TORAH STUDIES: LINKING SCRIPTURES

TORAH WEEK 41 PINCHAS

41-Torah-Week - Pinchas - פִּינְחָס

Portion Summary

The Torah portion Pinchas (Phinehas) is named after the son of Eleazar and grandson of Aaron the Levite priest. This portion begins with YHVH commending Pinchas for his zealousness, which stopped a plague among the Israelites. In recognition, YHVH grants Pinchas and his descendants a covenant of shalom, ensuring the priesthood remains in their lineage (Numbers 25:10-13).

In Pinchas, YHVH also commands a second census of the Israelites and addresses issues of inheritance, highlighting the plea of Zelophehad's daughters. YHVH instructs Moses to appoint Joshua as his successor, preparing for the Israelites' entrance into the Promised Land. This portion also details the regular sacrifices and special offerings for the appointed festivals, establishing the ongoing worship framework for Israel.

TORAH:
Numbers 25:10 – YHVH grants Pinchas a covenant of peace for his zealousness.
Numbers 26:1 – A second census of the Israelites.
Numbers 27:1-12 – The case of Zelophehad's daughters and the laws of inheritance.
Numbers 28:1-26 – Offerings for regular worship and appointed festivals.
Numbers 29:1-12 – Instructions for additional sacrifices.
Numbers 30:1 – Vows made by individuals.
Numbers 31:15-16 – Reminder of Israel's past transgressions with Moab.
Deuteronomy 4:3-4 – Warning against idolatry, as in Baal Peor incident.

TARGUMS:
Numbers 10 – Clarifications on priestly responsibilities and worship.

NEVI'EM:
Jeremiah 1:1-2:3 – YHVH's calling of Jeremiah and His faithfulness to Israel.
Isaiah 66:19-21 – YHVH's gathering of the nations and priests' selection.
Ezekiel 23:30 – Punishment due to idolatry and forsaking YHVH.
Ezekiel 18:4-24 – Justice of YHVH and personal responsibility for sin.
Isaiah 30:1 – Warning against rebellious plans not aligned with YHVH.
Hosea 14:2 – Call for repentance and return to YHVH.
Micah 6:6-8 – What YHVH requires: justice, mercy, and humility.
Zechariah 14:16-19 – Nations worshiping YHVH during Sukkot.

WRITINGS:
Psalms 119:18 – Request for YHVH to open the eyes to His wondrous laws.
Psalms 110:4 – Promise of a priesthood forever.
Proverbs 16:31 – Gray hair is a crown of glory for the righteous.
Joshua 22:16-18 – Warning against turning from YHVH.
Psalms 106:28-31 – Summary of the sin at Baal Peor and Pinchas's action.
Psalms 127:3-5 – Blessings of children as heritage from YHVH.
Proverbs 3:4-5 – Trust in YHVH with all your heart.
Psalms 51:16-17 – YHVH desires a contrite spirit over sacrifices.
Psalms 119:108 – Freewill offerings of praise.
Hosea 6:6 – YHVH desires mercy over sacrifice.
1 Samuel 15:22 – Obedience is better than sacrifice.
1 Kings 18-19 – Elijah's zeal and journey, similar to Pinchas's dedication.

GOSPEL AND EPISTLES:
John 2:13-22 – Y'shua's zeal for the temple.
Revelation 2:12-20 – Warning against Balaam's teachings and idolatry.
Revelation 14:1-4 – The redeemed, pure followers of YHVH.

APOCRYPHA:
1 Maccabees 2:49-64 – Account of Mattathias's zeal, reminiscent of Pinchas.
Jasher 54:89-99 – Details on laws and moral guidance.
1 Esdras 3-4 – Wisdom and rulership, symbolizing dedication to YHVH.Key Themes in Pinchas:

Zeal for Holiness:
Pinchas's bold action reflects a commitment to holiness and purity within Israel. His act of zeal stops the plague and upholds YHVH's standard against idolatry and immorality.