Portion Summary for Pinchas
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Parashat Pinchas is the forty-first weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. It spans from Numbers 25:10 to Numbers 29:40. It derives its name from Pinchas, the grandson of Aaron, who took a zealous stand for God and ended a plague that had struck the Israelites due to their idolatrous behavior. This portion also encompasses subsequent events that set the stage for the Israelites’ imminent conquest of the promised land.
Highlights from Parashat Pinchas include:
- God’s Reward for Pinchas’ Zeal (Numbers 25:10-15): In the previous portion, Pinchas witnesses an Israelite man openly defying God’s commandments by bringing a Midianite woman into his tent. Filled with righteous zeal, Pinchas takes a spear and kills both of them, effectively stopping the plague. In Parashat Pinchas, God rewards Pinchas for his zealousness by granting him a covenant of peace and assuring him of a perpetual priesthood.
New Testament Verse (related to zeal for purging sinful behaviors): “For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. ‘Purge the evil person from among you.'” – 1 Corinthians 5:12-13
2. The Second Census of the Israelites (Numbers 26:1-65): After the plague, God instructs Moses and Eleazar, the priest, to conduct a new census of the Israelites, which reveals a total count of 601,730 eligible males for military service (Numbers 26:51). Despite the numerous rebellions of the Israelites, this count indicates a small decrease in population, a testament to God’s mercy.
New Testament Verse (related to counting): “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.” – Matthew 10:29-30
3. The Daughters of Zelophehad (Numbers 27:1-11): The daughters of Zelophehad, who had no brothers, petition Moses and the leaders of Israel to inherit their father’s portion in the Promised Land. God confirms their right to inherit the land, establishing a new law for cases where there are no male heirs.
New Testament Verse (related to women striving for something good): “But one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:42
4. Joshua Appointed as Moses’ Successor (Numbers 27:12-23): Moses, aware that he will not enter the Promised Land, asks God to appoint a leader over the community. God instructs Moses to lay his hands on Joshua, a man full of the Spirit, and commission him as his successor.
New Testament Verse (related to leadership): “But the greatest among you shall be your servant.” – Matthew 23:11
5. Various Sacrifices (Numbers 28-29): The last two chapters of Parashat Pinchas provide detailed instructions regarding the various sacrifices that the Israelites were to offer at specific times, such as the daily sacrifices, the Sabbath sacrifices, the monthly sacrifices, and the festival sacrifices.
New Testament Verse (related to sacrifices): “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” – Romans 12:1