ABSTRACT
YHWH, is retrojected in the period of the desert wanderings-where it assumes a paradigmatic form. Num. 25:1-15 describes the scandalous episode ofthe sins with Bacal Pecor. This theological motif of infidelity and divine anger is highlighted through the figure of Phineas the priest. Witnessing the fornication ofan Israelite and a Moabitess in the course of their worship of Bacal, he drew his lance and stabbed them in flagrante. Phineas was rewarded for this display of indignant zeal (stem: qn)) on YHWH's behalf(cf. v. 11).
