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;
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֗רְא
saw
H7200
וַיַּ֗רְא
saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 13
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
פִּֽינְחָס֙
And when Phinehas
H6372
פִּֽינְחָס֙
And when Phinehas
Strong's:
H6372
Word #:
2 of 13
pinechas, the name of three israelites
בֶּֽן
the son
H1121
בֶּֽן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 13
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בֶּֽן
the son
H1121
בֶּֽן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 13
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הַכֹּהֵ֑ן
the priest
H3548
הַכֹּהֵ֑ן
the priest
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
7 of 13
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
וַיָּ֙קָם֙
it he rose up
H6965
וַיָּ֙קָם֙
it he rose up
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
8 of 13
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
הָֽעֵדָ֔ה
the congregation
H5712
הָֽעֵדָ֔ה
the congregation
Strong's:
H5712
Word #:
10 of 13
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
וַיִּקַּ֥ח
and took
H3947
וַיִּקַּ֥ח
and took
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
11 of 13
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
Historical Context
As Aaron's grandson, Phinehas held priestly office but here acted as enforcer of covenant holiness. His action recalled Levi's zeal after the golden calf (Exodus 32:25-29). This earned his family an everlasting priesthood (verse 13), showing God rewards those who prioritize His honor above human approval.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance mercy and grace with necessary defense of God's holiness?
- What does it mean to be more concerned for God's honor than for popular opinion?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Phinehas 'took a javelin in his hand' and executed both the Israelite man and Midianite woman in the act of sin. This violent response to flagrant covenant violation stopped the plague (verse 8). Phinehas's decisive action demonstrated that tolerating open rebellion threatens the entire community. His zeal was commended (verses 10-13), not as license for vigilante justice but as appropriate response in unique crisis.