Introduction: to explore the profound story of Pinchas (Phinehas), a figure whose actions and motivations provide us with deep insights into the nature of righteous zealotry and the qualities required of true spiritual leaders. The narrative of Pinchas, found in Numbers 25, challenges us to consider the balance between fierce dedication to YHWH's commandments and the selfless love required to serve our community.
The Mishnah or the Mishna (/ˈmɪʃnə/; Hebrew: מִשְׁנָה, "study by repetition", from the verb shanah שנה, or "to study and review", also "secondary") is the first written collection of the Hebrew oral traditions that are known as the Oral Torah. It is also the first work of the Hebraic literature, with the oldest surviving material dating to the 6th to 7th centuries BCE.
This mishna is a continuation of the words of Yehuda ben Taima of the previous mishna and appears to continue his thought. Mishna 23 teaches that we should learn certain traits from the animal kingdom and use them in the service of our Maker. One should be bold (“ahz”) as a leopard, light as an eagle etc. to follow the will of YHWH. As we explained, one cannot fully serve YHWH as a matter of course while going about life normally.
We must be prepared to exceed the ordinary bounds of human limitation, applying an almost animal like ferocity in our zeal to transcend the physical world and ascend to the spiritual. Ironically, we look towards the fierceness and intensity of the more physical realm the animal kingdom as our model for striving towards the spiritual.
From a Hebraic perspective, the statement can be interpreted through several key concepts found in Hebrew thought in scripture:
1. Nephesh (נֶפֶשׁ): In Hebrew, the term "nephesh" refers to the soul or life force, which is shared by both humans and animals. This concept emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living beings and suggests that the vitality and intensity seen in animals can indeed be a source of inspiration for human spiritual striving.
2. Ruach (רוּחַ) and Neshamah (נְשָׁמָה): These terms refer to the spirit and the breath of life, respectively. In the Hebrew Bible, YHWH's breath (ruach or neshamah) is what animates humans, transforming them from mere dust into living beings (e.g., Genesis 2:7). This divine breath is a reminder that the spiritual and physical realms are deeply intertwined.
3. Elevating the Physical: Hebraic teachings often emphasize the importance of elevating the physical world to a higher spiritual purpose. The laws of animal sacrifices in the Torah, for example, are seen as a way to channel and transform base instincts into acts of holiness. This aligns with the idea of using animal-like ferocity to transcend physical limitations and achieve spiritual growth.
4. Struggle and Transformation: The concept of struggling against one's base instincts to achieve spiritual refinement is a common theme in Hebraic thought. The fierce determination seen in animals can be a metaphor for the inner struggle humans face in their spiritual journey. This struggle is not just about overcoming physical desires but transforming them into a force for good.
5. Irony and Inspiration: The irony mentioned in the statement—that we look to the physical realm to transcend it—can be seen in the Hebraic practice of finding holiness in everyday actions. By infusing mundane activities with spiritual intention, one can elevate the physical world and draw closer to the divine.
Overall, the Hebraic perspective would likely view the statement as a call to harness the intense energy of the physical world, including the animal kingdom, to achieve spiritual transcendence. This approach aligns with the Hebraic emphasis on transforming and elevating the physical to serve a higher spiritual purpose.
Here, however, Yehuda warns us that bold (“ahz”) or “chutzpahdik” people are headed towards Seoul/Hell; only the meek and shamefaced shall inherit the World to Come. Where then is the room for the boldness of a leopard?
Clearly, our mishna is telling us that while chutzpah may be an important tool in the service of YHWH, it itself is a very dangerous quality one we must take care never to adopt as our own. (“The boldfaced” implies the boldness has become an internalized quality of the person: it is reflected upon his face.)
I. The Act of Zealotry: Pinchas's story begins with a bold and violent act. In a moment of intense moral crisis, he took decisive action against Zimri and Cozbi, who were flagrantly violating YHWH's commandments. This act of zealotry was not driven by personal anger or ambition but by a deep sense of duty to uphold the sanctity of YHWH's law. As it is written:
“Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, the priest, has turned my anger away from the Israelites. Since he was as zealous for my honor among them as I am, I did not put an end to them in my zeal” (Numbers 25:11).
II. Pure Intentions and Self-Sacrifice: Pinchas's actions were rooted in pure intentions. He was willing to sacrifice his own dreams and aspirations for the sake of YHWH's honor. The Talmud teaches us that a priest who has killed a soul may never lift his hands in the priestly blessings (Brachos 32b). Despite knowing this, Pinchas acted because he understood that YHWH's needs were more important than his own. His zeal was not about personal glory but about restoring peace and holiness among the Israelites.
III. Divine Reward and Transformation: YHWH's response to Pinchas's act of zealotry was to grant him a covenant of peace and an everlasting priesthood:
“Therefore tell him I am making my covenant of peace with him. He and his descendants will have a covenant of a lasting priesthood, because he was zealous for the honor of his God and made atonement for the Israelites” (Numbers 25:12-13).
This covenant signifies a transformation of Pinchas's zeal into a force for good. It highlights that true spiritual leadership is characterized by selflessness, humility, and a deep care for the community. Pinchas's fierceness was not about uncontrolled anger but a passionate commitment to righteousness and a hope that Israel would unite in service to YHWH.
IV. The Role of a Priest: The role of a priest is to serve as a mediator between YHWH and the people, promoting peace and unity. This requires a deep love for humanity and a commitment to bringing people closer to YHWH through acts of kindness and service. Pinchas's story illustrates that the essence of priesthood is not just about performing rituals but embodying selflessness and a deep care for the community.
V. Balance and Wisdom in Zealotry: The story of Pinchas serves as a reminder of the importance of balance and wisdom in zealotry. While bold actions may sometimes be necessary, they must be guided by pure intentions and a genuine desire to serve YHWH. The ultimate goal is to promote peace, unity, and holiness, reflecting the values of the Torah.
VI. Misguided Zeal and Its Consequences: We must also consider the dangers of misguided zeal. When zeal becomes about personal victory or defeating an opponent, the original cause can become lost. The Torah warns against this in various instances, such as the story of Korah's rebellion (Numbers 16), where personal ambition led to disastrous consequences. True zeal must always be aligned with YHWH's will and purposes.
VII. The Example of Phinehas: Pinchas's willingness to act decisively, even at great personal cost, exemplifies the true quality of a priest. He cared more about others than himself, embodying the selflessness required to serve as a mediator between YHWH and the people. His actions demonstrated that he valued the well-being of the Israelites and the honor of YHWH above his own desires, making him a true and selfless emissary.
VIII. The Covenant of Peace: The covenant of peace granted to Pinchas signifies the transformation of his zealous energy into a force for good. This transformation is a key theme in Hebrew thought, emphasizing that even intense emotions and actions can be redirected towards positive and constructive purposes. Pinchas's legacy highlights the enduring impact of his actions and the importance of aligning one's zeal with divine purposes.
IX. Lessons from King David: King David, another prominent figure in the Bible, also exemplifies the balance between zeal and humility. Known for his bravery and leadership, David's zeal for YHW was evident in his defeat of Goliath and his unwavering commitment to YHWH's commandments. However, David's life also teaches us about the dangers of misguided fervor, as seen in his actions with Bathsheba and Uriah. Despite his flaws, David's repentance and devotion to YHWH highlight the importance of aligning one's zeal with divine will.
X. Serving a Higher Purpose: In our pursuit of zeal, it is crucial to remember that our actions should serve a higher purpose rather than merely winning or defeating an opponent. True zeal is about advancing YHWH kingdom and promoting righteousness, not personal glory or victory. This perspective helps us maintain the right motivations and ensures that our actions align with YHWH's will.
XI. Distinction Between Righteous Zeal and Misguided Fervor: Understanding the distinction between righteous zeal and misguided fervor is essential. Righteous zeal is characterized by a fervent commitment to YHWH's commands, guided by love, wisdom, and a desire for justice. Misguided fervor, on the other hand, often stems from personal ambition or a desire for power, leading to harmful actions and consequences.
XII. Discerning True Motivations: The importance of discerning the true motivation behind one's boldness or chutzpah in religious matters cannot be overstated. Bold actions must be rooted in a sincere desire to serve YHWH and promote His will. This discernment helps prevent actions driven by personal gain or misguided intentions.
XIII. Boldness and Unwavering Commitment: Boldness and unwavering commitment are vital in spiritual matters. The Bible emphasizes the significance of courage and conviction in fulfilling YHWH's purposes. True boldness is rooted in a deep reliance on YHWH and His Word, enabling us to act fearlessly in the face of challenges.
XIV. Yehuda's Warning: Yehuda warns us that bold (“ahz”) or “chutzpahdik” people are headed towards Hell. This caution underscores the importance of ensuring that our boldness is aligned with righteousness and divine will, rather than personal ambition or arrogance.
XV. Exceeding Human Limitations: We must be prepared to exceed the ordinary bounds of human limitation, applying an almost animal-like ferocity in our zeal to transcend the physical world and ascend to the spiritual. Ironically, we look towards the fierceness and intensity of the more physical realm, the animal kingdom, as our model for striving towards the spiritual. This intensity and dedication are crucial for achieving spiritual growth and fulfilling YHWH's purposes.
XVI. Conclusion: In conclusion, the story of Pinchas serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of righteous zealotry and selfless leadership. His actions and motivations provide us with a model for balancing fierce dedication to YHWH's commandments with the selfless love required to serve our community. May we all be inspired by the example of Pinchas to act with righteous zeal and selfless dedication, bringing honor to God and peace to our community.
Drawing a parallel between Pinchas (Phinehas) and Moses reveals several intriguing similarities and contrasts that highlight their unique roles and shared qualities in serving YHWH.
I. Zeal for YHWH: Both Pinchas and Moses demonstrated a profound zeal for YHWH's honor and commandments. Pinchas's act of zealotry in slaying Zimri and Cozbi was driven by a desire to uphold God's law and stop the plague among the Israelites (Numbers 25:6-13). Similarly, Moses's actions, such as breaking the tablets of the Ten Commandments upon witnessing the Israelites worshiping the Golden Calf (Exodus 32:19), were motivated by a deep commitment to YHWH's holiness and righteousness.
II. Leadership and Mediation: Moses is renowned for his role as a mediator between God and the Israelites, often interceding on their behalf to avert divine wrath. For instance, after the incident of the Golden Calf, Moses pleaded with God to spare the Israelites (Exodus 32:11-14). Pinchas, though not initially a leader, took on a similar mediating role through his decisive action, which turned away God's anger and halted the plague (Numbers 25:11).
III. Self-Sacrifice: Both figures exhibited self-sacrifice in their service to YHWH. Pinchas was willing to forgo his own aspirations of priesthood to uphold YHWH's honor, knowing that a priest who has killed cannot bless the people (Brachos 32b). Moses, too, demonstrated self-sacrifice, often putting the needs of the Israelites above his own, as seen when he asked God to forgive their sins or blot him out of the book of life (Exodus 32:32).
IV. Divine Reward and Transformation: YHWH rewarded both Pinchas and Moses for their faithfulness and dedication. Pinchas received a covenant of peace and an everlasting priesthood (Numbers 25:12-13), transforming his zeal into a force for good. Moses, despite not entering the Promised Land, was honored as the greatest prophet and leader of Israel, with his legacy enduring through the Torah and Hebrew tradition.
V. Balance of Zeal and Humility: While both exhibited zeal, they also embodied humility. Moses is described as the most humble man on earth (Numbers 12:3), and his leadership was marked by a deep sense of humility and service. Pinchas, despite his fierce action, acted out of a selfless desire to protect the community and uphold YHWH's commandments, demonstrating a balance of zeal and humility.
VI. Serving a Higher Purpose: Both Pinchas and Moses understood that their actions were in service of a higher purpose rather than personal victory. Their zeal was directed towards advancing YHWH's kingdom and promoting righteousness, not personal glory. This perspective ensured that their actions aligned with YHWH's will and served the greater good.
VII. Distinction Between Righteous Zeal and Misguided Fervor: Both figures exemplify the distinction between righteous zeal and misguided fervor. Their actions were guided by a fervent commitment to YHWH's commands, characterized by love, wisdom, and a desire for justice. This stands in contrast to misguided fervor, which often stems from personal ambition or a desire for power, leading to harmful actions.
VIII. Discerning True Motivations: Both Pinchas and Moses demonstrated the importance of discerning true motivations behind bold actions. Their boldness was rooted in a sincere desire to serve YHWH and promote His will, preventing actions driven by personal gain or misguided intentions.
IX. Boldness and Unwavering Commitment: Their stories emphasize the significance of boldness and unwavering commitment in fulfilling YHWH's purposes. True boldness, as demonstrated by Pinchas and Moses, is rooted in a deep reliance on YHWH and His Word, enabling them to act fearlessly in the face of challenges.
X. Exceeding Human Limitations: Both figures were prepared to exceed the ordinary bounds of human limitation, applying an almost animal-like ferocity in their zeal to transcend the physical world and ascend to the spiritual. This intensity and dedication were crucial for achieving spiritual growth and fulfilling YHWH's purposes.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the parallels between Pinchas and Moses highlight their shared qualities of zeal, self-sacrifice, humility, and unwavering commitment to YHWH's commandments. Their stories serve as powerful reminders of the importance of righteous zealotry and selfless leadership in serving God and the community.
Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of Pinchas, whose righteous zeal and selfless dedication inspire us to serve You with pure hearts. Help us to discern our true motivations and align our actions with Your will. Grant us the boldness to stand firm in our faith, the wisdom to act with humility, and the love to serve our community selflessly. May our zeal always be guided by Your commandments, and may we strive to bring honor to Your name in all that we do. Bless us with the courage to exceed our limitations and the strength to pursue spiritual growth. We ask this in Your holy name. Amen.
(1) Israel's Acceptance of the Covenant with YHWH: A Leap of Faith?. https://www.thetorah.com/article/israels-acceptance-of-the-covenant-with-yhwh-a-leap-of-faith.
Why It's Good to Be Bold - Proverbs 31. https://proverbs31.org/read/devotions/full-post/2015/07/21/why-its-good-to-be-bold.
