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Pinchas and the Zeal for God’s Word
What we can learn from Pinchas
Parashat Pinchas
Numbers 25,10–30,1
Jeremiah 1:1–2:3; John 2:13–22
In this commentary on Pinchas, we will try to bring to life the scene surrounding the eponymous protagonist. We will try to put ourselves in the shoes of the courageous priest.
In this way, we will be able to empathize with what it really means to be a priest of God.
When Pinchas raised his eyes, he saw a bloodbath. Princes from all tribes were hanging on wooden poles towards the sun. It was unfortunate that the few acacia wood beams could not be put to better use.
The corpses of the idolaters lay on the ground. There were still judges who took care of the culprits and killed them. Lamentations and weeping could be heard all around. Mothers lost their sons. Wives lost their husbands. And all because they couldn’t control themselves.
Pinchas remembered the jubilation with which his people had come out of Egypt. The joy was overwhelming. Israel was finally free and looked forward with great expectation to a future in the kingdom of God.
Some time ago, the people had indeed rediscovered the joy of that time. God was in the midst of Israel. He was the acknowledged…
