Numbers 25:12
Wherefore say, Behold, I give unto him my covenant of peace:
Original Language Analysis
לָכֵ֖ן
H3651
לָכֵ֖ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
נֹתֵ֥ן
Behold I give
H5414
נֹתֵ֥ן
Behold I give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
4 of 8
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Isaiah 54:10For 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.Ezekiel 34:25And 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.Malachi 3:1Behold, 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.
Historical Context
The 'covenant of peace' echoes other eternal covenants God made (with Noah, Abraham, David). This promised stability and divine favor for Phinehas's descendants. The phrase appears elsewhere in contexts of restored relationship after judgment (Isaiah 54:10, Ezekiel 34:25, 37:26).
Questions for Reflection
- How does pursuing God's justice actually serve peace rather than undermine it?
- When is peace-making actually peace-faking that tolerates ongoing sin?
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Analysis & Commentary
God announced He was giving Phinehas 'my covenant of peace'—seemingly paradoxical since Phinehas had just executed two people. Yet peace comes not from tolerating sin but from addressing it decisively. True peace requires justice; premature peace-making that ignores unaddressed sin enables destruction. Phinehas's action secured peace by removing the plague.