Category: Pinchas
The Last Remaining Faithful
Bamidbar (Numbers) 25:10-30:1 | Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah) 1:1-2:3
This haftarah is another story taken from the lively series of episodes in the life and ministry of the famous prophet Elijah. Geographically, the story begins in the Galilee with Elijah fleeing for his life from Jezebel. Then, the bulk of the haftarah takes place in the Negev around Beersheva and even as far south as Mt. Horeb in the Sinai. Here Elijah more or less bemoans his life situation, thinking he is the only one left who is faithful to the Lord. In this state, an angel who virtually ignores his emotional strain prepares him for the next assignment from the Holy One and ministers to him. Finally, the haftarah concludes with Elijah returning to the Galilee after taking a short jaunt to anoint a king in Damascus. Upon his return to the Galilee, God instructs him to choose his successor, Elisha.
Parashat Pinchas, found in Numbers 25:10-30:1, begins with the story of how God commended Pinchas, the grandson of Aaron, for slaying an Israelite man for engaging in idolatrous fertility rites with a Moabite woman. Pinchas was exonerated for this killing because he was trying to safeguard the holiness of God and the holiness of God's people. In like manner, Elijah the prophet courageously slew the Israelite prophets of Baal. The haftarah recounts how he had to flee from the wrath of Jezebel who wanted to kill him for his zealous act. In some well known (and chronologically confused) midrashim, Elijah is said to actually be Pinchas. This legend may have had an influence on the choice this particular reading.
Back to Mount Sinai
Why did Elijah go to Sinai? Because he believed he was the only one still keeping the covenant originally given there. His retreat to Sinai was his way of saying, "I give up. The covenant is over. No one keeps the Torah You gave here."
Upon his arrival, God asked Elijah a penetrating question, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" (I...
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