NUMBERS XXV:10-XXX:1

A PACT OF SHALOM

Pinchas is an enigmatic figure because, according to his lineage, he must have been a man of peace and conciliation. He did not act like Aharon, the Kohen Gadol, even though he was his grandson. The Torahrelates that during the episode of the Egel Hazahav, the great conciliator was Aharon. He participated in or at least consented to the construction of a golden calf as a substitute for Moshe (Moses) who was slow to descend Mount Sinai, thus allowing the rumor to circulate that he had died. To calm the emotions of the people who had just emerged from slavery, Aharon was willing to compromise the basic ideal of monotheism to avoid discord and maintain peace.

Our chapters recount an episode in which Moshe’s authority was challenged by Zimri, son of the chief of the Shimon tribe, who presented himself with a Midyanite named Kozbi, disobeying the formal command to separate from these women. At that moment, when the people were waiting for the answer to Zimri‘s audacity, with the possible consequence of Moshe’s humiliation, Pinchas pierced both Zimri and Kozbi with a spear. Because of Pinchas‘ action, the plague that was decimating the people for their disobedience regarding the matter of the Midyanitewomen ceased.

The ambivalence of the Talmudic sages  is clear. On the one hand, there is admiration for Pinchas‘ courage, but at the same time they were aware of the precedent that this implies: the individual should not act without the authority to do so. Society cannot allow the individual to assume the role of judge and executioner, without a prior trial. For this reason, God offers Pinchas, perhaps, his Covenant of Shalom, a covenant of friendship, because when one wishes to influence – and possibly modify – the behavior of the individual, it is necessary to approach him and show him friendship.

Moreover, some exegetes are of the opinion that Pinchas had not been included in the priestly caste because he had been born before his grandfather Aharon was consecrated as Kohen, and in recognition of his action he is designated Kohen as well as his future descendants.

How can the belligerent behavior of Pinchas be harmonized  with his status as a Kohen, whose fundamental characteristic is the peace that should differentiate the descendants of Aaron? Perhaps Pinchas brings peace between the people and God. By his decisive action, Pinchas puts an end to with Midyanite women, conduct that threatened to divert the people from their newfound commitment to monotheism.

From a certain point of view, society cannot allow the individual to take the law into his own hands, according to the Talmudic dictum: “lo avid inish dinei lenafshei.” But at the same time, the person cannot depend exclusively on others. There are situations that demand an immediate response, especially those that are strongly anchored in ethics and morality. 

According to the Talmud, Pinchas hu Eliyahu, Pinchasis the same prophet Eliyahu who will announce the arrival of Mashiach, redeemer of the Jewish people. Pinchas’ correspondence  with the Mashiach era  implies that man must be an activist for the realization of the messianic process. On the one hand, there is Divine intervention in sending His emissary, Mashiach, but simultaneously, man must ENGÑISHbring about His coming. How can He do that? Reacting vigorously to violations, especially those that compromise the essence of Judaism, its faith in one God Creator of the Universe.

The Covenant that God offered to Pinchas includes the word Shalom, which is one of the Names of God. Therefore, it is a permanent relationship, because God is eternal. Those who risk their lives to defend the ideal of faith, for their courage and courage, acquire a place in the world of eternity. Those who fight for truth and justice prevail, because their actions lead to Shalom: peace.

MITZVAH: ORDINANCE OF THE TORAH IN THIS PARSHA

CONTAINS 6 POSITIVE MITSVOT

400. Numbers 27:8 Laws on Inheritance

401. Numbers 28:2 The Daily Cremated Offering

402. Numbers 28:9 The Additional Shabbat Offering

403. Numbers 28:11-15 The Additional Offering Rosh Chodesh

404. Numbers 28:26 The Additional Offering of Shavuot

405. Numbers 29:1 Blowing the Shofar on Rosh Hashanah