Psalms 106:30
Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and so the plague was stayed.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּעֲמֹ֣ד
Then stood up
H5975
וַיַּעֲמֹ֣ד
Then stood up
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
1 of 5
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
וַיְפַלֵּ֑ל
and executed judgment
H6419
וַיְפַלֵּ֑ל
and executed judgment
Strong's:
H6419
Word #:
3 of 5
to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray
Historical Context
Phinehas was Aaron's grandson, a priest who demonstrated that true spiritual leadership requires zeal for God's holiness, even when it's costly. His action earned him 'a covenant of peace' and perpetual priesthood for his descendants (Numbers 25:12-13). This Phinehas covenant was fulfilled through Zadok's line, which remained faithful during later apostasy. Phinehas's name means 'bronze serpent' or 'Nubian,' possibly indicating Egyptian heritage, yet he surpassed ethnic Israelites in covenant zeal.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Phinehas's action teach about the necessity of church discipline?
- How can righteous zeal for God's honor protect the covenant community?
- In what ways does Phinehas's intervention prefigure Christ's saving work?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse celebrates Phinehas's intervention. 'Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment' describes his decisive action. He executed the Israelite man (Zimri) and Midianite woman (Cozbi) engaged in blatant immorality (Numbers 25:14-15). 'Executed judgment' (palal, פָּלַל) means to intervene, mediate, or arbitrate—Phinehas acted as God's instrument of justice. 'So the plague was stayed' shows his action stopped God's judgment. This demonstrates the principle that righteous zeal for God's honor can turn away wrath and protect the community. Phinehas prefigures Christ who 'stood up' and satisfied divine justice, ending the plague of sin and death.