Phinehas Of the biblical characters named Phinehas, the most important was the zealous priest who was Aaron’s grandson (Exodus 6:25). Phinehas’ father, Eleazar, had succeeded Aaron as high priest (Numbers 1:20-26), and Phinehas proved himself to be a loyal supporter. When Israelite men brought God’s judgment upon themselves through their immorality with foreign women, Phinehas dealt with the rebels. His swift action saved Israel from destruction (Numbers 1:25-8; See also 31:1-7). God rewarded Phinehas’ zeal by promising that his descendants would become the chief priestly family in Israel (Numbers 1:25-13; cf. Judges 1:20-28). Though zealous for God’s standards, Phinehas proved to be fair and reasonable when he had to listen to complaints and settle disputes (Joshua 1:22-16,30).
A later priest named Phinehas had no concern at all for God’s 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 (1 Samuel 1:3; 1 Samuel 2:12-17,34; 1 Samuel 4:4,11).