Topical Encyclopedia Zimri, a notable figure in the Old Testament, is recognized as a chief of the tribe of Simeon. His account is primarily recounted in the Book of Numbers, where he is depicted during a critical moment in Israel's wilderness journey.Biblical Account Zimri's most significant mention occurs in Numbers 25:1-15. During Israel's encampment at Shittim, the Israelites began to engage in idolatry and immorality with the Moabite women, leading them to worship the Baal of Peor. This act of apostasy provoked the LORD's anger against Israel. In this context, Zimri, the son of Salu, is introduced as a leader among the Simeonites who flagrantly defied God's commandments. Numbers 25:6-8 describes the incident: "Just then, one of the Israelites came and brought a Midianite woman to his family in the sight of Moses and the whole congregation of Israel while they were weeping at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. On seeing this, Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, rose up from the assembly, took a spear in his hand, followed the Israelite into the tent, and drove it through both of them—the Israelite and the woman—through her belly. So the plague against the Israelites was halted." Zimri's actions, bringing a Midianite woman named Cozbi into the camp, were seen as a direct challenge to the covenantal purity that God demanded from His people. This act of defiance was met with swift judgment by Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron, whose zealous intervention stopped a divinely sent plague that had already claimed the lives of 24,000 Israelites. Theological Significance Zimri's account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of idolatry and immorality, highlighting the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant. His actions exemplify the broader theme of Israel's struggle with surrounding pagan influences and the constant call to holiness and obedience. The narrative underscores the seriousness with which God views sin, particularly when it involves leading others astray. Zimri's public sin required a public response, and Phinehas' zeal is commended by God, as seen in Numbers 25:11-13 : "Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned My wrath away from the Israelites, for he was zealous for My sake among them, so that I did not consume the Israelites in My zeal. Declare, therefore, that I grant him My covenant of peace. It will be a covenant of perpetual priesthood for him and his descendants, because he was zealous for his God and made atonement for the Israelites." Historical Context Zimri's actions must be understood within the broader context of Israel's wilderness wanderings and the constant threat of assimilation into the surrounding pagan cultures. The incident at Peor represents one of several instances where Israel's fidelity to Yahweh was tested, often with severe consequences for disobedience. Legacy While Zimri's legacy is primarily negative, serving as a warning against unfaithfulness, it also highlights the role of righteous leaders like Phinehas who stand firm in upholding God's standards. The episode at Peor is a reminder of the need for vigilance and the courage to confront sin within the community of faith. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 25:6-8,14And, behold, one of the children of Israel came and brought to his brothers a Midianitish woman in the sight of Moses, and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel, who were weeping before the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. Nave's Topical Index Library Appendix iv. An Abstract of Jewish History from the Reign of ... Demonstration vi. --Of Monks. The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources Questions about People in the Bible (All) | GotQuestions.orgOld Testament Individuals ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org Who were the kings of Israel and Judah? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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