Phinehas
PHINEHAS
1. Son of Elezar, and grandson of Aaron the high priest. His zealous an decided character was shown in the prompt execution of he profligate prince of Judah, and his companion a woman of Midian, in the plains of Moab, Num 25:1-17 . For this bold and timely service, the high priesthood was secured to his family, also remaining faithful; and except during an interval from Eli to Zadok, his posterity were at the head of the priesthood till the destruction of the temple. Phinehas led the host of Israel in the subsequent battle with the Midianites, Num 31:6 Psa 106:30-31 . He was at the head of the deputation sent to remonstrate with the tribes beyond the Jordan respecting the altar they had erected, Jos 22:5-34 . During the life of his father, he was superintendent of the Levites, Num 3:32 ; and afterwards became the high priest, the will of God, as to the punishment of the men of Gibeash, Jdg 20:28 .2. A son of Eli the high priest. See HOPHNI.
Fuente: American Tract Society Bible Dictionary
Phinehas
(Heb. Pinechas’, , mouth of brass [Gesen.], or of utterance [Furst]; Sept. v.r. ; Josephus, ), the name of two or three Hebrews.
1. Son of Eleazar and grandson of Aaron (Exo 6:25). His mother is recorded as one of the daughters of Pntiel, an unknown person, who is identified by the rabbins with Jethro the Midianite (Targ. Pseudoj)on. on Exo 6:25; Wagenseil, Sota, 8:6). Phinehas is memorable for having while quite a youth, by his zeal and energy at the critical moment of the licentious idolatry of Shittim, appeased the divine wrath and put a stop to the plague which was destroying the nation (Num 25:7). B.C. 1619. For this he was rewarded by the special approbation of Jehovah, and by a promise that the priesthood should remain in his family forever (Num 25:10-13). This seems to have raised him at once to a very high position in the nation, and he was appointed to accompany as priest the expedition by which the Midianites were destroyed (Num 31:6). Seven years later he also headed the party who were despatched from Shiloh to remonstrate against the altar which the transjordanic tribes were reported to have built near Jordan (Jos 22:13-32). In the partition of the country he received an allotment of his own-a hill on Mount Ephraim which bore his name-Gibeath-Pinechas. Here his father was buried (Jos 24:32).
During the life of Phinehas he appears to have been the chief of the great family of the Korahites or Korhites who guarded the entrances to the sacred tent and the whole of the sacred camp (1Ch 9:20). After Eleazar’s death he became high-priest the third of the series. B.C. cir. 1580-1523. In this capacity he is introduced as giving the oracle to the nation during the struggle with the Benjamites in the matter of Gibeah (Jdg 20:28). Where the ark and tabernacle were stationed at that time is not clear. From Jdg 20:1 we should infer that they were at Mizpeh, while from Jdg 20:18; Jdg 20:26 it seems equally probable that they were at Bethel (which is also the statement of Josephus. Ant. 5:2, 11). Or the Hebrew words in these latter verses may mean, not Bethel the town, but. as they are rendered in the A.V., “house of God,” and refer to the tabernacle at Shiloh. But wherever the ark may have been, there was the aged priest “standing before it,” and the oracle which he delivered was one which must have been fiully in accordance with his own vehement temper, “Shall we go out to battle . . . or shall we cease?” The answer was, “Go up for tomorrow I will deliver them into your hand.”
The memory of this champion of Jehovah was very dear to the Jews. The narrative of the Pentateuch presents him as the type of an ardent and devoted priest. The numerous references to him in the later literature all adopt the same tone. He is commemorated in one of the Psalms (Psa 106:30-31) in the identical phrase which is consecrated forever by its use in reference to the great act of faith of Abraham; a phrase which perhaps more than any other in the Bible binds together the old and new dispensations “that was counted to him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore” (comp. Gen 15:6; Rom 4:3). The “covenant” made with him is put into the same rank for dignity and certainty with that by which the throne was assured to king David (Sir 45:25). The zeal of Mattathias the Maccabee is sufficiently praised by a comparison with that of “Phinees against Zambri, the son of Salom” (1Ma 2:26). The priests who returned from the captivity are enrolled in the official lists as the sons of Phinehas (Ezr 8:2; 1Es 5:5). In the Seder Olam?, (chapter 20) he is identified with “the prophet” of Jdg 6:8.
Josephus (Ant. 4:6, 12), out of the traditions which he frequently introduces, adds to the narrative of the Pentateuch a statement that “so great was his courage and so remarkable his bodily strength that he would never relinquish any undertaking, however difficult and dangerous, without gaining a complete victory.” The later Jews are fond of comparing him to Elijah, if indeed they do not regard them as one and the same individual (see the quotations in Meyer, Chron. Hebr. page 845; Fabricius, Codex Pseudepiq. page 894, note). In the Targum Pseudojonathan of Numbers 25 the slaughter of Zimri and Cozbi is accompanied by twelve miracles, and the covenant made with Phinehas is expanded into a promise that he shall be “the angel of the covenant, shall live forever, and shall proclaim redemption at the end of the world.” His Midianitish origin (already noticed) is brought forward as adding greater luster to his zeal against Midian, and enhancing his glorious destiny. The verse which closes the book of Joshua is ascribed to Phinehas, as the description of the death of Moses at the end of Deuteronomy is to Joshua (Baba Bathra, in Fabricius, page 893). He is also reported to be the author of a work on sacred names (ibid.), which, however, is so rare that Fabricius had never seen it.
The succession of the posterity of Phinehas in the high-priesthood was interrupted when Eli, of the race of Ithamar, was priest; but it was resumed in the person of Zadok, and continued in the same line to the destruction of Jerusalem. SEE HIGH-PRIEST. One of the members of the family Manasseh, soil of Johanan, and brother of Jaddua went over to the Samaritans, and they still boast that they preserve the succession (see their letter to Scaliger, in Eichhorn’s Repertorium, 13:262).
The tomb of Phinehas, a place of great resort to both Jews and Samaritans, is shown at Awertah, four miles south-east of Nablus. It stands in the centre of the village, enclosed within a little area or compound, which is overshadowed by the thickly trellised foliage of an ancient vine. A small mosque joins the wall of the compound. Outside the village, on the next hill, is a larger enclosure, containing the tomb of Eleazar, and a cave ascribed to Elijah, overshadowed by two venerable terebinth-trees, surrounded by arcades, and forming a retired and truly charming spot. The local tradition asserts that Awertah and its neighborhood are the ‘ Hill of Phinehas.”
2. Second son of Eli (1Sa 1:3; 1Sa 2:34; 1Sa 4:4; 1Sa 4:11; 1Sa 4:17; 1Sa 4:19; 1Sa 14:3). He was not of the same line as his illustrious and devoted namesake, but of the family of Ithamar. SEE ELI. Phinehas was killed with his brother by ‘the Philistines when the ark was captured. B.C. 1125. He had two sons, Ahitub, the eldest whose sons Ahijah and Ahimelech were high-priests at Shiloh and Nob in the time of Saul (14:3) and Ichabod. He is introduced, apparently by mistake, in the genealogy of Ezra in 2Es 1:2 a.
3. A Levite, mentioned in Ezr 8:33 as the father of the Eleazar who aided Meremoth to weigh the vessels of the sanctuary. B.C. ante 458. The meaning, however, may be that Eleazar was of the family of the great Phinehas.
Fuente: Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
Phinehas
mouth of brass, or from old Egypt, the negro. (1.) Son of Eleazar, the high priest (Ex. 6:25). While yet a youth he distinguished himself at Shittim by his zeal against the immorality into which the Moabites had tempted the people (Num. 25:1-9), and thus “stayed the plague” that had broken out among the people, and by which twenty-four thousand of them perished. For his faithfulness on that occasion he received the divine approbation (10-13). He afterwards commanded the army that went out against the Midianites (31:6-8). When representatives of the people were sent to expostulate with the two and a half tribes who, just after crossing Jordan, built an altar and departed without giving any explanation, Phinehas was their leader, and addressed them in the words recorded in Josh. 22:16-20. Their explanation follows. This great altar was intended to be all ages only a witness that they still formed a part of Israel. Phinehas was afterwards the chief adviser in the war with the Benjamites. He is commemorated in Ps. 106:30, 31. (See ED
(2.) One of the sons of Eli, the high priest (1 Sam. 1:3; 2:12). He and his brother Hophni were guilty of great crimes, for which destruction came on the house of Eli (31). He died in battle with the Philistines (1 Sam. 4:4, 11); and his wife, on hearing of his death, gave birth to a son, whom she called “Ichabod,” and then she died (19-22).
Fuente: Easton’s Bible Dictionary
Phinehas
An Egyptian name in the time of Rameses II.
1. Eleazar’s son; Aaron’s grandson (Exo 6:25). His mother was of Putiel’s daughters. By his zeal in avenging the Lord’s cause on the Simeonitc prince Zimri, and Cosbi his Midianite paramour, Phinehas turned away Jehovah’s wrath, making an atonement for Israel, and was given Jehovah’s covenant of peace, an everlasting priesthood (Numbers 25; Psa 106:30-31). Phinehas, with the holy instruments and trumpets to blow, accompanied the expedition which avenged Jehovah and Israel on Midian (Num 31:6, etc.). Phinehas, as ambassador with ten princes, was delegated by Israel to remonstrate with the two and a half tribes as to the altar the latter built at Jordan; these satisfied the delegates and Israel as to their intentions. Thus was Phinehas a mediator of Israel’s brotherly unity, as before he had vindicated Israel’s purity (Jos 22:13-34).
Lastly Phinehas stood before the ark inquiring of Jehovah for Israel, “shall I go yet again … against Benjamin my brother?” (Jdg 20:23; Jdg 20:28.) The same zeal for the purity yet brotherhood of Israel characterized him now in old age as in his youth. His zeal, i.e. the faith that prompted it, “was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore” (compare Gen 15:6; Rom 4:3). Phinehas had an allotment in Mount Ephraim; here on a hill bearing his name his father Eleazar was buried (Jos 24:33). The closing verses, concerning Joshua’s death, etc., are ascribed to Phinehas (Baba barbra, in Fabricius, 893.) Eli of Ithamar’s line interrupted the succession of the line of Phinehas; Zadok resumed it under Solomon. The tomb of Phinehas is shown at Awertah, four miles S.E. of Nablus, in the center of the village, within an area overshadowed by an old vine.
2. Second son of Eli, killed with Hophni, in battle with the Philistines (1Sa 1:3); according to the prophecy: 1Sa 2:34; 1Sa 4:4; 1Sa 4:11; 1Sa 4:17; 1Sa 4:19; 1Sa 14:3. (See ELI; HOPHNI.)
3. A Levite (Ezr 8:33).
Fuente: Fausset’s Bible Dictionary
PHINEHAS
Of the biblical characters named Phinehas, the most important was the zealous priest who was Aarons grandson (Exo 6:25). Phinehas father, Eleazar, had succeeded Aaron as high priest (Num 20:25-26), and Phinehas proved himself to be a loyal supporter. When Israelite men brought Gods judgment upon themselves through their immorality with foreign women, Phinehas dealt with the rebels. His swift action saved Israel from destruction (Num 25:1-8; see also 31:1-7). God rewarded Phinehas zeal by promising that his descendants would become the chief priestly family in Israel (Num 25:10-13; cf. Jdg 20:27-28). Though zealous for Gods standards, Phinehas proved to be fair and reasonable when he had to listen to complaints and settle disputes (Jos 22:13-16; Jos 22:30-34).
A later priest named Phinehas had no concern at all for Gods standards. He and his brother, who were sons of the priest Eli, corrupted the priesthood so badly that God removed them in a dramatic judgment. The two were killed the same day (1Sa 1:3; 1Sa 2:12-17; 1Sa 2:34; 1Sa 4:4; 1Sa 4:11).
Fuente: Bridgeway Bible Dictionary
Phinehas
PHINEHAS.1. The son of Eleazar, who was the third son of Aaron. Both his name and that of his mother Putiel are perhaps of Egyptian origin. The only certain occurrence of the name in a pre-exilic writing is in Jos 24:33; a hill (Gibeath Pinhas) in Ephraim was named after him, where his father and (LXX [Note: Septuagint.] ) he himself was buried. In P [Note: Priestly Narrative.] and the Chronicler he rises into great prominence. He succeeded Eleazar as chief priest (Exo 6:25, 1Ch 6:4; 1Ch 6:50, Ezr 7:5, 1Es 8:2, 2Es 1:2), and was the superintendent of the Korahite Levites (1Ch 9:20). The succession of the priesthood in his line was assured to him when he showed his zeal at Shittim in Moab, when Israel joined themselves unto Baal-peor. An Israelite brought into the camp a woman from the Midianites who had beguiled the people into foreign worship. Phinehas slew the man and the woman (Num 25:1-18). This is referred to in Psa 106:30 f., Sir 45:23-25, 1Ma 2:25; 1Ma 2:54. As priest he accompanied the expedition to punish the Midianites (Num 10:8 f.). He was the spokesman of the western tribes concerning the altar which the eastern tribes had erected (Jos 22:13; Jos 22:30-32, See Ed.). The war between Benjamin and the other tribes occurred in his high priesthood (Jdg 20:28). After the Exile a clan of priests, the sons of Phinehas, claimed descent from him (Ezr 8:2 [1Es 5:5; 1Es 8:29, 2Es 1:2 k Phinees]). 2. The younger son of Eli (1Sa 1:3 [2Es 1:2 b Phinees]). See Hophni and Phinehas. 3. Ezr 8:33 father of a priest named Eleazar; = 1Es 8:62 Peterhinees.
A. H. MNeile.
Fuente: Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible
Phinehas
Son of Eleazar the priest. He was the third high priest, from the first order of the priesthood. Aaron, Eleazar and Phinehas. The name seems to have been derived Panah, to shine, See an honorable testimony given by the Lord himself to this man. (Num 25:6-13) There was another Phinehas in Scripture, but of a very different character, namely, Phineas the son of Eli.
Fuente: The Poor Mans Concordance and Dictionary to the Sacred Scriptures
Phinehas
fine-as, -az, fine-has, -haz (, pnehas, mouth of brass):
(1) Son of Eleazar and grandson of Aaron (Exo 6:25; compare 1Ch 6:4; Ezr 7:5, where he is seen to be an ancestor of Ezra). He took a leading part in cleansing Israel from whoredom at Shittim. He there punished the brazen licentiousness of Zimri, prince of Sirecon, by slaying both him and the Midianite woman he had brought into camp (Num 25:6-18). This incident is referred to in Psa 106:30, Psa 106:31 (compare 1 Macc 2:26, 54; Sirach 45:23, 24). As priest he accompanied the expedition sent by Moses against Midjan (Num 31:6). He was chief of the Korahite Levites (1Ch 9:20), and succeeded his father as high priest. While he was in that office the civil war with Benjamin occurred, and it was he who delivered the oracle’s decision to fight Benjamin (Jdg 20:28 ff). His faithful services secured to his house the succession of the priesthood (Num 25:11-13). He was sent as ambassador to inquire into the reported idolatry of Reuben, Gad and part of Manasseh (Jos 22:13 ff, 30-32). According to Septuagint he was buried with his father in Ephraim on the hill Gibeah Phinehas (see Jos 24:33). His character was marked with strong moral indignation and fine integrity.
(2) The younger son of Eli (1Sa 1:3; 2 Esdras 1:2, Phinees). See HOPHNI AND PHINEHAS.
(3) Father of a priest named Eleazar (Ezr 8:33; compare Ezr 8:2; 1 Esdras 8:63, Phinees).
Fuente: International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Phinehas
Phinehas, 1
Phinehas, (mouth of brass), son of Eleazar and grandson of Aaron the high-priest. An incident which illustrates the zealous and somewhat passionate character of Phinehas, occurred before the Israelites entered the Promised Land. The Israelites were encamped in the plains of Moab, and were lamenting the sin into which they had been seduced by the Midianites, when a prince of Judah named Zimri was beheld conducting a woman of Midian named Cozbi to his tent. The licentious effrontery of this act kindled the wrath of Phinehas, who hastened after them into the tent, and transfixed them both with his javelin (Num 25:7, sq.). This bold act pointed out Phinehas to Moses as a proper person to accompany as priest the expedition which was immediately after sent forth, under the command of Joshua, against the Midianites, and by which the cause of the deluded Israelites was abundantly avenged (Num 31:6, sq.). After the conquest of the Promised Land, when the warriors of the two and half tribes beyond the Jordan were permitted to return to their homes, Phinehas was at the head of the deputation sent after them to inquire and remonstrate concerning the altar which, on their way, they had set up on the bank of the Jordan; and it was he doubtless who pronounced the forcible address to the supposed offenders. He was certainly the first to express his satisfaction and joy at the explanation which was given, and which, with a lightened heart, he bore back to the tribes assembled at Shiloh (Jos 22:5, sq.).
It appears that while his father lived Phinehas filled the post of superintendent or chief of the Levites, probably after Eleazar became high-priest (Num 3:32; 1Ch 9:20). At the death of his father he succeeded to the pontificate (Jos 24:33); but the only case in which he appears officially in the Bible is in connection with the unhappy circumstances recorded at the end of the book of Judges, in which he comes forward as high-priest to consult Jehovah. This mention of his name enables us to conclude that the chronological place of these occurrences would be rather towards the beginning than at the latter end of the book in which they are found [JUDGES; PRIEST].
Phinehas, 2
Phinehas, son of Eli the high-priest, and brother of Hophni [ELI; HOPHNI; SAMUEL].
Fuente: Popular Cyclopedia Biblical Literature
Phinehas
[Phin’ehas]
1. Son of Eleazar and grandson of Aaron. He showed his zeal for God in slaying Zimri and Cozbi, for which he was commended by God, who promised His ‘covenant of peace’ to him and his seed, even ‘the covenant of an everlasting priesthood.’ He succeeded Eleazar as high priest. Exo 6:25; Num 25:7-13; Num 31:6; Jos 22:13-32; Jdg 20:28; 1Ch 6:4; 1Ch 6:50; 1Ch 9:20; Ezr 7:5; Ezr 8:2; Psa 106:30.
2. Son of Eli: he degraded the priesthood by his wickedness, and was slain with his brother Hophni by the Philistines when the ark was taken. He was father of Ahitub and Ichabod; his wife, overcome with sorrow, dying when the latter was born. 1Sa 1:3; 1Sa 2:34; 1Sa 4:4-19; 1Sa 14:3.
3. Father of Eleazar who returned from exile. Ezr 8:33.
Fuente: Concise Bible Dictionary
Phinehas
H6372
High priest
Exo 6:25; 1Ch 6:4; 1Ch 6:50
Religious zeal of, in slaying the Israelitish woman who had committed abomination
Num 25:7-15; Psa 106:30
Chief of the Korahite Levites
1Ch 9:19-20
Sent to sound the trumpets in the battle with the Midianites
Num 31:6
Sent, with other princes of the Israelites west of the Jordan, to inquire of the Israelites on the east of the Jordan what the monument they had erected signified
Jos 22:13-32
Inheritance allotted to
Jos 24:33
Mediator in behalf of the people
Jdg 20:28
Fuente: Nave’s Topical Bible
Phinehas
Phinehas (fn’e-has), brazen mouth. 1. A son of Eleazar and grandson of Aaron, Exo 6:25; 1Ch 6:4; 1Ch 6:50, was high priest of the Jews for nearly 20 years. Bus zeal and promptitude in punishing the Bin of Zimri was rewarded by the promise to his family of perpetual succession in the Jewish priesthood. Num 25:6-15. This promise was fulfilled; for except the interval from Eli to Zadok, the priesthood continued in the family of Phinehas until the destruction of the temple and the Babylonian captivity. 2. A son of Eli, and noted for his wickedness. 1Sa 1:3; 1Sa 2:34; 1Sa 4:4; 1Sa 4:11; 1Sa 4:17; 1Sa 4:19; 1Sa 14:3. 3. A Levite in the time of Ezra. Ezr 8:33.
Fuente: People’s Dictionary of the Bible
Phinehas
Phin’ehas. (mouth of brass).
1. Son of Eleazar, and grandson of Aaron. Exo 6:25. He is memorable for having while quite a youth, by his zeal and energy at the critical moment of the licentious idolatry of Shittim, appeased the divine wrath, and put a stop to the plague which was destroying the nation. Num 25:7. (B.C. 1452). For this, he was rewarded by the special approbation of Jehovah, and by a promise that the priesthood should remain in his family forever. Num 25:10-13. He was appointed to accompany as priest the expedition by which the Midianites were destroyed. Num 31:6.
Many years later, he also headed the party which was despatched from Shiloh to remonstrate against the altar which the TransJordanic tribes were reported to have built near Jordan. Jos 22:13-32. In the partition of the country, he received an allotment of his own — a hill on Mount Ephraim which bore his name. After Eleazar’s death, he became high priest — the third of the series. In this capacity, he is introduced as giving the oracle to the nation, during the whole struggle with the Benjamites on the matter of Gibeah. Jdg 20:28. The verse which closes the book of Joshua is ascribed to Phinehas, as the description of the death of Moses, at the end of Deuteronomy, is to Joshua. The tomb of Phinehas, a place of great resort to both Jews and Samaritans, is shown at Awertah, four miles southeast of Nablus.
2. Second son of Eli. 1Sa 1:3; 1Sa 2:34; 1Sa 4:4; 1Sa 4:11; 1Sa 4:17; 1Sa 4:19; 1Sa 14:3 Phinehas was killed with his brother by the Philistines when the Ark was captured. (B.C. 1125). See Eli.
3. A Levite, of Ezra’s time, Ezr 8:33, unless the meaning be that Eleazar was of the family of the great Phinehas.
Fuente: Smith’s Bible Dictionary
PHINEHAS
the high priest, son of Eleazar
Exo 6:25; Num 25:7; Num 31:6; Jos 22:13; Jdg 20:28
— Son of Eli. SEE Hophni, HOPHNI
Fuente: Thompson Chain-Reference Bible
Phinehas
son of Eleazar, and grandson of Aaron, third high priest of the Jews, A.M. 2571 to about A.M. 2590, B.C. 1414. He is particularly commended in Scripture for zeal in vindicating the glory of God, when the Midianites had sent their daughters into the camp of Israel, to tempt the Hebrews to fornication and idolatry, Num 25:7. On this account the Lord promised the priesthood to Phinehas by perpetual covenant; evidently including this tacit condition, that his children should continue faithful and obedient: for we know the priesthood passed out of the family of Eleazar and Phinehas to that of Ithamar, and that it returned not to the posterity of Eleazar until after about a hundred and fifty years.