Psalms 106:28
They joined themselves also unto Baalpeor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead.
Psalms 106:28
Verse 28 presents the continuation of Israel’s idolatrous associations: they joined themselves to Baalpeor and ate the sacrifices of the dead. Baalpeor refers to a pagan worship center associated with the Moabite cult that included sexual rites and offerings to deities, often described as “the sacrifices of the dead” in the psalms—an allusion to pagan rites that deny life in the presence of the true God. This verse shows how quickly Israel’s spiritual memory decays and how easily one can slide from reverence to ritual without genuine devotion. The phrase “joined themselves” indicates deliberate alignment and partnership with idolaters, not mere proximity. The consequences are severe: it contributes to divine anger and a turning away from blessing to judgment.
Thematically, the verse highlights the danger of compromise—aligning with idolatrous practices even under the guise of neighborly tolerance or cultural engagement. It underscores the purity of worship demanded by God and the grave seriousness of participating in pagan rites. In the broader biblical arc, Baalpeor becomes a recurring symbol of covenant unfaithfulness, reminding readers that true worship requires exclusive devotion to God and rejection of idolatry in all forms.
In contemporary life, “joining Baalpeor” can look like participating in practices or ideologies that conflict with biblical faith, especially when they are culturally popular or financially advantageous. Practical guidance: scrutinize associations, entertainment, and workplace cultures for moral alignment with God’s values. Cultivate discernment about what you consume—media, relationships, and rituals—and align them with a God-centered framework. Communities should foster environments where people can confess compromising choices, seek repentance, and reorient toward faithful worship. The aim is to live with integrity in a world that often blurs distinctions between worship of God and the allure of idols.
Cross-References: Exodus 32:35; Numbers 25:1-3; Joshua 22:10-34; 1 Corinthians 10:14