The Plague Stopped by Phinehas
Phinehas' zealous act ends a plague that killed 24,000 Israelites at Peor.
Israel joined themselves to Baal-peor and a plague broke out, killing 24,000. Phinehas, grandson of Aaron, rose up and executed an Israelite man and a Midianite woman who flaunted their sin before the congregation. The plague was stayed, and the LORD gave Phinehas a covenant of peace and an everlasting priesthood.
God (through Phinehas)
Shittim, in the plains of Moab
What Happened
- 1Israel committed whoredom with the daughters of Moab
- 2They bowed to Baal-peor and joined his worship
- 3A plague from the LORD broke out in the camp
- 4Phinehas executed Zimri and Cozbi in righteous zeal
- 5The plague was stayed at 24,000 dead
Key KJV Scriptures
"And he went after the man of Israel into the tent, and thrust both of them through, the man of Israel, and the woman through her belly. So the plague was stayed from the children of Israel. And those that died in the plague were twenty and four thousand."
"Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and so the plague was stayed."
Spiritual Significance
Phinehas' zeal for God's holiness stopped the plague and was credited to him for righteousness, foreshadowing the greater Mediator whose righteousness halts the judgment due to His people.
Lesson for Today
God honors holy courage that loves Him more than reputation. Sin tolerated brings death; sin judged opens the door to mercy.
Key People
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Phinehas commended?
He acted with God's own jealous zeal in a moment when leaders were paralyzed. The LORD called his act righteousness (Psalm 106:31).
How many died in the plague?
Twenty-four thousand, according to Numbers 25:9.
Where in the Bible is the miracle of The Plague Stopped by Phinehas?
The miracle of The Plague Stopped by Phinehas is recorded in Numbers 25:8-9 (KJV), with additional references in Psalm 106:30.
Who performed the miracle of The Plague Stopped by Phinehas?
Scripture records that God (through Phinehas) carried out this miracle at Shittim, in the plains of Moab. Ultimately the power belonged to God, who alone does wondrous things (Psalm 72:18).
Related Bible Miracles
The Ten Plagues of Egypt
Ten devastating signs by which God broke Pharaoh's pride and freed His people.
Fire on Mount Carmel
Elijah's prayer brought fire from heaven that consumed the sacrifice and the water around it.
Korah's Rebellion — The Earth Opens
The ground splits open and swallows Korah and his followers for rebelling against Moses.
Angels, Demons & Spiritual Warfare
Continue your study into the unseen battle Scripture describes:
Beelzebub — Prince of Devils
Beelzebub is a name for Satan as 'prince of devils,' which Jesus addressed when the Pharisees accused Him of casting out demons by demonic power.
Read moreMichael the Archangel
Michael is the archangel and warrior prince who stands for God's people and contends with Satan himself.
Read moreFallen Angels
Fallen angels are heavenly beings who rebelled against God under Satan and now oppose His kingdom.
Read moreWhat Are Demons in the Bible?
Demons are fallen, evil spirits under Satan who oppose God and oppress people — but they are subject to Christ.
Read moreQuiz yourself on Bible miracles
Free KJV quizzes on Jesus' miracles and the supernatural acts of God in Scripture.
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
The Plague Stopped by Phinehas
Phinehas' zealous act ends a plague that killed 24,000 Israelites at Peor.
The Ten Plagues of Egypt
Ten devastating signs by which God broke Pharaoh's pride and freed His people.
The Exodus
Exodus 1–15 • Deliverance and Redemption
Moses Parts the Red Sea
Exodus 14:1–31 • deliverance
Gibeah of Phinehas in the Bible
The hill town where Eleazar the priest was buried, in the hill country of Ephrai
Ten Plagues of Egypt Quiz
God's judgments on Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt (Exodus 7-12).