“And he shall have it, and his seed after him, even the covenant of an everlasting priesthood; because he was zealous for his God, and made an atonement for the children of Israel.”
And it shall be to him and to his descendants after him the covenant of an everlasting priesthood, because he was jealous for his God and made atonement for the children of Israel — The 'everlasting priesthood' ensures that Phinehas's line will hold priestly prerogative in perpetuity (though this is later challenged in 1 Samuel 2:27-36 when Samuel announces that God will raise up a faithful priest). Phinehas is explicitly credited with making 'atonement' (kippur), the core priestly function. His zealous action functions as a substitute atonement, stopping the plague and restoring covenant standing. His example becomes the model for covenantal faithfulness.
COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS
Publish a note on this verse
0/2000
No notes on this verse yet. Be the first to write one!