Numbers 25:7

And when Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw [it], he rose up from among the congregation, and took a javelin in his hand;

And when Phinehas {H6372}, the son {H1121} of Eleazar {H499}, the son {H1121} of Aaron {H175} the priest {H3548}, saw {H7200} it, he rose up {H6965} from among {H8432} the congregation {H5712}, and took {H3947} a javelin {H7420} in his hand {H3027};

When Pinchas the son of El'azar, the son of Aharon the cohen, saw it, he got up from the middle of the crowd, took a spear in his hand,

On seeing this, Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, got up from the assembly, took a spear in his hand,

And when Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw it, he rose up from the midst of the congregation, and took a spear in his hand;

Commentary

Context

Numbers chapter 25 describes a tragic episode where the Israelites, while encamped in Shittim, began to engage in sexual immorality with Moabite women and participate in their worship of Baal-peor. This blatant disobedience and idolatry provoked God's anger, leading to a severe plague upon the people. Moses was instructed to have the leaders execute those who had joined themselves to Baal-peor. Amidst this crisis and judgment, an Israelite man defiantly brought a Midianite woman into the camp in the sight of Moses and the entire congregation who were weeping at the door of the tabernacle. Verse 7 captures the immediate, passionate response of Phinehas upon witnessing this public act of sin.

Key Themes

  • Zeal for God's Holiness: Phinehas's action is driven by a fierce commitment to God's standards and an unwillingness to tolerate open sin that defiled the community and provoked divine judgment.
  • Righteous Indignation: Seeing the blatant transgression, Phinehas experiences a powerful, righteous anger against the sin.
  • Decisive Action: He doesn't hesitate or consult; he rises up immediately and takes action.
  • Role of Leadership: As a priest and grandson of Aaron, Phinehas takes initiative where others were lamenting but not acting decisively against this specific, public offense.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "rose up from among the congregation" emphasizes the spontaneity and public nature of Phinehas's response. He was one among the weeping crowd, but his conviction compelled him to stand out and act. The "javelin" (or spear) signifies the instrument of his immediate, decisive judgment against the sin he witnessed.

Related Scriptures

This verse is the prelude to Phinehas's pivotal action described in Numbers 25:8, which immediately stopped the plague. His act of zeal is recounted and commended later in scripture, such as in Psalm 106:30-31. His action led to a lasting covenant of peace and a perpetual priesthood for his lineage (Numbers 25:13), highlighting how God honors those who demonstrate zeal in His service.

Reflection

Phinehas's response serves as a powerful, though potentially challenging, example of righteous zeal. While we are called to love our neighbors and not take vengeance into our own hands in most circumstances, this account underscores the seriousness of public, defiant sin in the eyes of God and the importance of leadership and individuals being willing to stand for God's holiness when the community is being compromised and divine judgment is present. It prompts us to consider our own response to sin, both individually and within our communities, and the nature of true spiritual earnestness against compromise.

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Cross-References

  • Exodus 6:25 (3 votes)

    And Eleazar Aaron's son took him [one] of the daughters of Putiel to wife; and she bare him Phinehas: these [are] the heads of the fathers of the Levites according to their families.

  • Judges 20:28 (2 votes)

    And Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, stood before it in those days,) saying, Shall I yet again go out to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother, or shall I cease? And the LORD said, Go up; for to morrow I will deliver them into thine hand.

  • Psalms 106:30 (2 votes)

    Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and [so] the plague was stayed.

  • Joshua 22:30 (2 votes)

    ¶ And when Phinehas the priest, and the princes of the congregation and heads of the thousands of Israel which [were] with him, heard the words that the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the children of Manasseh spake, it pleased them.

  • Joshua 22:31 (2 votes)

    And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest said unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the children of Manasseh, This day we perceive that the LORD [is] among us, because ye have not committed this trespass against the LORD: now ye have delivered the children of Israel out of the hand of the LORD.

  • 1 Samuel 18:10 (2 votes)

    And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and [there was] a javelin in Saul's hand.

  • 1 Samuel 18:11 (2 votes)

    And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall [with it]. And David avoided out of his presence twice.