Pinchas: Zeal for Hashem, Legacy of Peace

Pinchas, the grandson of Aharon HaKohen (Aaron the Priest) on his father’s side and Yitro on his mother’s side, is one of the Torah’s most dramatic and misunderstood figures. His story, marked by bold action, deep faith, and Divine reward, spans multiple episodes in the wilderness and leaves a lasting impact on the people of Israel.

A Bold Act Stops a Plague and Changes a Legacy

Pinchas was born before his grandfather Aharon was sanctified into the kehunah (priesthood), and thus was initially excluded from the priestly line. This status changed through an act of radical zealotry.

While the nation of Israel camped at Shittim, many were led astray by Moabite women who seduced them and drew them into idolatry with Baal Peor. As a result, a plague broke out, killing 24,000 people:
“Israel settled in Shittim, and the people began to engage in immorality with the daughters of Moav… and they bowed down to their gods… and the plague among them was twenty-four thousand” (Bamidbar 25:1–9).

At the height of the crisis, Pinchas took decisive action: he killed Zimri, a tribal leader from Shimon, and Kozbi, a Midianite woman, who were flagrantly sinning before the people. HIs bold action brought an immediate end to the plague.

According to Targum Yonatan, Hashem performed twelve miracles to assist Pinchas in this mission, including preventing the couple from separating, carrying their bodies through the entire camp without tiring, and ensuring that their blood did not fall to the ground.

In response, Hashem proclaimed: “Pinchas son of Elazar, son of Aharon HaKohen, has turned My anger away from the Israelites by zealously avenging Me… Therefore, I hereby grant him My covenant of peace. It shall be for him and his descendants after him a covenant of everlasting priesthood” (Bamidbar 25:10–13).

Vindicated by Hashem, Elevated by Peace

Despite his noble motives, many people criticized Pinchas, pointing to his maternal grandfather, Yitro, who had once worshiped idols. They questioned how the grandson of an idolater could kill a tribal prince. In response, Hashem emphasized Pinchas's paternal lineage: “Pinchas, son of Elazar, son of Aharon HaKohen” (Bamidbar 25:11).

As Rashi explains, Hashem highlighted Pinchas’s connection to Aharon, known for his love of peace and harmony, to show that the act was not one of cruelty but of selfless devotion. Pinchas had inherited not Yitro’s past, but Aharon’s righteous character.

This Divine endorsement transformed Pinchas into the embodiment of Hashem’s covenant of peace and priesthood.

A Lasting Presence in the Life of Israel

Pinchas continued to play a key leadership role after the episode in Shittim:

• Kohen Gadol: After the passing of his father, Elazar, Pinchas served as Kohen Gadol (High Priest).

• Peacemaker Among the Tribes: When the tribes of Reuven, Gad, and half of Menashe built an altar east of the Jordan, the rest of Israel feared it was an act of rebellion. Pinchas led a delegation of ten tribal leaders to confront them, ultimately clarifying their intentions and restoring peace.

• Commander in War: Moshe appointed Pinchas to lead the war against Midian for their role in corrupting Israel. In this battle, he killed Bilaam, who had aligned himself with Midian.

• Further Missions: Pinchas was later sent with Kalev ben Yefuneh to spy out Jericho under Yehoshua bin Nun’s command. He also led the call to war against the tribe of Binyamin after the atrocity of the “Concubine in Givah” (Shoftim 20).

• Pinchas is Eliyahu: According to the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 25), Pinchas and Eliyahu HaNavi (Elijah the Prophet) are one and the same. Both figures act zealously on behalf of Hashem, and both appear throughout Tanach and rabbinic literature as eternal defenders of Israel’s spiritual integrity.

Pinchas's legacy is complex but profound. He stood alone when others faltered, defended Hashem’s honor at great personal risk, and transformed an act of violence into a symbol of peace. Through Divine affirmation, he became not only a priest but someone who unified the nation.