Parshat Pinchas; Numbers 25:10- 27:23; By: Rabbi Dennise L. Eger
Parshat Pincas is named for the priest who was so devoted to God that he single handedly helped to return the people to the worship of God through his actions. One cannot read the opening verses of this Torah portion without the end of the previous week’s portion Balak for the story is a continuation.
As the Israelites moved toward the Promised Land they began to encounter many different nations. At the end of Parshat Balak we are told that the Israelite men were led astray by Moabite women. King Balak who could not conquer the Israelites by curses of the priest Baalam to give his army an edge, helped to invade and destroy the Israelites by sending the Moabite women to entrap the Israelite men. The Moabite women married the Israelite men and led them to worship Baal-peor, their local deity. The Israelites even brought them into the Israelite camp –bringing in essence a fifth column into the Israelites that might destroy them from within.
God tells Moses that this idolatry must stop and that those responsible must die. “God said to Moses, “Take all the ringleaders and have them publicly impaled before God, so the God’s wrath may turn away from Israel.” (Num. 24.4)”. Although Moses tells the leadership of the Israelites what must be done, they are clearly upset with the notion because they are noted in the text at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting weeping. They mourn in advance for what must be done to rid their community of those who profaned God’s name and the worship of Adonai and those who threaten the existence of this newly formed nation.
Pinchas observes one of these leaders bringing a Moabite woman before Moses and the whole community that has gathered. This man was named Zimri and he was the son of a leader of the tribe of Simeon and the woman he brought forth was Cozbi who was a daughter of a Midianite chieftain. So in essence you had the tribe of Simeon marrying into the Midianites who were allies of the Moabites. In no way was this pact authorized by the leadership of the Israelites nor certainly by God. And Zimri had the audacity to parade his wife before the community perhaps trying to challenge Moses and the leadership of the Israelites.
Pinchas, a priest—grandson of Aaron and whose father is now the High Priest following Aaron’s death and leader himself slays them both. He is hailed in the opening verses of this portion for his decisive action which in essence put down a rebellion from parts of the tribes! God grants to Pinchas a special covenant or pact of peace acknowledging his loyalty and devotion.
This is a difficult story for us today especially because we easily intermingle in our society with other people and we value diversity. Traditionalists of ten read this story that spans the two parshiot as sermon against intermarriage (and in truth it is a correct reading of the text). So what can we learn from this if we do value diversity? What can we learn from Pinchas’ action and devotion to God and the Israelite way of life?
I believe that Pinchas’ faith is the first and most important lesson. Throughout the book of Numbers and especially as the Israelites begin their final journey to the Promised Land faith plays an important role. When the Israelites’ faith is strong they succeed. When it is weak they are defeated. Pinchas showed tremendous faith and indeed courage to face down an open rebellion and challenge to leadership by the leaders of the tribe of Simeon. I think this story is a reminder to all of us to keep our faith strong in God who ultimately will show us the Promised Land. And indeed toward the end of the parasha—Moses is told to “Ascend the heights of Abarim and view the land that I have given to the Israelite people.” (Num. 27:12).” With faith the Promised Land will be seen. Without it doomed to wander in the wasteland of hopelessness. Pinchas’ action though seemingly for the modern reader impulsive and horrific, does teach us about undiluted faithfulness and strength of purpose as a priest of Israel. We want that in our leaders. We crave that in our selves. May Pinchas inspire us to a life of faithfulness and loyalty to our tradition and our God.
Posted by Lee at July 2, 2007 09:07 AM
