Rashi explains, he displayed the anger which I should have displayed. The reason Pinchas desereved such a significant reward was that he performed an action which was considered reserved for Hashem. He could have easily chosen to excuse himself by stating that this was Hashem’s realm. This attitude of not looking for excuses should permeate our entire Torah observance. The Talmud states that the wicked Turnusrufus once asked Rabbi Akiva, why Hashem doesn’t support the poor. Rabbi Akiva responded that Hashem wants the merit of this mitzvah to benefit those who have taken the initiative to perform the mitzvah (Bava Basra 10b). We learn from this that although Hashem unquestionably can provide for the poor it is His desire that mankind undertake this project. This may be compared to children who wish to help their parents in some way. Although the parents may not be in need of this favor, they nonetheless allow their children to do this in order to give them the opportunity to express their love for their parents. When children indicate in a significant way a desire to help their parents, it shows their love for them. This expression of sublime love and devotion displayed by Pinchas, effected the great reward which he received.
