| "I hereby grant Pinchas My covenant of peace. It shall be for him and his descendants after him a covenant of eternal priesthood..." (BaMidbar 25)
When members of Klal Yisrael fell into grave immorality with the daughters of Moav, a plague broke out among the people. Pinchas halted the devastation by zealously slaying Zimri and Kosbi, who were flagrantly defying HaShem's will. In response, HaShem rewarded Pinchas with a covenant of peace and an eternal bond with the Kehunah (priesthood).
The Tomer Devorah teaches: “Pinchas merited the Kehunah because he acted with kindness toward HaShem.” At first glance, this seems puzzling. Was not Pinchas’ act one of strict judgment, rather than kindness?
The answer lies in a deeper understanding of Divine kindness. Sin acts as a barrier, blocking HaShem’s blessings from descending into the world. As long as Klal Yisrael remained mired in immorality, HaShem’s compassion was withheld. By removing the source of the sin, Pinchas reopened the channels of Divine blessing. His act, though severe, was motivated by love for HaShem and concern for the nation. Just as the Kohen’s sacred service draws down heavenly mercy, so too did Pinchas’ zealousness clear the way for HaShem’s compassion to flow once more.
To counteract a pervasive and destructive sin, Pinchas was required to take extreme action. In those earlier generations, such zealousness was permitted only to rare individuals of extraordinary purity and intention. Today, while we are not permitted to act as Pinchas did, we still have the ability—and the obligation—to perform chesed (kindness) for HaShem and His creations. By helping others return to HaShem through Teshuvah, we, too, reopen the gates of blessing and bring Divine light into the world.
Today: Picture Avraham Avinu, tirelessly spreading the knowledge of HaShem and teaching compassion and righteousness. Reflect on the fact that every soul you bring closer to Torah reveals more of the Shechinah in the world. In doing so, you walk in the footsteps of Pinchas and Avraham—restoring harmony between heaven and earth. (Based on Tomer Devorah by Rav Moshe Cordovero, Chapter Five)
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