David and Pinchas

There seems to be a parallel between Pinchas and King David, that is a lesson for everyone. They both were unable to tolerate a desecration of the Name of Hashem.

We see this by David in his assessment of the situation with Goliath. He sees this Philistine giant mocking G-d and the Jewish people. He said that the fear of him by the Jewish people, proves that there is no G-d in Israel.

When David heard this, he responded by asking who this uncircumcised Philisine was. This was an intolerable situation that had to be stopped. He needed to take matters in his own hand and put a stop to this terrible desecration.

Similarly, Pinchas found the Jewish people in a state of confusion. The Midianite women succeeded in getting the Jewish men to sin with them, as well as worship Avoda Zara.

The last straw was when Zimri, a head of the Tribe of Shimon, openly sinned with Kozbi, a Midianite princess. While the rest of the nation stood by silently, Pinchas needed to act with zeal in defending the honor of the Creator. His valiant, not violent act, carried with it a blessing of peace. His Kohanic descendants would live forever.

We cannot be expected to have the courage of David and Pinchas. But we must learn to be aware of situations where Hashem’s honor was made to look very small.

This very well could be a subconscious motivation of our brave and saintly soldiers. October the Seventh was a horrific Chilul Hashem. They have been fighting with so much resolve and heroism, as they wish to restore Hashem’s honor. Their devotion and love of the land and the Jewish people, will bring peace and a sanctification of the Name of Hashem.