Beth-Peor
LocationsGeographical Setting
Beth-peor is an ancient Moabite settlement located on the eastern bank of the Jordan River, opposite Jericho, known in biblical narratives as the site of Israelite idolatry and the burial place of Moses.
What is the meaning of Beth-Peor in the Bible?
Beth-peor was a Moabite town situated on the eastern bank of the Jordan River, opposite Jericho, identified in biblical texts as the location where Moses delivered his final addresses and was buried, and where the Israelites engaged in worship of the deity Baal-peor.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the geography of Beth-peor clarifies the historical context of the Israelites' transition from wilderness wandering to settlement in Canaan, highlighting the tension between adherence to Yahwism and the allure of local Moabite religious practices during the final days of Moses' leadership.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Beth-Peor in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Beth-Peor clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.