorality with the daughters of Moab, resulting in a severe plague that took the lives of 24,000 people. This setting takes place in the plains of Moab, a region located east of the Dead Sea, where Moses—who ministered as Israel’s leader from around 1526 to 1406 BC—was preparing the people to enter the Promised Land.
Here, we read that the Lord “spoke” to Moses. The name “LORD” (Yahweh) highlights the covenantal God of Israel, the One who rescued His people from Egyptian bondage and established them as His cherished possession (Exodus 19:5). Moses himself, acting as a mediator between God and the Israelites, has constantly interceded on behalf of the nation’s disobedience (Numbers 14:13-19) and appealed to God’s mercy. God’s willingness to speak again indicates His ongoing relationship with Israel, despite their failures at Baal-peor.
In the broader scope of Scripture, the relationship between God, Moses, and the covenant people points forward to the perfect mediation of Jesus Christ, who intercedes for believers as the great High Priest (Hebrews 7:25). Whereas the Israelites repeatedly broke the covenant, Jesus perfectly fulfilled it on behalf of all who trust in Him, bringing a final and ultimate restoration (Matthew 5:17). Numbers 25:16 thus shows that God continues to communicate with His chosen leader, providing further instructions and carrying out His redemptive plan even in the aftermath of judgment.