Psalms 106:31

And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore.

And that was counted {H2803} unto him for righteousness {H6666} unto all {H1755} generations {H1755} for {H5704} evermore {H5769}.

That was credited to him as righteousness, through all generations forever.

It was credited to him as righteousness for endless generations to come.

And that was reckoned unto him for righteousness, Unto all generations for evermore.

Commentary

Psalm 106:31 describes the lasting commendation given to Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron, for his decisive action in stopping a plague among the Israelites. This verse is part of a longer psalm recounting Israel's rebellious history and God's enduring faithfulness, even amidst their unfaithfulness.

Context

This verse directly refers to the incident recorded in Numbers chapter 25, specifically Phinehas's swift and zealous intervention during Israel's idolatry and immorality at Baal-peor. When an Israelite man brought a Midianite woman into the camp in defiance of God's law, a plague broke out. Phinehas, acting out of profound zeal for God's honor and the purity of the community, executed both individuals, which immediately stopped the plague. God then made a covenant of peace with Phinehas, promising his descendants a perpetual priesthood, because he was zealous for God.

Key Themes

  • Zeal for God's Holiness: Phinehas's action demonstrated an intense passion for God's righteous standards and a fierce opposition to sin that defiled the covenant community. His zeal was not for personal gain but for the glory of God.
  • Righteousness by Divine Imputation: The phrase "counted unto him for righteousness" is critical. It signifies that God legally or formally credited Phinehas's act as righteous. This concept of righteousness being "counted" or "imputed" is foundational in scripture, notably seen in Abraham's faith being counted for righteousness. While Phinehas's act was one of obedience and zeal, it illustrates how God acknowledges and rewards actions taken in true devotion to Him.
  • Lasting Legacy and Divine Approval: The phrase "unto all generations for evermore" highlights the enduring nature of God's approval and the perpetual blessing upon Phinehas's lineage. His righteous act established a lasting legacy within Israel's history.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "counted unto him for righteousness" is chashav lo litsedeq (ื—ึธืฉึทืื‘ ืœื•ึน ืœึดืฆึฐื“ึธืงึธื”). The verb chashav means "to reckon," "to account," "to impute," or "to consider." It's an accounting term, indicating a formal crediting. This specific phrasing is significant because it's also used to describe Abraham's faith in Genesis 15:6, which was reckoned as righteousness. While Phinehas's action was a specific deed, the language links it to a divine declaration of right standing, underscoring God's recognition of his zealous obedience.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalm 106:31 serves as a powerful reminder of several truths:

  • The Importance of Holy Zeal: While we do not live under the same legal covenant as ancient Israel, the principle of zeal for God's honor and a commitment to righteousness remains vital. We are called to be transformed by the renewing of our minds and to stand against sin within ourselves and our communities, not through violence, but through truth, love, and spiritual commitment.
  • God Recognizes Righteous Actions: God sees and values acts of obedience and devotion performed out of genuine love and zeal for Him. While salvation is by grace through faith, our righteous deeds are a demonstration of that faith and are not unnoticed by God.
  • Lasting Impact of Faithfulness: Our faithfulness to God can have a lasting impact, influencing not only our own lives but also future generations, leaving a legacy of devotion and divine favor.
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Cross-References

  • Numbers 25:11

    Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, hath turned my wrath away from the children of Israel, while he was zealous for my sake among them, that I consumed not the children of Israel in my jealousy.

  • Numbers 25:13

    And he shall have it, and his seed after him, [even] the covenant of an everlasting priesthood; because he was zealous for his God, and made an atonement for the children of Israel.

  • Genesis 15:6

    And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

  • Deuteronomy 24:13

    In any case thou shalt deliver him the pledge again when the sun goeth down, that he may sleep in his own raiment, and bless thee: and it shall be righteousness unto thee before the LORD thy God.

  • Mark 14:3

    And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured [it] on his head.

  • Mark 14:9

    Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, [this] also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.
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