Protective Zealotry

How exactly did Pinchas’ act calm Hashem’s anger at the Jews? The Pasuk sorta gives it away: it says that Pinchas took up Hashem’s quarrel, and fought His battle – “He was jealous My jealousy”.

We explained it’s like when someone insults the king. If no-one deals with the offender, the king himself will. And the insolent person may lose his life. However a well-meaning man sees the insult and immediately punches the fellow in the nose. When the king sees that he says “The issue is under control”

So too, when something terrible is done no-one acts, Hashem punishes. That could mean a plague, a great loss of life. However, if a Pinchas rises and fights Hashem’s battles for Him, then Hashem leaves the issue to him.

This entry was posted in Chumash Bamidbar, Parshah, Parshat Hashavua, Pinchas and tagged . Bookmark the permalink.