Phinehas

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Possibly “the Nubian” or “bronze-colored” (Hebrew פִּינְחָס, Pînḥās), reflecting an Egyptian-derived name in priestly lineage.
• Period/Era: Patriarchal Period (Wilderness generation on the way to Canaan)
• Main References: Numbers 25; Numbers 31:6; Joshua 22:13–32
• Key Connections: Grandson of Aaron; son of Eleazar; linked to the “covenant of peace” and an enduring priestly line.

Who was Phinehas?

Phinehas was an Aaronic priest in Israel during the wilderness period, serving under his father Eleazar.
He is best known for his decisive action during Israel’s crisis at Peor, associated with idolatry and sexual immorality.
His zeal is presented as stopping a divine plague and securing a lasting covenant promise for his priestly house.

Key Events & Achievements

• Peor crisis intervention: Acted against an Israelite man and a Midianite woman, and the plague was halted (Numbers 25:6–9).
• Covenant granted: Received God’s “covenant of peace” and a promise of a continuing priesthood for his descendants (Numbers 25:10–13).
• Mediator in tribal conflict: Led an embassy to resolve the altar dispute with the eastern tribes and preserve unity in Israel’s worship (Joshua 22:13–32).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Phinehas is remembered for priestly zeal expressed in actions that protected Israel’s covenant fidelity and communal integrity.

Key Verse

"Therefore say, ‘Behold, I give to him my covenant of peace," — Numbers 25:12, ESV