Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(lord of the opening). The form of Baal worship in Peor (Num. 25:3-5,18). Israelites shared in it (Deut. 4:3; Josh. 22:17; Psa. 106:28; Hos. 9:10).
Concise Bible Dictionary:
It was to Peor that Balaam was called to curse Israel, and where the people were ensnared to sacrifice to the gods of Moab, to eat of things sacrificed to their idols, and commit fornication. Thus Israel joined himself unto Baal-peor—had full fellowship with its demon worship and its attendant uncleanness (Num. 23:28; Num. 25: 1-5,18; Deut. 4:3; Psa. 106:28; Hos. 9:10: Compare 1 Cor. 10:8; Rev. 2:14).
Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew Words:
Meaning:
from 1168 and 6465; Baal of Peor; Baal-Peor, a Moabitish deity
Jackson’s Dictionary of Scripture Proper Names:
lord of the opening
Potts’ Bible Proper Names:
The lord of the opening, or gap:―a Moabitish deity, Num. 25:3. {Dominus aperturae}
From Manners and Customs of the Bible:
Numbers 25:3. Israel joined himself unto Baal-peor.
The worship of this special form of Baal is generally supposed to have been accompanied with obscene rites. This seems to be indicated in this chapter. Some consider Baal-peor to be the same as Chemosh.
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