Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Background and Lineage: Phinehas was a prominent figure in the Old Testament, known for his zealousness for God's holiness. He was the son of Eleazar and the grandson of Aaron, the first high priest of Israel (Exodus 6:25). As a member of the Levitical priesthood, Phinehas played a significant role in the spiritual leadership of Israel. Zeal for God's Holiness: Phinehas is most renowned for his decisive action during the incident at Peor, as recorded in Numbers 25. When the Israelites began to engage in idolatry and immorality with the Moabite women, God's anger was kindled against them. In response, Phinehas took a spear and executed an Israelite man and a Midianite woman who were flagrantly sinning, thus halting a plague that had already claimed 24,000 lives. The Lord commended Phinehas for his zeal, saying, "Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned My wrath away from the Israelites, for he was zealous for My zeal among them, so that I did not consume the Israelites in My zeal" (Numbers 25:11). As a result, God made a covenant of peace with him, promising that his descendants would have a lasting priesthood (Numbers 25:12-13). Role in the Conquest of Canaan: Phinehas continued to serve as a leader during the conquest of Canaan. He was involved in the distribution of the land among the tribes of Israel and played a key role in maintaining the spiritual integrity of the nation. In Joshua 22, when a potential conflict arose between the tribes east of the Jordan and the rest of Israel, Phinehas led a delegation to investigate the situation. His diplomatic and spiritual leadership helped to avert a civil war by clarifying the intentions of the eastern tribes, who had built an altar as a witness to their shared faith in the Lord. Later Leadership and Legacy: Phinehas's influence extended into the period of the Judges. He is mentioned in Judges 20:28 as serving before the Ark of the Covenant during a time of national crisis, indicating his continued role in guiding Israel spiritually. His legacy is one of fervent commitment to God's commands and the purity of worship among the Israelites. Significance in Biblical Theology: Phinehas's actions at Peor are often cited as an example of righteous indignation and the importance of upholding God's holiness. His account underscores the seriousness with which God views idolatry and immorality and highlights the role of the priesthood in leading the people in covenant faithfulness. The covenant of peace granted to Phinehas and his descendants serves as a testament to God's reward for those who are zealous for His name. References in Scripture: · Numbers 25: The account of Phinehas's zealous act and God's covenant of peace. · Joshua 22: Phinehas's role in resolving the altar dispute. · Judges 20:28: Phinehas's service during the time of the Judges. Phinehas remains a figure of devotion and zeal, exemplifying the call to uphold God's standards in the face of cultural and spiritual challenges. His life and actions continue to inspire those who seek to live faithfully according to God's Word. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary Phinehasbold aspect; face of trust or protection Smith's Bible Dictionary Phinehas(mouth of brass).
ATS Bible Dictionary Phinehas1. Son of Elezar, and grandson of Aaron the high priest. His zealous an decided character was shown in the prompt execution of he profligate prince of Judah, and his companion a woman of Midian, in the plains of Moab, Numbers 25:1-17. For this bold and timely service, the high priesthood was secured to his family, also remaining faithful; and except during an interval from Eli to Zadok, his posterity were at the head of the priesthood till the destruction of the temple. Phinehas led the host of Israel in the subsequent battle with the Midianites, Numbers 31:6 Psalm 106:30-31. He was at the head of the deputation sent to remonstrate with the tribes beyond the Jordan respecting the altar they had erected, Joshua 22:5-34. During the life of his father, he was superintendent of the Levites, Numbers 3:32; and afterwards became the high priest, the will of God, as to the punishment of the men of Gibeash, Jud 20:28. 2. A son of Eli the high priest. See HOPHNI. Easton's Bible Dictionary Mouth of brass, or from old Egypt. (1.) Son of Eleazar, the high priest (Exodus 6:25). While yet a youth he distinguished himself at Shittim by his zeal against the immorality into which the Moabites had tempted the people (Numbers 25:1-9), and thus "stayed the plague" that had broken out among the people, and by which twenty-four thousand of them perished. For his faithfulness on that occasion he received the divine approbation (10-13). He afterwards commanded the army that went out against the Midianites (31:6-8). When representatives of the people were sent to expostulate with the two and a half tribes who, just after crossing Jordan, built an altar and departed without giving any explanation, Phinehas was their leader, and addressed them in the words recorded in Joshua 22:16-20. Their explanation follows. This great altar was intended to be all ages only a witness that they still formed a part of Israel. Phinehas was afterwards the chief adviser in the war with the Benjamites. He is commemorated in Psalm 106:30, 31. (see ED.) (2.) One of the sons of Eli, the high priest (1 Samuel 1:3; 2:12). He and his brother Hophni were guilty of great crimes, for which destruction came on the house of Eli (31). He died in battle with the Philistines (1 Samuel 4:4, 11); and his wife, on hearing of his death, gave birth to a son, whom she called "Ichabod," and then she died (19-22). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia HOPHNI AND PHINEHAShof'-ni, fin'-e-as, -az (chophni, "pugilist" (?), pinechac, probably "face of brass"): Sons of Eli, priests of the sanctuary at Shiloh. Their character was wicked enough to merit the double designation "sons of Eli" and (the King James Version) "sons of Belial" (the Revised Version, margin "base men," 1 Samuel 2:12). Their evil practices are described (1 Samuel 2:12-17). Twice is Eli warned concerning them, once by an unknown prophet (1 Samuel 2:27) and again by the lips of the young Samuel (1 Samuel 3:11-18). The curse fell at the battle of Aphek (1 Samuel 4:1-18) at which the brothers were slain, the ark was taken and the disaster occurred which caused Eli's death. Phinehas was father of the posthumous Ichabod, whose name marks the calamity (see ICHABOD). A remoter sequel to the prophetic warnings is seen in the deposition of Abiathar, of the house of Eli, from the priestly office (1 Kings 2:26, 27, 35). PHINEHAS fin'-e-as, -az, fin'-e-has, -haz (pinechac, "mouth of brass"): Strong's Hebrew 350. I-kabod -- "inglorious," a son of PhinehasI-kabod. 349, 350. I-kabod. 351 . "inglorious," a son of Phinehas. Transliteration: I-kabod Phonetic Spelling: (ee-kaw-bode') Short Definition: Ichabod. ... /hebrew/350.htm - 6k 6372. Pinechas -- three Israelites Library Exile: Appeals for a Phinehas, and a Jehu: 1554 Religious Zeal. Appendix viii. Rabbinic Traditions About Elijah, the Forerunner of ... Faithlessness and Defeat Synagogues in the City; and Schools. There have Come to Me Ransomers from among the Saints, but None ... Of the Birth of John, and of his Alleged Identity with Elijah. Of ... Of those Things which a Man of God Spake by the Spirit to Eli the ... Numbers Is God in the Camp? Thesaurus Phinehas (24 Occurrences)... to expostulate with the two and a half tribes who, just after crossing Jordan, built an altar and departed without giving any explanation, Phinehas was their ... /p/phinehas.htm - 20k Phin'ehas (24 Occurrences) Abishua (5 Occurrences) Gibeath (2 Occurrences) Hophni (5 Occurrences) Phinees Elea'zar (72 Occurrences) Gadites (32 Occurrences) Zimri (16 Occurrences) Eli (36 Occurrences) Resources Who was Eli in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy was the altar in Joshua 22:10 34 such a big deal? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jacob give Joseph a coat of many colors? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Phinehas (24 Occurrences)Exodus 6:25 Numbers 25:7 Numbers 25:11 Numbers 31:6 Joshua 22:13 Joshua 22:30 Joshua 22:31 Joshua 22:32 Joshua 24:33 Judges 20:28 1 Samuel 1:3 1 Samuel 2:34 1 Samuel 4:4 1 Samuel 4:11 1 Samuel 4:17 1 Samuel 4:19 1 Samuel 14:3 1 Chronicles 6:4 1 Chronicles 6:50 1 Chronicles 9:20 Ezra 7:5 Ezra 8:2 Ezra 8:33 Psalms 106:30 Subtopics Phinehas: Chief of the Korahite Levites Phinehas: Inheritance Allotted To Phinehas: Mediator in Behalf of the People Phinehas: Religious Zeal of, in Killing the Israelitish Woman Who had Committed Abomination Phinehas: Sent to Sound the Trumpets in the Battle With the Midianites Related Terms |