Phinehas, the son of Eleazar and grandson of Aaron, is a prominent figure in the Old Testament, known for his zealousness for the Lord and his role in significant events concerning the Israelites. One of the notable episodes involving Phinehas is his participation in the battle against the Midianites, as recorded in the Book of Numbers.

Background and Context

The Midianites had led the Israelites into sin through the counsel of Balaam, resulting in idolatry and immorality (Numbers 25:1-3). This provoked the Lord's anger, and a plague struck the Israelites. Phinehas distinguished himself by taking decisive action to stop the plague, earning him a covenant of peace and a perpetual priesthood (Numbers 25:6-13).

The Battle With the Midianites

In Numbers 31, the Lord commands Moses to take vengeance on the Midianites for their role in leading Israel into sin. Moses instructs the Israelites to arm themselves for war, selecting a thousand men from each tribe to form an army of twelve thousand. Phinehas is chosen to accompany them, not as a warrior, but as a spiritual leader and representative of the priesthood.

Role of Phinehas

Phinehas's role in the battle is significant. He is sent with the holy articles and the trumpets for signaling (Numbers 31:6). The presence of Phinehas with these sacred items underscores the spiritual dimension of the conflict. The trumpets, in particular, are instruments of divine communication, used to signal movements in battle and to invoke the Lord's presence and favor (Numbers 10:9).

The inclusion of Phinehas in this military campaign highlights the intertwining of religious and military leadership in Israel. His presence signifies that the battle is not merely a physical confrontation but a divine mandate to execute God's judgment on the Midianites.

Outcome and Aftermath

The Israelites, under the leadership of Phinehas and the commanders, achieve a decisive victory over the Midianites. They kill all the male combatants, including the five kings of Midian, and Balaam, who had counseled the Midianites against Israel (Numbers 31:7-8). The spoils of war are brought back, and the Lord instructs Moses and Eleazar to divide them among the warriors and the congregation, with a portion dedicated to the Lord (Numbers 31:25-30).

Phinehas's involvement in the battle against the Midianites reinforces his role as a zealous defender of God's holiness and a leader who bridges the sacred and the secular. His actions in this episode, as in others, demonstrate his commitment to upholding the covenant and ensuring the purity of Israel's worship and conduct.Numbers 31:6
And Moses sent them to the war, a thousand of every tribe, them and Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, to the war, with the holy instruments, and the trumpets to blow in his hand.
Nave's Topical Index

The Form and Spirit of Religion
... "Hold fast the form of sound words," said ... They then sent it through their cities,
and they were smitten ... Hophni and Phinehas are slain, and so must every priest ...
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