Topical Encyclopedia Phinehas, the son of Eleazar and grandson of Aaron, is a prominent figure in the Old Testament, known for his zealousness for God's holiness. His inheritance is a testament to his faithfulness and the covenantal blessings bestowed upon him and his descendants.Biblical Background Phinehas first comes to prominence in the Book of Numbers during the incident at Peor, where the Israelites fell into idolatry and immorality with the Moabite women. In a decisive act of zeal for the Lord, Phinehas took a spear and killed an Israelite man and a Midianite woman who were flagrantly sinning, thus halting a plague that had struck the Israelites. This act of righteousness is recorded in Numbers 25:7-8 : "When Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw this, he left the assembly, took a spear in his hand, and followed the Israelite into the tent. He drove the spear through both of them—through the Israelite and the woman—so the plague against the Israelites was halted." Covenant of Peace As a result of his zealous action, God made a covenant of peace with Phinehas, promising him a lasting priesthood. Numbers 25:12-13 states: "Declare, therefore, that I hereby grant him My covenant of peace. It will be a covenant of perpetual priesthood for him and his descendants, because he was zealous for his God and made atonement for the Israelites." Inheritance in the Promised Land The inheritance of Phinehas is closely tied to the Levitical cities and the priestly duties assigned to his lineage. As a descendant of Aaron, Phinehas and his descendants were allotted specific cities and pasturelands among the tribes of Israel. Joshua 21:4 notes the allotment: "The first lot came out for the Kohathite clans. The Levites who were descendants of Aaron the priest received thirteen cities by lot from the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin." Phinehas himself is mentioned in the context of the land distribution in Joshua 24:33 : "And Eleazar son of Aaron died and was buried at Gibeah, which had been allotted to his son Phinehas in the hill country of Ephraim." This indicates that Phinehas received a specific inheritance in the hill country of Ephraim, a region known for its central location and significance in Israel's history. Role in Israel's History Phinehas continued to play a significant role in Israel's history, serving as a priest and leader. He was instrumental in resolving disputes and maintaining the covenantal faithfulness of the Israelites. In Judges 20:28 , Phinehas is mentioned as serving before the Ark of the Covenant during a critical time of civil strife: "Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, ministered before it in those days." Phinehas's inheritance, both in terms of land and spiritual legacy, reflects the blessings of faithfulness and the importance of zeal for God's holiness. His life and actions serve as a powerful example of covenantal fidelity and the rewards that come from serving the Lord with wholehearted devotion. Nave's Topical Index Joshua 24:33And Eleazar the son of Aaron died; and they buried him in a hill that pertained to Phinehas his son, which was given him in mount Ephraim. Nave's Topical Index Library Numbers Joshua Letter cviii. To Eustochium. Resources Who was Eli in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy was the altar in Joshua 22:10 34 such a big deal? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jacob give Joseph a coat of many colors? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |