Print version: Sforno Pinchas
Outrageous Immortality (Pinchas)
“All men think all men are mortal but themselves.” —Edward Young
The quest for eternal life is one of humanity’s oldest recorded aspirations, appearing as early as the Epic of Gilgamesh from the 22nd century BCE. In contrast, Judaism typically places little value on the idea of eternal physical life in this world—except in one remarkable case.
Pinchas, the son of Elazar and grandson of Aharon the Kohen, takes a bold and violent stand. He executes a couple engaged in public and prohibited intercourse (Numbers 25:6–8). The act is shocking. Yet the Torah records it without condemnation, and rabbinic literature devotes extensive analysis to the circumstances under which such an act might be permitted. Commentators stress the extreme rarity of such vigilantism being sanctioned and emphasize the stringent spiritual, emotional, and moral requirements for the person who takes such action.
Pinchas is portrayed as a unique figure: someone who, in the face of immense pressure, performs a dangerous and controversial deed at precisely the right moment, with entirely pure intentions. His action is not one of rage or impulse, but of unwavering loyalty to God and clarity of moral purpose. In recognition of this, God grants him a singular reward: the Covenant of Peace.
It seems paradoxical that such a violent act should be rewarded with peace. How can a man who takes life so decisively receive a covenant that speaks of harmony?
Rabbi Ovadia Sforno grapples with this apparent contradiction. He explains that the peace promised to Pinchas is not merely political or personal tranquility, but a metaphysical peace with the Angel of Death himself. According to Sforno, the Angel of Death is no longer able to affect Pinchas. In a profound sense, Pinchas, through his unshakable devotion, conquers death.
Sforno cites traditions that Pinchas lived for centuries. Another tradition goes further, identifying Pinchas with the later biblical figure of Elijah the Prophet—who, notably, never dies and is instead taken to heaven alive.
A striking passage in the Zohar reinforces this idea:
When God brought Elijah up to heaven, the Angel of Death stood against him.
God said, “For this purpose I created heaven: so that Elijah would ascend here.”
The Angel of Death protested, “God, now people will begin to say they too should not die, just as Elijah did not die.”
God replied, “He is not like other people. He has the power to destroy you. You do not understand his strength.”
The Angel of Death said, “Then give me permission to confront him.”
God granted permission.
As soon as Elijah saw the Angel of Death, he forced him beneath his feet and sought to eliminate him from the world. But God did not permit it. Instead, Elijah subdued the Angel and ascended to heaven. (Zohar Chadash, 76a)
As Elijah, Pinchas takes on eternal roles throughout Jewish history. He appears at every brit milah (circumcision ceremony), visits Jewish homes on Passover night, and is said to have made numerous physical appearances across the centuries.
His prophesied return remains one of the great hopes of Jewish tradition. May it happen swiftly in our days, ushering in—as foretold—the Great and Awesome Day of God (Malachi 3:24).
Shabbat Shalom,
Ben-Tzion
Dedication
To the 250 bikers who rode 250 miles, from Tel Aviv to northern Israel, along the border with Lebanon, and back, to show support for Israel. The event was organized by the Rolling Thunder of South Florida motorcycle riders’ club. https://www.jns.org/250-motorcyclists-ride-250-miles-to-show-support-for-israel/
