Of anger and the reward of a Covenant of Peace

Moshe Rabbeinu’s accomplishments are legendary, his leadership was extraordinary, and his intellect was nearly unparalleled. Moreover, the level of nevuah he achieved was different in kind and degree than any other prophet who ever lived. As the Torah states: “There never arose another prophet amongst the Jewish people like Moshe, to whom Hashem revealed Himself face to face.” (Devarim 34:10).

Rabbi Baruch ha-Levi Epstein (1860-1942) explains that there was one objective that Moshe did not realize which Pinchas was able to achieve: “Behold, I [Hashem] give to him [Pinchas] my Covenant of Peace” (Bamidbar 25:12).

“But the matter should, however, be explained in the following manner,” writes Rav Epstein. “There was a fundamental difference that obtained between Moshe’s and Pinchas’ ability to remove Hashem’s anger [from upon the Jewish people]. Moshe was able to remove Hashem’s anger for a limited time, and there remained, so to speak, in Hashem’s heart (mind) a grievance against the Jewish people. …  Peace such as this cannot be called true and absolute peace. The removal of Hashem’s anger in regard to Pinchas, however, was a complete and total removal of anger [that continues to last]. Therefore, Pinchas merited the just reward [of the Covenant of Peace].”

In sum, Pinchas was able to bring about a total and permanent peace between Hashem and His people that was free of any future recriminations and punishments. This is something that escaped even Moshe Rabbeinu’s grasp. Yet, why did this difference obtain?

I believe the Torah provides an answer: “When he [Pinchas] displayed the anger that I [Hashem] should have displayed.” (Bamidbar 25:11, per Rashi’s second gloss). Herein, Pinchas acted as Hashem’s messenger in expressing His legitimate anger. He channeled Hashem’s fury in response to the vulgar immorality and idol worship undertaken by many of the men with the women of Moab.

In this sense, Pinchas was a zealot who was totally devoted to Hashem. His entire being merged with Hashem’s righteous anger in his desire to execute the Almighty’s will.

Paradoxically, Pinchas received the Covenant of Peace after having brought about total peace between Hashem and klal Yisrael, precisely because of the righteous anger he expressed on behalf of the Almighty. In this way, he served as a protective force and bridged the chasm between Hashem and the Jewish people and guarded His holy Torah and mitzvot.

(As spiritually heroic as Pinchas’ zealotry was, however, it must be stressed that this was permissible solely at this unique time and may never be repeated.)

With Hashem’s help, may we strive to emulate Pinchas’ love and devotion to the Holy One blessed be He, and may we ever dedicate ourselves to His Torah and mitzvot. V’chane yihi ratzon.