This week’s Torah portion “Pinchas”, is very perplexing.
Last week we read in Parashah “Balak” how Bilam wanted to curse the Jewish people, but only blessings would come out of his mouth. At the end he realizes that the only way to get the Jews to be cursed is if they fall into idol worship and promiscuity. The King Balak and other very high ranking people of Midian decide to send their beautiful daughters to incite the Jewish men and get them to worship their idol Peor. Sadly many fall into the trap and a plague erupts killing 24,000 of the Jewish men that were involved in this despicable act. Zimri Ben Salu a distinguished Prince of the tribe of Shimon took Cozbi, a Midianite princess and started publicly displaying his affection towards her in a very promiscuous manner and started worshipping her idol. No one remembered what was the law in a case like this . Pinchas in a moment of zealousness towards G-d took his spade and killed them in the act. By doing this the plague stopped.
Because of this G-d gave the gift of priesthood not only for himself but to all his descendants throughout time.
Pinchas zealous action was not very popular, and taking a life is not our way. On top of it many wanted to kill him. Nevertheless, Pinchas was ready to sacrifice everything to stop the desecration of G-d’s name.
Most of the time doing the right thing is not the popular thing to do. In times of doubt it is always good to consult with a knowledgable authority of the Torah. In the case of Pinchas we can see that his sole purpose was elevated and proper for he saved many others from dying from the plague and at the end he was rewarded with the honor of being a priest.
“Live a little higher”
