Tag: Baal-Peor

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

Desensitizing the next generation: Ancient tactics, modern practice (Numbers 31; James 4)

"Desensitizing the next generation: Ancient tactics, modern practice. (Numbers 31; James 4)" Adobe AI image of a teacher holding open the eyes of a shocked girl in a classroom.

This study of the Torah readings מַּטּוֹת Mattot and מַסְעֵי Massei (Numbers 30–36) draws a parallel between the ancient deception of Balaam and Midian, who enticed the Israelites into sensuality and idolatry at Peor, and modern efforts to desensitize children to inappropriate content, thereby undermining parental authority and leading them away from God. This timeless battle for the hearts and minds of the next generation continues today.

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Discussions Torah

Numbers 25:10–30:1: Losing your first love

A Qashqai nomad tent in Isfahan Province. Photo by Ninara shared via Creative Commons License.

Adultery is seen as no big deal in today’s society. Consider, though, how the hurt person in the relationship feels. That’s why Israel’s running after false gods and treating YHWH with contempt or apathy is compared to adultery many times in Scripture. This kind of unfaithfulness and rebuilding of the relationship between Creator and created is the subtext of the Torah reading פינחס Pinchas (“Phinehas”).