This week’s Torah portion is “Pinchas” (Numbers 25:10-30:1), and it we read about the zealot by that name.
By Rabbi Ari Enkin, Rabbinic Director, United with Israel
The story of Pinchas actually begins in last week’s Torah portion, where we read about the sin of Zimri, the Jewish prince, and Kozbi, the Midianite princess, who flaunted their immorality. We are told that “Pinchas saw [what was happening]” and took action. He sent a spear through the bellies of both individuals while they were engaged in their immoral act.
The question is asked: Why is mention made of only Pinchas seeing the act of immorality? Where was everyone else? Didn’t others see it as well?
It is explained that certainly, others witnessed it, but they didn’t know what to do about it. It was only Pinchas who knew that the law allows one to kill a Jew engaged in public immorality. Sounds a bit uncomfortable, but that was biblical law, sorry!
Indeed, it is further explained that even though Pinchas knew the law was on his side, there were those who attempted to prevent him from carrying out the deed even after learning that it was ultimately permissible.
When Pinchas approached the tent where the act was being performed, he was stopped by guards who had been placed at the entrance. The guards asked him what he was doing there, and he responded in a very a neutral manner, “I, too, came to take care of my needs,” which could be interpreted as if Pinchas wanted to sin too.
With this response, the guards allowed Pinchas to enter the “party tent” and Pinchas whipped out his spear.
Pinchas’s motivation was 100% for the sake of God’s honor. While it might be hard for us to imagine, we are told that he had no other interest or intention when killing the sinners other than to protect the honor of God and Torah law. In fact, we are told that God performed many miracles for Pinchas at that moment; for instance, the blade of his sword was miraculously lengthened; he was given exceptional strength to lift up the bodies after two were pierced by his spear, and more.
The story of Pinchas is relevant to us, perhaps even on a daily basis. We might think that we’re too small to make a difference. But Pinchas, too, was a small person, virtually unknown at the time. It was only after this act that he became the famous Pinchas.
Often a person is faced with a situation in which he or she thinks, “I am just one person. What can I accomplish?” Unfortunately, with such thoughts, the person makes no effort. But one person CAN make the difference. The lesson here is that we should all try and do what we can, and miracles may very well be performed for us too!
For more insights by Rabbi Enkin on this week’s Torah portion, click on the links below.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/living-torah-are-you-doing-the-right-thing-for-the-wrong-reason/
https://unitedwithisrael.org/living-torah-lessons-of-leadership/