Phinehas, the son of Eleazar and grandson of Aaron the high priest, is a prominent biblical figure known for his zealous action in upholding the holiness of God among the Israelites. His account is primarily found in the Book of Numbers, where his decisive intervention during a time of national crisis is recorded.

Context and Background

The narrative of Phinehas is set during the Israelites' wilderness journey, as they camped in the plains of Moab by the Jordan River, opposite Jericho. At this time, the Israelites began to engage in idolatry and immorality with the Moabite women, leading to the worship of Baal of Peor. This apostasy provoked the LORD's anger, resulting in a devastating plague among the people.

Phinehas' Zealous Act

In Numbers 25:6-8 , the account describes how an Israelite man, Zimri, openly brought a Midianite woman, Cozbi, into the camp, flaunting their sin before Moses and the assembly. Phinehas, witnessing this blatant defiance, took immediate action: "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."

Phinehas' act of zeal was not merely an impulsive reaction but a profound demonstration of his commitment to God's holiness and covenant. His intervention stopped the plague, which had already claimed the lives of 24,000 Israelites, and restored order among the people.

Divine Approval and Covenant of Peace

The LORD's response to Phinehas' action is recorded in Numbers 25:10-13 : "The LORD said to Moses, 'Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned My wrath away from the Israelites, for he was zealous for My sake among them, so that I did not consume the Israelites in My zeal. Therefore declare that I am granting 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.'"

This divine commendation highlights the significance of Phinehas' zeal. His actions were seen as an atonement for the people's sin, and as a result, God established a covenant of peace with him, ensuring a lasting priesthood for his descendants. This covenant underscores the importance of zeal in maintaining the sanctity of God's people and the seriousness with which God regards sin and idolatry.

Legacy and Influence

Phinehas' legacy as a zealous defender of God's holiness is further acknowledged in later biblical texts. In Psalm 106:30-31 , his deed is celebrated: "But Phinehas stood and intervened, and the plague was restrained. It was credited to him as righteousness for endless generations to come." This passage affirms the righteousness of Phinehas' zeal and its enduring impact on Israel's history.

Phinehas also appears in the Book of Joshua, where he serves as a mediator and leader, further demonstrating his role as a guardian of Israel's spiritual integrity. His life and actions serve as a powerful example of the importance of zeal in confronting sin and upholding God's standards among His people.Numbers 25:11-13
Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned my wrath away from the children of Israel, while he was zealous for my sake among them, that I consumed not the children of Israel in my jealousy.
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Psalm 106:30,31
Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and so the plague was stayed.
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Tendencies of Religious Thought in England, 1688-1750.
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Nature of Covenanting.
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benevolent or religious schemes, and ... not merely in love and zeal, but also ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter i nature of covenanting.htm

Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents
... We live in days when there is a mighty zeal for education in ... [16] As to the age when
the religious instruction of a ... [18] As to the best way of punishing a child ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xvi prov 22 6 the.htm

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... No one bound by evil shall dare to approach the throne of the God of love ... It is good
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//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

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