Numbers 25:12

Wherefore say, Behold, I give unto him my covenant of peace:

Wherefore say {H559}, Behold, I give {H5414} unto him my covenant {H1285} of peace {H7965}:

Therefore say, 'I am giving him my covenant of shalom,

Declare, therefore, that I am granting him My covenant of peace.

Wherefore say, Behold, I give unto him my covenant of peace:

Commentary

Numbers 25:12 is a pivotal declaration from God to Moses concerning Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron. This verse immediately follows Phinehas's zealous act of intervening in Israel's widespread sin at Peor, which had brought a devastating plague upon the nation.

Context

The preceding verses of Numbers chapter 25 describe a severe moral and spiritual crisis. The Israelites had fallen into idolatry and sexual immorality with the Moabite and Midianite women, participating in the worship of Baal-peor. This provoked God's wrath, leading to a deadly plague that claimed 24,000 lives. When an Israelite man brazenly brought a Midianite woman into the camp in the sight of Moses and the congregation, Phinehas, filled with divine zeal, took a spear and executed both of them (Numbers 25:7-8). This decisive action immediately stopped the plague. In response, God commends Phinehas and makes this profound declaration, establishing a lasting covenant with him.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Covenant of Peace (b'rit shalom): This phrase signifies a solemn promise of lasting well-being, wholeness, and favor. For Phinehas, it specifically means an assurance that the priesthood would continue through his lineage perpetually (Numbers 25:13). It was a reward for his zealous act, which effectively made atonement for Israel and turned away God's wrath. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but a holistic state of blessing and divine presence.
  • Zeal for God's Honor: Phinehas's action demonstrates a profound dedication to God's holiness and righteousness. His willingness to act decisively against sin, even when it was widespread and brazen, honored God and stemmed the tide of judgment. God values those who uphold His standards and defend His honor.
  • Divine Faithfulness and Reward: God's immediate response to Phinehas's zeal highlights His faithfulness to those who serve Him wholeheartedly. The "covenant of peace" is a tangible reward, demonstrating that God sees and blesses obedience and courageous devotion.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "covenant of peace" translates from the Hebrew b'rit shalom. The word shalom (Χ©ΦΈΧΧœΧ•ΦΉΧ) is much richer than just "peace" as commonly understood. It encompasses concepts of completeness, wholeness, well-being, prosperity, security, and harmony. When God gives a b'rit shalom, He is granting a comprehensive state of divine blessing and favor, ensuring the stability and continuation of a relationship or promise. This specific covenant ensures the stability and permanence of the priestly line through Phinehas.

Practical Application

Numbers 25:12 encourages believers today to cultivate a similar zeal for God's honor and righteousness. While the context of Phinehas's action is unique to the Old Testament judicial system, the principle remains: God desires a people who are passionate about His truth and resistant to spiritual compromise. Furthermore, it reminds us of God's character as a covenant-keeping God who rewards faithfulness and provides true peace, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, through whom a greater, eternal covenant of peace is offered to all who believe (Ephesians 2:14).

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Cross-References

  • Malachi 2:4

    And ye shall know that I have sent this commandment unto you, that my covenant might be with Levi, saith the LORD of hosts.

  • Malachi 2:5

    My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him [for] the fear wherewith he feared me, and was afraid before my name.

  • Ezekiel 34:25

    And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land: and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods.

  • Isaiah 54:10

    For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.

  • Malachi 3:1

    ΒΆ Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.

  • Numbers 13:29

    The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan.
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