Declare, therefore,This phrase indicates a direct command from God to Moses, emphasizing the importance and urgency of the message. In the biblical context, declarations from God often signify a significant shift or covenant, as seen in other instances such as God's covenant with Abraham (
Genesis 17:1-2). The use of "declare" underscores the authority and divine origin of the message.
that I am granting him
The "him" refers to Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron, who acted zealously for God by stopping the plague among the Israelites through his decisive action against idolatry and immorality (Numbers 25:7-8). This grant is a divine reward for Phinehas's faithfulness and zeal, reflecting the biblical principle that God honors those who honor Him (1 Samuel 2:30).
My covenant of peace.
The "covenant of peace" is a unique and significant promise. In biblical terms, a covenant is a solemn agreement between God and His people, often involving promises and obligations. This particular covenant signifies a lasting peace and priesthood for Phinehas and his descendants (Numbers 25:13). It prefigures the ultimate peace brought by Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), who establishes a new covenant through His sacrifice (Hebrews 9:15). The concept of peace here is not merely the absence of conflict but a holistic well-being and restoration of relationship with God, echoing the Hebrew word "shalom."
Persons / Places / Events
1.
PhinehasThe grandson of Aaron, the high priest, who zealously defended God's honor by stopping a plague among the Israelites through his decisive action against idolatry and immorality.
2.
IsraelitesThe people of God who were led astray into idolatry and immorality with the Moabite women, provoking God's anger.
3.
MoabThe region where the Israelites were encamped, and where they were enticed into sin by the Moabite women.
4.
Covenant of PeaceA divine promise granted to Phinehas as a reward for his zeal, symbolizing God's favor and the cessation of His wrath.
5.
PlagueA divine punishment that broke out among the Israelites due to their sin, which was halted by Phinehas' actions.
Teaching Points
Zeal for God's HonorPhinehas' actions demonstrate the importance of having a zeal for God's holiness and honor. Believers are called to stand firm against sin and uphold God's standards.
The Reward of RighteousnessGod rewards those who act righteously and uphold His covenant. Phinehas' covenant of peace is a testament to the blessings that come from faithful obedience.
The Seriousness of SinThe incident underscores the seriousness of sin and its consequences. It serves as a reminder of the need for repentance and the pursuit of holiness.
God's Covenant of PeaceThe covenant of peace granted to Phinehas is a foreshadowing of the peace believers receive through Christ. It highlights the reconciliation and peace available through faithfulness to God.
Intercession and MediationPhinehas' act can be seen as a form of intercession, stopping the plague. Believers are called to intercede for others and stand in the gap through prayer and righteous actions.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Numbers 25:12?
2.How does Numbers 25:12 illustrate God's covenant of peace with Phinehas?
3.What actions led to God granting a "covenant of peace" in Numbers 25:12?
4.How can we apply the zeal of Phinehas in our daily lives?
5.What other biblical figures received covenants from God, and what were their circumstances?
6.How does God's covenant of peace in Numbers 25:12 relate to Jesus' teachings?
7.What is the significance of God's "covenant of peace" in Numbers 25:12?
8.How does Numbers 25:12 reflect God's response to sin and repentance?
9.Why was Phinehas rewarded with a covenant of peace in Numbers 25:12?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 25?
11.Why did God command killing Midianites, including children?
12.Is Jonathan’s lineage in Judges 18:30 (identified as Moses’ descendant in some translations) consistent with known genealogies, or does it present contradictions?
13.What are the different covenants in the Bible?
14.Why does God allow genocides to happen, including those commanded in the Bible (Numbers 31:17-18)?What Does Numbers 25:12 Mean
Declare• God instructs Moses to announce His decision aloud, underscoring that this promise originates from the LORD Himself (Numbers 25:10-12).
• Public declaration protects the community from doubt and confirms divine approval of Phinehas’ zeal (cf.Deuteronomy 5:5;Psalm 147:19).
• By speaking, Moses acts as mediator, but the authority rests entirely with God—“The LORD said to Moses…” (Numbers 25:10).
therefore• The word looks back to Phinehas’ decisive action: “he was zealous for My sake…and so I did not consume the Israelites in My zeal” (Numbers 25:11).
• God’s wrath was real; judgment had begun (25:8-9). Because atonement was made, blessing replaces punishment (cf.Psalm 106:30-31).
• Obedience brings reward—an enduring principle seen inGenesis 22:16-18 and1 Samuel 2:30.
that I am granting him• The initiative is God’s alone: “I am granting” stresses unearned favor.
• The gift is personal—bestowed specifically on Phinehas and his descendants (Numbers 25:13).
• Similar personal covenants: “I will establish My covenant between Me and you” to Abraham (Genesis 17:7); “I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest” (1 Samuel 2:35).
• Grace does not cancel responsibility; Phinehas must continue priestly faithfulness (Malachi 2:4-6).
My covenant of peace• Not a vague feeling but a binding pledge from God.
• Peace (shalom) includes wholeness, safety, and ongoing priestly access to God (Leviticus 26:6;Isaiah 54:10).
• The covenant is “an everlasting priesthood” (Numbers 25:13), guaranteeing a lineage that will stand before the LORD.
• Foreshadows the ultimate peace secured by Christ, “our peace” who reconciles God and man (Ephesians 2:14;John 14:27).
• Echoed in later promises: “I will make a covenant of peace with them” (Ezekiel 34:25; 37:26).
summaryNumbers 25:12 reveals God’s immediate and gracious response to righteous zeal. By openly declaring His reward, He ties blessing to faithfulness, turns wrath into favor, and establishes an enduring priestly covenant that embodies divine peace—anticipating the complete reconciliation fulfilled in Christ.
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My covenant of peace.--Phinehas, as one who was zealous for the honour of God and of the house of the Lord, was a fitting type of Christ, in whom the prediction of the Psalmist received its accomplishment, "The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up" (
Psalm 69:9;
John 2:17). The covenant of grace is described in
Isaiah 54:10 and in
Malachi 2:5 as the covenant of peace.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Declare,אֱמֹ֑ר(’ĕ·mōr)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, saytherefore,לָכֵ֖ן(lā·ḵên)Adverb
Strong's 3651:So -- thusthatהִנְנִ֨י(hin·nî)Interjection | first person common singular
Strong's 2005:Lo! behold!I grantנֹתֵ֥ן(nō·ṯên)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, sethimל֛וֹ(lōw)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's HebrewMy covenantבְּרִיתִ֖י(bə·rî·ṯî)Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1285:A covenantof peace.שָׁלֽוֹם׃(šā·lō·wm)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7965:Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace
Links
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OT Law: Numbers 25:12 Therefore say Behold I give to him (Nu Num.) 
