Topical Encyclopedia Phinehas, a significant figure in the Hebrew Bible, is renowned for his zealousness for God's holiness and his role as a high priest. He was the son of Eleazar and the grandson of Aaron, the first high priest of Israel. Phinehas is most prominently mentioned in the Book of Numbers and the Book of Joshua.Zeal for God's Holiness Phinehas first comes to prominence in Numbers 25 during the incident at Peor. The Israelites, while camped at Shittim, began to engage in idolatry and immorality with Moabite women, which led them to worship the Moabite god Baal of Peor. God's anger was kindled against Israel, and a plague broke out among the people. In the midst of this, an Israelite man named Zimri brought a Midianite woman, Cozbi, into the camp in full view of Moses and the congregation. Phinehas, filled with righteous indignation, took a spear and went after the man and the woman, killing them both. This act of zeal stopped the plague, which had already claimed 24,000 lives. God commended Phinehas for his zeal, saying, "Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned My wrath away from the Israelites, for he was zealous for My zeal among them, so that I did not consume the Israelites in My zeal" (Numbers 25:11). As a reward, God made a covenant of peace with Phinehas, promising him and his descendants a lasting priesthood (Numbers 25:12-13). Role as High Priest Phinehas succeeded his father Eleazar as high priest, serving during a critical period in Israel's history. He played a key role in the distribution of the land among the tribes of Israel, as recorded in the Book of Joshua. Phinehas is mentioned as being involved in the resolution of a potential civil war between the tribes of Israel when the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh built an altar by the Jordan River. Suspecting idolatry, the other tribes prepared for war, but Phinehas led a delegation to investigate. Upon learning that the altar was built as a witness between the tribes and not for sacrifices, Phinehas was instrumental in averting conflict (Joshua 22:13-31). Legacy and Influence Phinehas's legacy is one of fervent devotion to God and His commandments. His actions at Peor are often cited as an example of righteous zeal and the importance of upholding God's holiness. His lineage continued to hold the high priesthood for many generations, as God had promised. Phinehas is also mentioned in Psalm 106:30-31, which recounts his intervention at Peor as an act of righteousness that was credited to him for all generations. Phinehas's life and actions underscore the importance of faithfulness and zeal for God's commands, serving as a model for leadership and devotion in the service of the Lord. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 6:25And Eleazar Aaron's son took him one of the daughters of Putiel to wife; and she bore him Phinehas: these are the heads of the fathers of the Levites according to their families. Nave's Topical Index 1 Chronicles 6:4,50 Library High Priest Zacharias and Elisabeth, Sinners. Numbers Appendix viii. Rabbinic Traditions About Elijah, the Forerunner of ... Appendix iv. An Abstract of Jewish History from the Reign of ... How David Brought under the Philistines, and the Moabites, and the ... The Form and Spirit of Religion Faithlessness and Defeat The Last Discourses of Christ - the Prayer of Consecration. Letter Lv. To Amandus. Resources Who were Hophni and Phinehas? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the term “Ichabod” mean in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Samuel in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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