Phinehas

Overview

• Testament: Old
• Role: Priest, son of Eleazar and grandson of Aaron
• Family: Son of Eleazar, grandson of Aaron
• Key Books: Numbers, Joshua, Judges

Biography

Phinehas is remembered for zeal in stopping Israel’s sin at Baal-peor, for which the LORD grants him a covenant of peace and continuing priesthood. In Joshua, he helps investigate the altar built by the eastern tribes and receives their explanation before civil war breaks out.

Key Events

• Baal Peor — Acts zealously to stop covenant rebellion
• Eastern Tribes Return — Leads the inquiry into the altar by the Jordan
• Death of Eleazar — Continues the priestly line after Eleazar

Relationships

• Eleazar — Father
• Aaron — Grandfather
• Joshua (Son of Nun) — Contemporary leader in the conquest generation

Important Verses

“Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, hath turned my wrath away…” — Numbers 25:11

Cross-References

• Mentioned in: Numbers, Joshua, Judges

Notes

Phinehas combines priestly zeal with careful investigation, especially in Joshua 22.