Phinehas

(Num 25:7–13)

23 Phinehas son of Eleazar ranks third in glory

for being zealous in the fear of the Lord,

and standing firm, when the people turned away,

in the noble courage of his soul;

and he made atonement for Israel.

24 Therefore a covenant of friendship was established with him,

that he should be leader of the sanctuary and of his people,

that he and his descendants should have

the dignity of the priesthood forever.

25 Just as a covenant was established with David

son of Jesse of the tribe of Judah,

that the king’s heritage passes only from son to son,

so the heritage of Aaron is for his descendants alone.