Pinchas’ zealous act averted the destruction of Klal Yisroel and restored Hashem’s Honor and Glory. His achievement exemplifies the deep devotion one should have towards Hashem, and the powerful results which even one individual who acts for the sake of Heaven can effect. Zealousness, a very noble and lofty trait, can become ignominious and reprehensible when its motives and goals are not proper and dignified, Hashem Himself attests to Pinchas’ pure intentions and rewards him everlasting and eternal reward for his actions.
Pinchas’ actions, despite the possibility of their being viewed by some as an act of violence and hostility, are considered by Hashem as being actions of peace. Rabbi Yecheskel Sarna Zt”l points out that those who fight for the pure dissemination of Torah study and values are motivated by the loftiest intentions to promote peace and harmony among the Bnei Yisroel. Not so if their intentions are not for the sake of Heaven. When their motives are not pure they will stoop to the lowest levels in order to humiliate and debase those who would seek to disagree with them. Hashem’s testimony lauds Pinchos’ behavior as one who promoted peace, therefore he deserved the reward of the everlasting covenant of peace.
Rabbi Moshe Shternbnuch Shlita explains the reason for this reward being transmitted to his children, is that this trait was inherently in his character and personality. When a person expresses such a zealousness and ardency although he has not been previously summoned and commanded, it indicates that he has fire and enthusiasm ingrained in his soul. He therefore responds immediately when Hashem’s Name is challenged and profaned. His inborn traits and intrinsic personality is transmitted to his children. It was for this reason that Pinchas, who served as the paradigm of pure zealousness, was blessed with “A transmitted mantle of “peace” to his future seed.”
The Pri Tzaddik adds that when Pinchas demonstrated such outstanding zeal for Hashem’s Glory, all who witnessed his action could not possibly oppose him. Indeed, his reaction influenced the tribe of Shimon so, that they had feelings of regret and repentance. Thus, it is stated, “when he demonstrated his zeal for Me within them”. Once Pinchas showed such forcible zeal he was “within them”, their souls were moved and touched by his ardor and zeal. Agreement with an idea or a philosophy greatly depends on how much of that idea the individual himself has witnessed and thus experienced. What Pinchas exhibited became ingrained in the psyche of the onlookers so that they became conscious of their own deficiencies and misguided perceptions. His sincerity acted as a motivational force for their ultimate repentance and return to Hashem.
