Beth Elohim Messianic Synagogue
Parashah #41: Pinchas B’midbar (Numbers) 25:10-30:1
Haftarah: M’lakhim Alef (1 Kings) 18:46-19:21
B’rit Chadashah: 1 Corinthians 5:6-8; 16:8
Let’s examine commentary on this parashah from the Zohar, which renders a kabbalistic interpretation of Pinchas, his character, and actions. In the kabbalistic paradigm, if someone is zealous for YHVH, even though he may not be considered “great” in the scheme of social status or according to other earthly “standards,” the individual may achieve greatness far beyond that designated by man. Although Pinchas was in the priestly line of Aharon, he did not stand out otherwise. That is until he unreservedly demonstrated his zeal for G-d and his hatred for idolatry. Recall in the last parashah that the Israelites were “…whoring with the women of Mo’av. These women invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods where the people ate and bowed down to their gods. With Israel thus joined to Ba’al P’or, the anger of Adonai blazed up against Israel (Num. 251-3).
G-d specifically states that Pinchas was “as zealous as I am” (Num. 25:10). Pinchas’ swift action to avenge Adonai and His Laws, earned him and his descendants a perpetual reward/blessing, the magnitude of which he had no idea before he took such a chance by killing a fellow Israelite and his Midianite whore.
This sequence of events presents a significant learning opportunity for believers today. Our zeal for G-d should be contained within the confines of G-d’s Torah. In the case of Pinchas, it would seem that he went outside these limits by committing “murder.” However, we must first acknowledge that we do not have the mind of G-d and cannot “see” the complete picture behind one’s actions. Secondly, we must employ the concept of Kal v’chomer “light and heavy.” This method argues from the lesser to the greater situation which is often called the “how much more” argument. This method of argument was developed by Hillel in the 1st Century and was often used by Yahshua. Some scriptural references include Hebrews 7:7 “And without doubt the lesser is blessed by the greater,” Luke 23:31 where Yahshua stated “if they do these things in the green wood, what will be done in the dry?” Consistent with this concept is Matthew 6:26-28; “Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?… consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if G-d clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?”
Yahshua also taught the importance of kal v’chomer as it related to Shabbat. The traditional rabbinical fence that is built around G-d’s Torah is such that the original intent of Shabbat is often lost in the forest of additional laws and/or attempts to live and teach the letter of the law without the spirit of G-d’s Laws. One of the best examples is found in Matthew chapter 12 where the Pharisees openly condemned Yahshua’s disciples for “harvesting” corn on the Sabbath. The real issue was their concern over the fact that the disciples had not washed their hands before eating and that “harvesting” on Shabbat was considered desecration of Shabbat by “working.” There are 39 types of “work’ prohibited in rabbinic Judaism that are based on the types of work done in the construction of the Temple. So as we trace the complaints of the religious leaders of the time back to their source, we find that there is a disparity between what the Orthodoxy prohibits on Shabbat, and what YHVH/Yahshua prohibits on Shabbat. We are to do no kind of work (Exodus 20:8-11). Yahshua makes it very clear that that emergent situations preclude the “no work” mandate. Several examples He provides the Pharisees, and his disciples are found in Matthew 12 describing the importance of arranging our priorities according to the concepts taught in G-d’s Torah. Let’s apply these concepts to today’s world. We most likely will not have a sheep or ox that falls into a ditch, but we or someone with whom we have contact at the moment of an accident may need immediate care or transport to a medical facility. Yahshua described the concept of “lesser to the greater” in this context as understanding that life takes priority yet does not contradict His Torah. Doing no work but assisting someone or ourselves in an emergent situation does not fall outside of G-d’s Laws. Another less obvious situation that applies is when you or someone goes to the Emergency Room or Urgent Care clinic and receives a prescription. Knowing we are not permitted to buy or sell on Shabbat does not preclude us from purchasing the needed medicine. This is the heart of Kal v’chomer. It is not a means by which we can make excuses to work or participate in activities we know are prohibited in G-d’s Torah such as what the Pharisees were trying to do with the corn-picking incident. But it should give us pause when someone does something that appears to be prohibited to defer judgment to G-d, who is the only True and Rightful Judge.
This takes us back to Pinchas. He obviously killed to people. He was zealous for G-d and his Laws, but this zealousness was not uncontrolled or driven by his human nature. Pinchas’ focus and priority was G-d, His Laws, and the blatant desecration by a fellow Israelite and a Midianite whore. G-d rewarded his open zealousness with the high priesthood for himself and his descendants. Although it is a rule that a priest who kills a human being becomes disqualified for the priesthood and by this standard, Pinchas should have been disqualified. Yet, G-d, using the concept of kal v’chomer, granted Pinchas and his descendants the priesthood in perpetuity because of his complete commitment to G-d. As I mentioned before, we must learn to discern between righteous zealousness for G-d and His Word and charismatic, soulish behaviors touted as “zealousness” for G-d. “The proof is in the pudding” and it is not difficult for those attuned to G-d’s Torah to identify counterfeit zealousness exhibited by many who attend religious services that have nothing to do with teaching and living G-d’s Torah/instructions. In such institutions, the goal is to build membership, collect more money, and teach false doctrines. This truth is clearly described in G-d’s Torah, one of the first incidents described in the narrative of Nadav and Avihu who attempted to offer unauthorized fire to G-d. I entreat you to read this narrative and carefully consider the result (Leviticus 10).
In Romans 10:2 Sha’ul (Paul) also addressed the danger of uncontrolled or misplaced zealousness for G-d and his Torah. In this case, the Jews to whom he was referring had a zeal for G-d, but it was not based on knowledge. The rabbinical Jews were trying to establish their own form of righteousness, so they do not submit to G-d’s righteousness. They miss the entire other half of G-d’s Torah whereby compassion in executing the Laws (of G-d and not man) is absent. By neglecting to read and study the B’rit Chadashah (Refreshed, renewed Covenant), they remain “stuck” in rabbinic law and tradition that in some cases contradicts G-d’s Torah. This situation will not be resolved until the fullness of the Gentiles is come in (Rom. 11:25). We must ever be aware of HaSatan’s continual efforts to pull believers away from G-d or otherwise ruin their lifestyle testimony. A true zealousness for G-d and His Torah is an honorable and pleasant attribute that glorifies His Name and contributes to making His Name known among the nations. But unbridled and misplaced zeal that is not consistent with G-d’s Torah and biblical concepts found in G-d’s Torah will avail those who are deceived into thinking it is of G-d will suffer G-d’s judgement either in this world, the world to come, or both. May we have ears to hear, a mind to internalize, and a heart/zeal to act upon G-d’s Torah/Laws/Instructions for His glory, as did Pinchas.
Haftarah: M’lakhim Alef (1 Kings) 18:46-19:21
Pinchas is acknowledged as the first zealot if Israel. In this Haftarah, we learn that this quality still exists within B’nai Yisra’el and is one of the characteristics of a great prophet. As Eliyahu (Elijah) 19:10, 14 reads: I have indeed been very zealous for Adonai, the G-d of armies: because the people of Israel have abandoned your covenant, broken down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword.” Elijah echoed the same sentiment and motivation for his zealous act as did Phineas.
This raises another very important point: We are to be zealous for the L-rd, but with knowledge and wisdom; not out of a rebellious, anti-Torah attitude. There is a huge difference between the two. Sh’aul addresses this very issue in Romans 10:2 “Brothers, (he is speaking to the Messianic community in Rome) my heart’s deepest desire and my prayer to G-d for Israel is for their salvation; for I can testify to their zeal for G-d. But it is not based on correct understanding; for, since they are unaware of G-d’s way of making people righteous as instead seek to set up their own, they have not submitted themselves to G-d’s way of making people righteous.” Similarly, we must remember that it is not by might nor power, but by my Sprit says the L-rd (Zech. 4:6). This is to say that the answer for what is happening in our country today should be met with prayer, fasting when we are led, studying, internalizing, and living Torah. Yahshua spent much time teaching his talmidim (disciples) then and us now how to prepare for what is to come. The Torah (instructions) from G-d is ALL we need. Let us not confuse zealous acts by men such as Elijah and Pinchas with many of the current movements spearheaded by those who know nothing of G-d and his Torah and think we can promote righteousness through the sword.
B’rit Chadashah: 1 Corinthians 5:6-8; 16:8
I encourage the reader to study sections in this parashah that were not covered today, including regulations regarding the designated times of G-d. These are found in Chapters 28-9 of Numbers.
From this reading in the B’rit Chadashah, we are reminded that we have a new nature, that we must embark on a “race” to purge ourselves of our human nature and live for our G-d with the new nature granted us through Yahshua’s sacrifice. We must prayerfully and humbly study G-d’s Word, having ears to hear and a heart that longs for a life of truth and purity. Many complain that this cannot be accomplished but G-d states otherwise (Deut. 30:12; Matt. 11:30).
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Tamah Davis-Hart