Numbers 25:6-13
25:6 a Here another Israelite defiled himself with a foreign woman; apparently both Moabite and Midianite women had been involved in the scandal (25:1-3 b, 16-18 c; 31:1-2 d). The man’s sin was particularly brazen, as he apparently disregarded the judgment and mourning around him.• Some suggest that his tent was an unauthorized shrine associated with the worship of Yahweh, and not just Zimri’s dwelling.
Summary for Num 25:7-9: 25:7-9 e Phinehas, acting as a representative of the priestly family, killed Zimri and Cozbi with one thrust of a spear (25:7-8 f), which probably indicates that they were engaged in sexual intercourse. Phinehas’s zeal stopped the plague (25:1-3 g).
Summary for Num 25:10-13: 25:10-13 h Israel’s identity as the Lord’s people was severely threatened by their unfaithfulness on this occasion. Phinehas was as zealous as God in his pursuit of holiness and justice. As a result, Phinehas and his descendants were granted a special status; God made a special covenant of peace with Phinehas, and qualified men in his family inherited a permanent right to the priesthood (cp. Mal 2:5 i). This unconditional covenant was similar to that extended to David (see Jer 33:19-22 j).
25:13 k The deaths of Zimri and Cozbi helped to purify Israel from its sin; Phinehas’s act had atoning value (see study note on Lev 1:4).
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