Israel’s identity as the Lord’s people was in great danger because they were unfaithful at this time. Their sin threatened their special relationship with God.
Phinehas showed strong zeal (deep commitment and passion) for God’s holiness and justice. He acted in a way that matched God’s own concern for what is right. Because of this, God gave Phinehas and his descendants a special blessing.
God made a covenant of peace (a lasting promise of peace and favor) with Phinehas. The men in his family who were qualified could serve as priests forever (compare Malachi 2:5).
This covenant was unconditional (it did not depend on future actions). It was similar to the covenant God made with David (see Jeremiah 33:19–22).