Phinehas

Jeremias van Winghe - Phinehas slaying Zimri and Kozbi the Midianite

Parisinus Graecus 923, folio 274v - Phinehas, Zimri and Cozbi

Phinehas is a figure in the Hebrew Bible noted for his zealousness and his role in the Israelite priesthood. He is the grandson of Aaron, the brother of Moses, and the son of Eleazar, the high priest. Phinehas is best known for his actions during the incident at Baal-Peor, where he took decisive action to stop a plague among the Israelites.

Biblical Account

Phinehas first appears in the Book of Exodus as a member of the Levitical priesthood. His most notable act is recorded in the Book of Numbers, where he intervenes during the incident at Baal-Peor. The Israelites had begun to engage in idolatry and immoral behavior with the Moabites, leading to a divine plague. Phinehas, in his zeal for the God of Israel, kills an Israelite man and a Midianite woman who were flagrantly violating the covenant, thus stopping the plague. For his actions, he is rewarded with a "covenant of peace" and a promise of an everlasting priesthood for his descendants.

Role in the Priesthood

Phinehas succeeded his father Eleazar as the high priest. He played a significant role in the religious and military leadership of the Israelites. He is mentioned in the Book of Joshua as leading the delegation to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh to resolve a potential conflict over an altar they had built.

Legacy

Phinehas is remembered for his fervent commitment to upholding the sanctity of the Israelite religion. His actions are often cited as an example of righteous zeal. The Psalms and later Jewish literature refer to him as a model of piety and dedication.

Related Pages

• Aaron
• Eleazar
• Moses
• Book of Numbers
• Levitical priesthood
• Baal-Peor
• Book of Joshua