Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the meaning of Numbers 25:8?
A: Numbers 25:8 describes the zealous act of Pinchas (Phinehas), who stopped a plague among the Israelites by taking decisive action against a public violation of Torah law. According to Rashi, Pinchas saw an Israelite man and a Midianite woman engaging in immoral behavior, which was causing divine anger. His act of zealotry halted the plague, showing that standing up for Torah values can bring divine mercy.
Q: Why was Pinchas praised for his actions in this verse?
A: Pinchas was praised because his actions demonstrated loyalty to Hashem at a time when many Israelites were sinning. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 82a) explains that Pinchas acted out of pure intentions to uphold G-d's honor, not out of personal anger. As a result, he was rewarded with the priesthood (as mentioned later in Numbers 25:12-13).
Q: How does the story of Pinchas in Numbers 25:8 apply today?
A: While we do not take physical action like Pinchas did, the lesson is about standing firm for Torah values when they are publicly violated. The Rambam (Hilchos Issurei Biah 12:5) teaches that zealotry must be guided by pure motives and only in extreme cases where Torah principles are openly desecrated. Today, we uphold Torah through peaceful means, education, and strong moral leadership.
Q: What was the plague mentioned in Numbers 25:8, and why did it stop after Pinchas' act?
A: The plague was a divine punishment because many Israelites were engaging in idolatry and immorality with the Midianites (Rashi on Numbers 25:3). Pinchas' act of stopping the public sin demonstrated repentance and restored divine justice, causing the plague to cease. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:1) explains that Pinchas' intervention turned away G-d's anger.
Q: Who was the 'man of Israel' mentioned in Numbers 25:8?
A: According to the Talmud (Sanhedrin 82a), the 'man of Israel' was Zimri, a leader from the tribe of Shimon, who publicly sinned with Kozbi, a Midianite princess. His actions were particularly severe because he was a prominent figure, making his sin a public desecration of G-d's name. Pinchas acted to prevent further corruption among the people.
Context of the Verse
This verse (Bamidbar 25:8) describes the dramatic action of Pinchas, the grandson of Aharon the Kohen, who zealously intervened to stop a plague that had struck Bnei Yisrael due to their involvement in the sin of Baal Peor. The incident occurred when a Jewish man publicly cohabited with a Midianite woman, further provoking Hashem's anger.
Pinchas's Zealous Act
Rashi (Bamidbar 25:8) explains that Pinchas remembered the halacha (Torah law) that one who cohabits with a non-Jewish woman is liable to death at the hands of zealots. The term "hakubah" (the chamber) refers to the tent where the sinful act took place. Pinchas executed both the Jewish man (Zimri ben Salu) and the Midianite woman (Cozbi bat Zur) with a single thrust of his spear, demonstrating his precision and divine inspiration.
Stopping the Plague
The Talmud (Sanhedrin 82b) elaborates that Pinchas's act of zealotry was justified because the Jewish people were in a state of national crisis, and the leaders were paralyzed in taking action. The plague ceased immediately after Pinchas's intervention, showing that his deed was ratified by Heaven. Rambam (Hilchos Issurei Biah 12:4) codifies this principle, stating that under specific conditions, a zealot may act to uphold Torah law in such extreme cases.
Symbolism of the Spear
The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:25) notes that Pinchas's spear miraculously pierced both individuals at once, a supernatural sign that his actions were divinely sanctioned. The phrase "el kovatah" (through her belly) is interpreted by some commentators as emphasizing that the woman was the primary instigator of the sin, as she was sent by the Midianites to seduce the Jewish people.
Lessons from the Incident