Why Pinchas Slaying the Wicked Counts as a Sacrifice

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Pinchas 3:3

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

(Numbers 25:13:) "AND IT SHALL BELONG TO HIM AND TO HIS SEED AFTER HIM [etc.] AND HE MADE ATONEMENT FOR THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL." Now did he offer a sacrifice, that atonement is spoken of concerning him? Rather, it is to teach you that anyone who sheds the blood of the wicked is as though he had offered a sacrifice.

Themes

AtonementZealotrySacrifice

Biblical References

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