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“See, I am making with him a covenant of shalom! It will be for him and his descendants after him a covenant of an everlasting priesthood—because he was zealous for his G’d and atoned for Bnei-Yisrael.” Numbers 25:11-12, Tree of Life Version As background to the narrative, the people began to commit harlotry with the daughters of Moab (Numbers 25:1, JPS). The daughters of Moab had been sent by Balak, upon the recommendation of Balaam, to seduce the men of Israel. They fell prey to licentiousness and idolatry; hence; The anger of the L’RD was kindled against Israel (Numbers 25:3, JPS). His judgment was in the form of a plague that took the lives of 24,000 Israelites. When Zimri and Cozbi became an affront to all of the nation, only Pinchas stood up, to remedy the situation. His act of zealousness for his G’d, was rewarded with an eternal covenant of peace. Moreover, the Torah indicates that Pinchas made atonement for the children of Israel; the Talmud records that his atonement is everlasting. Pinchas may be seen as a type of the Messiah; in other words, certain characteristics foreshadow or point towards the role of Messiah. For example, his act was one of mesiras nefesh, self-sacrifice, literally, to give up your soul. Pinchas risked his life for the sake of the kedushah (holiness) of Israel, despite the dissent of the people, and the potential threat of Zimri’s relatives to avenge him; he put his life on the line. “The Holy One, blessed be He said to Moses, ‘Be the first to extend a greeting of peace to him,’ as it is written, wherefore say, Behold, I give unto him my covenant of peace; and this atonement [that Phinehas has made] is worthy of being an everlasting atonement.” – Sanhedrin 82b Pinchas is given an everlasting priesthood, which means in the literal sense, one that continues throughout his generations. And, indeed, it is recorded elsewhere that the Kohein Gadol was from his lineage throughout the first and second Temple periods. Yet, from a hyper-literal reading, it sounds as if Pinchas himself is given a priesthood that lasts for eternity. This understanding points toward the priesthood given to Moshiach (Messiah) : “The L’RD hath sworn, and will not repent: ‘Thou art a priest for ever after the manner of Melchizedek’” (Psalm 110:4, JPS). As is further written, about Moshiach (Messiah): “Because he lives forever, his position as cohen does not pass on to someone else; and consequently, he is totally able to deliver those who approach G’d through him; since he is alive forever and thus forever able to intercede on their behalf” (Hebrews 7:24-25, Complete Jewish Bible). “Therefore, let us confidently approach the throne from which G’d gives grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16, Complete Jewish Bible