Phinehas

By Mary Jane Chaignot

Categories: Men in the Old Testament, Moses

Phinehas or Phineas is the grandson of Aaron.
His father is Eleazar. He appears to be an only child.
The meaning of his name is uncertain. Scholars think it might mean “the Negro,” or “the bronze-colored one.” Others think it is comprised of two words: one meaning “mouth,” the other “brass.” This has led to some saying the name means “mouth of brass.”
Phinehas is relatively unknown until Numbers 25.
While on their way to the Promised Land, some Israelite men begin having sex with local Moabite women.
The women invite the men into their tents and soon include them in worshipping their gods.
God instructs Moses to put an end to such untoward behavior.
Moses tells the leader of each tribe to execute people within their tribes that are following other gods.
Many of the people come to weep at the entrance to the tent of meeting.
During these proceedings, one man (Zimri) parades a Midianite woman into his family by taking her into his tent in abject defiance of Moses’ orders.
Moses and everyone else sees them, but all are silent.
Phinehas sees them too, follows them into the tent, and impales them with a spear in accordance with the instructions God has given.
His actions stop the plague that has already killed 24,000 people as a punishment for worshipping the other gods.
God speaks to Moses about Phinehas and says He halted the plague because Phinehas is “as zealous for my honor as I myself am.”
Additionally, God makes a “Covenant-of-Peace” with him.
The text says, “He and his descendants are joined in a covenant of eternal priesthood.”
He receives these honors because he makes atonement for the people of Israel.
Yet his actions raise many questions for readers.
It helps to know that the Israelites hold that idolatry, sexual impropriety, and intermarriage are grave sins.
It is expected that anyone committing these sins will be punished.
Killing the offenders is understandable; the death of 24,000 by plague is harder to understand.
Presumably, not all of these people were offenders.
Yet, once the punishment (plague) begins, there is no distinction between the guilty and the innocent.
The punishment (plague) can be stopped by ritual intercessions.
The three options are incense, sacrifice, or blood.
Phinehas’ actions meet these conditions on several levels.
Scholars believe Moses plays a minor role in this event because he has a Midianite wife.
It might also be a venue to brings Phinehas to the forefront.
This is not Phinehas’ last encounter with the Midianites.
Prior to his death, Moses is instructed to fight them.
Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, goes along as priest to the army.
He is in charge of the holy vessels and the signaling bugles.
Scholars think he is chosen instead of his father because Moses believes he has already started the battle with them and should be there when it is finished.
The Israelites prevail in battle. The Midianites are destroyed.
Another major event in the life of Phinehas occurs after the Israelites have settled in the land of Canaan.
Three of the tribes return to their land East of the Jordan.
Upon settling there, they build a huge altar on the banks of the Jordan facing Canaan.
The Israelites want to go to war with them, but send Phinehas and a chief from each of the remaining tribes to investigate.
The tribes say that this altar is a reminder that “the Lord is God,” and is not an act of idolatry.
After listening to their explanation, Phinehas and the tribal chiefs are satisfied.
They return home, and war is averted.
It serves as a witness of their relationship with God.
Sometime later, Eleazar dies. He is buried on land given to Phinehas in the mountains of Ephraim.
Phinehas is, then, the third high priest of Israel.
He serves for 19 years.
Lastly, Phinehas is instrumental in conveying the order of the Lord to keep attacking the tribe of Benjamin after they raped and killed a woman.
According to the Psalmist, Phinehas is to be honored for his zealousness for the law.

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